2010 Holiday Festivities

We had an extra special Christmas this year. My parents (Jim and Linda), Grandma Martha, brother John, his girlfriend Kylin and her two boys (16 and 11), sister Erin and her partner Kriste, and sister Erika all joined us. There were 15 in all at the Van Luven home this year...plus Erin's dog Ginsberg and our dog Rocky. Surprisingly, everything went smoothly! It was so nice to have our entire family under one roof for Christmas. It was the best Christmas ever!!!

We skied/boarded, hung out, played ping pong and board games, watched TV, walked around town, and even went dancing at a local club. What a hoot that was!

My brother and his girlfriend and two boys stayed through New Year's. The grown-ups went to the Turnland's home for NYE. The theme was "James Bond - Shaken Not Stirred". Lots of fun!

Hope you enjoy all the pics below. :)















Kriste is on the left, Erika in pink pants, me in blue and my dad on the right.
































On the left are Trey (Kylin's youngest), Turner, Emily and Bryce (Kylin's oldest).















Trey and Turner.













































The black dog is Erin's dog "Guinsberg."
















Kylin and John.















Chase and Bryce (Kylin's son).















Tim, Kriste, Kylin and John.















My dad and grandma.















My youngest sister, Erika.















Emily















Turner




















My sister, Erin.















Kylin and Trey.















Chase and Bryce.















Chase and I.














Erin and Erika.















Trey















Rocky getting his Christmas bone.















Emily















My sister, Erin.















Tim and I.















Grandma Martha, Erika and Erin. In the mirror are my mom and Kriste.















Martha and Emily.















Emily and my mom.















Chase, Martha and Emily.


Tim and I.


Emily and I.


Half the family at Christmas dinner. The other half is at the other end of the table.



John and Kylin.


Below are photos taken at "No Name Saloon" in down town Park City. It is a very nostalgic place we always take guests to. We had a fantastic time, followed by dancing at "The Downstairs".


























The above shot was taken after dancing at The Downstairs. We all dog piled in the snow on Main Street.















The above shot was taken on Main Street in downtown Park City. Pictured are my dad, mom, me, Kylin and John.





These last photos were taken at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake. It was stunning! I wish I could have appropriately captured the beauty of it.

Turner Update

Last, but certainly not least, is the latest update on Turner, who had a very difficult transition to Utah.

I'm happy to report that Turner is doing AMAZING!!! It took a few months of tears, anger and anxiety; but he is now well-integrated into PC life and would not even want to move back. He does miss his AZ buddies; but has made many wonderful friends here, as well.

I'm also ecstatic to report that he is enjoying school for the first time in his life! He's in middle school this year and really enjoys going from class to class. In PC, the kids have “8” classes – 4 one day and 4 the next (alternating days). Both kids really like the alternating schedule. Turner also has a longer lunch than what he’s used to, which gives him more time to eat and hang out with his friends. Another big “win” for Turner is that all 6th grade students are presented with an Apple laptop computer that will remain with them for the next three years. He’s pretty stoked about that. We had to reign him in on usage, as he was obsessed with it...and not for school purposes, if you know what I mean. '-)

Turner has been playing soccer on a club team and has had a couple of tournaments. Regular season started in Sept; but he’s on the practice team and didn't participate in regular season games. There was only one open spot that another club kid got; so hopefully he’ll make it next year. He gets to practice with them, though, and participate in some tournaments. It’s actually kind of nice for us, as we have less to do. ‘-) He may opt for football next year, though...we'll see.

Now, we're all gearing up for ski season! The weather has been absolutely amazing here; but snow is eminent. November will likely be spotty and we'll have little to do outdoors. But, come December, we'll be on the slopes again...yippee!!! :)

P.S. Turner finally got his hair cut!

See pictures below...
1. Soccer team
2. Turner and best bud David (lives w/in walking distance
3. Turner and Eugene (neighbor who is a grade ahead)
4. Zack (neighbor and 1st friend), Liam and Turner
Note that Zack and Liam have older sisters who are Emily's age. We all live in Jeremy Ranch and are becoming great friends! :)