Dear Nana,

It finally came out! Don't I look so cool with a hole in my mouth? I can even squirt water out of it into my cereal bowl (mom doesn't like that so much). I wish we could be together writing in your notepad, and looking at the moon. I love you!

Love,
Abs

Dear Landon,

Just a friendly reminder to TAKE OFF the dirty underwear before putting on the clean ones.


Love,
Mom

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy New Year! I feel like I can still say that because it's January (and because we still have our Christmas lights up). We are so grateful for this new year that brings us closer to being done with residency! 2009 was a great year and we're hoping 2010 is just as much fun. Here are some of the highlights from this past year for the Hale family:

Mike: Work, work and more work. He was able to get time off to go to Lake Powell this Summer, Utah in the Fall and for Christmas. We're always glad for any time that we get to see him.

Erin: I am still the ward Primary president. I have been learning how to sew very simple things for Abbie and have started watching a little boy 3 days a week for a little extra cash. (we can always use that!)

Abbie: Started 1st grade in September. Abbie loves being in school all day and is VERY bored on the weekends when she has to be home with us. She has been reading for a few y ears, but has really gotten good this past year. She also has developed a love for math. We are constantly playing math games at our house. (truth be told, it's good for me too!) Abbie has not lost any teeth yet, but we have one hanging on by a thread. It should be any day now!

Landon: Funniest boy around. Landon constantly keeps us laughing. He and I have been doing some preschool stuff at home and he is learning a lot. He is a typical boy and loves Trans Formers, Spiderman, and dinosaurs. We also discovered this past Summer that he loves to swim and is not afraid of the water. Lake Powell was a dream come true for him!

Noah: Busy! Noah turned 1 in November and is still not walking!! He climbs on anything and everything. (Supposedly that's how his dad was also). Noah is very chill and even tempered. He is happy most of the time and LOVES playing with Abbie and Landon.

We love all of you and wish that we could all spend more time together. Minnesota is treating us well (except for the 9 months of winter) but we are getting excited to move back and be closer to family and friends. We hope everyone has a great 2010!

Love,
Mike, Erin and kids