Merry Christmas from the Tanners 2022 

We have spent our ninth full year in the Dallas metroplex, and we are continually grateful for the many blessings we have received. We would like to share some of the special moments from our lives this past year with you.

Tanner Family in Gilmer, Texas 2022

In late January and early February, like many other people across the country, we caught COVID and were homebound for some time. However, a snowstorm in early February helped break the monotony of being in our house for so long. Living in North Texas, we don't get too many snowstorms around here, so the kids were extra excited. 

In early March, our family got to visit with cousins, aunts and uncles in California. Lots of memories were created at the beach, eating yummy Mexican food and adventures at SeaWorld and Disneyland.  

Beautiful sunset in Carlsbad, California

After a successful year of reading more books in 2021, we decided to continue our goal of reading good books. To date, Stephen has read 39 books and Erica has read 22 books. In fact, to help her reach her goal, Erica helped start a book club with some of her friends this year. Reading more often has allowed for great discussions and has given us an opportunity to open our minds to good literature and new ideas. Our top shared books from 2022: Project Hail Mary and Carrie Soto is Back.

In June, we sold our reliable CR-V "Bluebell", and became a Pacifica minivan family. We let the kids vote on the name of the car, and they came up with "Snownado". The reason we got a bigger vehicle was because our family would soon grow from 4 to 5. 

The kids wanted to say goodbye to "Bluebell" one more time.

"Snownado"

The greatest moment of 2022 came on July 1, when Levi Michael Tanner was born. Erica tried her hardest to have a the baby in June, but Levi wasn't having it. Erica had a smooth birth and was back home in less than 36 hours. Levi has been everything you could want in a baby. He is happy, patient, slow to crying, and loves his siblings. Life will never be the same with Levi, and we couldn't be more happy.

This school year, James was placed in GATE (Gifted and Talented) Academy, moving from one school to another. He loves his classes, and continues to educate us everyday on something new. Along with school, James loves to read books and play soccer.

Lily is in preschool. She is passionate girl who loves arts and crafts. She is a perfectionist when it comes to her work, where she will sulk if she makes a small mistake in her artwork (we are working on that). Lily loves her role as little and big sister now, and is a great sibling and friend to her brothers.

Jack Carter Pool, Plano, Texas, July 2022

In October, our family took our first trip together beyond the Dallas/Fort Worth region, and spent the Fall Break in Broken Bow, Oklahoma with friends. It was a nature lovers dream, with kid-friendly hikes, beautiful fall weather and fun activities. 

On the Friend Trail at Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma, October 2022

Whether you are an acquaintance, coworker, friend, or family, we want to thank you for your friendship and love. As we close out 2022, we have found solace in this talk on finding joy, specifically the following quote.

"No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it." ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

We love you and wish you a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!