Whipple Christmas Update 2013

Oh, hey there! Welcome to our neglected little blog. Corky and I were both shocked when we realized the last time we added to it was last Christmas. I have been a realist when it comes to blogging by not pressuring myself to keeping up with it. My priorities have shifted for the time being, but if I had to blame something for killing my blogging enthusiasm, I blame Instagram!

So, onto our family update that will probably sound like I take life way too seriously...

2013 has been another great year for our family. Nothing monumental to really talk about but our lives continue being crazy busy and we don’t see it slowing down….like, ever!

Gracey (9 years old) has had a great year participating in soccer, swim team, softball, and her most recent discovery, basketball. This year she chose to try out gymnastics rather than continuing dance classes and that has been a really great fit for her. She is very strong and athletic and we enjoy watching her develop her athletic abilities. She also participated in the summer theater program here in Independence. She really enjoys that outlet as well. It’s a good thing most of her sport and theater seasons are scattered throughout the year because I am not sure she would be able to decide which one she likes most just yet. She loves being busy! 

Emily (7 years old) also participated in the usual sport seasons doing soccer, swim team and softball. She likes working hard and being part of those teams, but it is in her dance classes and performances that she really shines! She loves anything to do with music and movement and we see her bustin’ a move anywhere she can. This Christmas she is doing a ballet performance to the Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairies song and she is very excited!  On top of being a natural performer, Emily is proving to be quite the comedian. Her one-liners and impeccable timing have us all laughing often.

Janie (almost 2) is the boss of the family! Her older sisters continue to dote on her as they always have and she takes full advantage. She looks for them every morning and is thrilled if she is able to see them before they head off to school. Some of Janie’s favorite things are boops (books), o-dirt (yogurt), and Emmo (Elmo)! She is getting so big and certainly testing her boundaries as far as behavior. Most of the time we must turn our heads to laugh when she throws one of her many tantrums, but they are just too darn funny.

Corky and I have had a couple of opportunities this year to take some great trips. This summer we took our yearly trip out west and saw a lot of family in Arizona and Utah. Our girls loved seeing so many cousins and we love catching up with our families. In September Corky and I took a weekend trip to Boston. We got to see some good friends, eat great food, and attend a Red Sox vs. Yankees game! In October, we took all three of our girls back to New York to attend Corky’s 10 year class reunion at West Point. We had a great time! We saw all the landmarks in New York City, visited where I used to live in Connecticut, and became nostalgic as we roamed around the West Point campus. We had been planning this trip for almost 5 years and I must say, everything went as smooth as we could have asked for. 

Thanks for stopping by and reading of our highlights of 2013. This year was certainly filled with craziness, laughter, heartbreak, and excitement! Of all the things we have been blessed with this year, the most important continues to be the love of our Heavenly Father. We know that we have been lifted up during the hard times and strengthened. Many times, the blessings that have been given to us have come from our dear friends and family. Thank you for being part of our joy and happiness. We wish all of our family much love at this Christmas time. 



Love- 
The Whipples

Corky, Morgan, Gracey, Emily, and Janie.