Highlights of 2008

2008 has been full of blessings and fun new adventures for our little Sowards family.

Abe was called as a ward missionary in January, than later as the gospel principles teacher. He is doing a great job, and I love to see him teach.

Abe has had a lot of fun with his car hobby. After a lot of work on his Lexus, he seems very happy with it. He goes to a racing track on the weekends when he has the time. It’s a good way to legally see how fast his car can go and practice his driving skills. It is something he has always loved. It’s fun to see him enjoy it so much. Him and Jesse have a lot of fun working on their cars together and hanging out because they have very similar car.
Abe helped out a lot with Greg's campaign as well. He went all over southern New Mexico putting up huge signs, meeting people, and doing a few republican meetings. It was a lot of work. Wyatt and I missed him a lot, but it was a good experience for him.
We didn't make it to the lake very much this year although Abe did get to do a little wake boarding, skyskiing, and jet skiing this summer. He also played a little softball and baseball. I am happy to say there were no injuries.
Abe's big project this year was to help turn an old building into a wonderful daycare. We bought Kids Kountry Academy in August and opened the doors in mid-November. So far it has been an exciting adventure.
Abe turned the big three O in November. He is a young 30 year old who has been a wonderful husband and father. We love him with all of our hearts and are so grateful for him. He makes everything fun and exciting and knows just how to make us laugh.

I, Cody, have had a great year. I took a cake decorating class last year and made it somewhat of a hobby this year. It has motivated me to do more baking and cooking. I am having lots of fun trying new recipes and sharing goodies with family and friends.

In January I was called as a Laurel adviser. I love it and fear the day they make me leave. It has been a blessing to be able to bare my testimony weekly. Plus I learn so much from my very bright girls.

In May I had the privilege of celebrating my 29^th birthday and my very first Mother’s Day. Abe and Wyatt made both celebrations very special.
I was able to do a lot of fun things this summer. At the lake I finally got a chance to try the skyski, and I actually got up! Plus my family got together a few times this summer to do the things I rarely get to do. We went fishing, quilted, played games, rode horses, and much more. It is always a treat to be with my family.

My greatest joy this year has been to watch my little family grow. Wyatt is amazing; we love to watch him try new things and get braver with each day. In July we found out I am pregnant with our second child who is due in mid-March. Later we were all very excited to learned that Wyatt would have a baby brother!

Wyatt has had a year full of milestones and firsts. He started eating solids, got his first tooth, crawled for the first time, walked for the first time, ran for the first time, jumped for the first time, danced for the first time, said his first word, tried to sing for the first time, learned his first word in sign language, and so many more accomplishments. It’s hard to believe he was just a 7 month old baby last January, and now he is a very active little toddler. He has grown up so fast right before our eyes!

He loves to talk to anybody who will listen and smiles at everybody. He thinks our dog Brutus is his best friend; they play fetch together. His favorite things to do are playing with daddy, going out side to play with Brutus, and helping mommy. He is a great little helper. He helps load the dish washer, cook, dust, do the laundry, and sweep the floors. I can see how proud he is of himself when he is helping.

He has a strong spirit and personality. We love him so much and feel so grateful to have him in our family.