Christmas 2012

This is the second time I've done my Christmas letter on my blog.  I really like how it works, and I hope you do too!  After all, I saved all that paper I would have printed the letter on, and didn't have to fold and stuff it into envelopes.

You may have noticed that the Casper family has moved to yet another state - Kansas!  We actually made the move last December, but by the time I got here on Christmas Eve, last year's Christmas cards were a definite no go.  So, we've spent a whole year in Kansas now and we have to say, we are enjoying it!  The funny thing is, everyone says (even the Kansans) "So sorry you had to move to Kansas."  While western Kansas is desolate, where we are in central Kansas is very pretty.  There are lots of trees so even though it's flat you can't see the next state's border.  And the further east you go, there are some legitimate hills.  Most importantly, the people here are very kind and welcoming which has helped make the transition even more smooth.

Anna continues with her gymnastics in our new town.  Not only is there a club gym that she practices at year round, the high school also has a gymnastics team that she had the privilege of competing on this fall.  She did well for a freshman and was very excited to receive her letter in gymnastics already.  Other than gymnastics, she's settled into high school, met some great friends and is studying for her driving permit.  Here they can get their permit at 14!  Needless to say, her dad and I aren't ready for that.

Seth is in 6th grade this year and is quite the middle schooler.  He still loves video games more than anything, but has also tried out a couple new sports.  This summer he did a golf clinic and found that he kind of liked it.  I was thrilled with that!  We didn't get much chance to golf this summer, but hope to do more next summer.  The last few months he's been taking Tae Kwon Do lessons and earned his yellow belt already.  Next fall, in 7th grade he's determined to try football since it will be offered at his school.  After breaking his arm playing football in Tennessee at age 5, I'm not really keen on the idea, but we will see.



Steve is busy at his new recruiting station in Hutchinson, KS.  He is the station commander there and spends long hours working.  This year we are so proud that he was promoted to E7!  In his free time, he is rebuilding a 1980 CJ5 Jeep.  I got a job teaching kindergarten in August and have been very busy with a classroom of 5 year olds.  It's been a big change moving from high school to Kindergarten, but I am enjoying it.  Steve and I had the opportunity to go to the Nascar race in Las Vegas with friends last spring and have also been to three concerts - Nickelback, Buckcherry and Aerosmith.  Needless to say, we are enjoying being close to a big city again.  The picture of us here is celebrating my 40th birthday.

Our Christmas card features a picture of the family when we went to Branson, Missouri for a week during the summer.  We had a great time playing, taking a boat out on the lake and relaxing.  I hate to say it, but I've been out of Oregon too long.  Just driving the curves from our condo to Branson made me car sick!  Ah, the hazards of becoming a flat lander!



We hope that you and your family had a memorable 2012 and we wish you a blessed and safe 2013!