Merry Christmas from the Tanners 2024 

We have now lived in the Dallas metroplex for 11 years! We are grateful for you and your friendship you have shown our family. We would like to share some of the special moments from our lives this past year with you.

In January, after months of training, Erica raced with her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law and niece at the Disney 10K in Anaheim. She enjoyed the fun atmosphere and beat her goal. 

Throughout the year, Stephen continued his work in government relations for the City of Plano, meeting with elected officials and supporting the city's legislative agenda. 

This year, Stephen took up softball with men from his church. Stephen enjoyed the camaraderie and fun of playing organized sports again. 

In April, Erica went back into the workforce, working part-time as a Registered Dietitian at a local hospital. She works a couple of days a week helping sick patients meet nutritional needs.

On April 8, 2024, Dallas was in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. While weather reports called for overcast clouds, our part of North Texas got lucky at just the right time, where we got to see the total eclipse. It was a pretty cool experience.

 

Also in April, James decided to be baptized. Family and friends from near and far came to support his decision to follow Christ's example. 

In late spring, Stephen went to Moab, Utah with his parents and siblings to celebrate his father's 70th birthday. It was a great time catching up and commemorating the milestone birthday.

Each year, Erica and Stephen try to read more books, as a way to limit our time doom scrolling social media and the news. Stephen read 24 books this year and Erica read 50 books. Stephen's favorite book this year was James and Erica's favorite book was Their Eyes Were Watching God. We would love to know what your favorite books are! 

Every summer, we try to have a "Tex-it", where we escape the Texas heat for cooler weather. This year, we decided to head to the beaches of California. The kids had a great time swimming, boogie boarding, visiting Legoland, and lots and lots of ice cream. 

Erica enjoyed a girls trip with her friends to Yellowstone National Park in August. She enjoyed making new memories and jamming out to show tunes with her Texas gals. 

Our little Levi enjoys his time as a toddler. He is exploring, learning how to talk, and apparently reading!

 

Lily thrived as a cheerleader this fall, and LOVED the time she had to cheer for her team, the Angry Birds. She also won her election as Vice President of her first grade GATE Academy, where every student, teacher and staff member in the school voted. Her big decision in the term - choosing the theme for one of the theme days in 2025.

James loves being the big brother of the family, leading both Lily and Levi on adventures and imaginary games. James is also a book worm. Whether it's morning breakfast, a car ride, or while playing at the park, James always has a book in tow. Recently, James took up Ninja Warrior classes, working on his trampolining, parkour, and acrobatic skills. 

Hope, peace and joy can be found in the "good tidings" brought to this world through the birth of Christ. This time of year is a great opportunity to refocus our hearts and minds again on his message. 

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