Merry Christmas 2014!!

Merry Christmas from the Shirley family!  As we look back on 2014, it is amazing to note all that happened in our family.

We had two fun trips.  One to the mountains for skiing

The boys were a little loopy after a day on the slopes!

and one to Disney World.

The Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Dave was an extra in the Indiana Jones stunt show!  (He is in the turban)

Amy was a little scared on the Tower of Terror!

We all had fun on the Rockin Roller Coaster!

Nathan also had a first by taking a solo trip to California to visit family.

We also were involved in two seasons and two teams of travel baseball for Nathan.  

And in between these trips and baseball seasons, we had too many house projects!!  Dave started renovating our upstairs room and Amy tackled painting Nathan's room.  But before either project could be completed, a water line burst under our kitchen floor resulting in total demolition and rebuilding of our kitchen!  The result is a beautiful new kitchen, however, the process was long.  We ate out so much this past summer that we should probably write a guide for West Ashley restaurants!

By the end of August, we were finished with all projects.  Just in time for fall travel ball!  And our trip to Disney in November!  And now we have moved quickly to Christmas and the end of 2014.

Dave continues to work hard providing for our family by working at Plantation Pharmacy.  When he has time off, and he is not working on home improvement projects, he enjoys hunting and fishing, but mainly hunting.  

His big home improvement was the upstairs room.  He got rid of the golf wallpaper; laid down a new floor; and put up a new ceiling.  It looks great!

Amy continues working as a Speech Language Pathologist.  This year she was able to go to her association's national convention in Orlando.  This led to our Disney trip.  She finished her first marathon along with two half marathons in 2014.  Although she planned on her marathon being her first and last, she is now training for her 2nd and last marathon in LA in March.

Nathan has started high school this year.  He is attending the Academic Magnet High School and has been very challenged with lots of school work.

He also started playing for the Charleston Braves travel ball team.  And for his high school's JV baseball team.  Baseball is a way of life at our house!  In between baseball, he was also able to go to youth camp and the youth mission trip to Alabama.

8th grade graduation

Camden, however, has started a different sport.

He ran crosscountry in the Fall and plans on running track in the spring.  He is a fast little runner! He is doing well in 2nd grade and is enjoying learning.

He also continues to participate in AWANA at church and in the children's choir at church and school. He had a part in his school play as the Big Bell and did a great job!

All in all we have had a very busy year!  As it comes to an end, we have been able to sit back and take a breath.  So thankful for all the activities our boys are able to participate in, but happy to take time out and relax.

This Advent season we have been reading devotions from The Greatest Gift. We have been learning about the people God used in the line of Jesus to bring about the birth of our Lord. As you pause to take time with family and friends this special time of year, remember that God became flesh and tabernacled among us in order that we might have a relationship with Him. May the light of His truth shine in your life during 2015!

Dave, Amy, Nathan, and Camden Shirley