Welcome 2016

Midnight on New Years Eve

Dear Joshua and Luke,

2015 ended with fun and 2016 has started with just about as much fun....if not more! Dad and Joshua spent some Dad and Son time in Branson for a few days, just the two of them.  More on that at another time.  Luke and I had fun home going to the movies, staying in our pajamas and watching movies, and a sleepover with a best friend from class!

As Luke and I waited for Eric and Joshua to come home from Branson on New Years Eve, Luke went bowling with his friend, Tanner, and his family.  Once Eric and Joshua got back into the St. Louis area, we met them at Incredible pizza for pizza, games, go-carts, all kinds of fun.  Once we got worn out there, we went home and watched movies together. You were both determined to stay up until midnight to welcome 2016.  Luke made it, but Joshua was sound asleep by 10:45.  We DVR'd the ball dropping in New York City, and let him watch it the next day.  We tried to wake Joshua up at midnight, but he was very tired.

Bingo at Cruisin' Cousins 2016

We started the year with Cruisin' Cousins where all of the Litteken cousins get together and celebrate family. It is always a great time to catch up with everyone.  The boys played Bingo with their cousins.  (Thank you to cousin Marge for making the Bingo games and bringing fun prizes!)  Your Dad has a big family!  Grandpa Mort had 12 brothers and sisters.  That equals about 50 first cousins, their spouses, and so many more. There are lots of second and third cousins, too!  When you are a little older, you will get use to people always asking if you are related to one Litteken or another.  Chances are if they are from Clinton County, you are related somehow!

Second quarter ended at school, and I am so proud of you both.  Straight A's again for both of you.  You  two work very hard to learn as much as you can in school.  Joshua got to celebrate by taking a limo ride to McDonald's again this quarter.  What a nice treat just for doing the right thing.

Joshua's den singing the Pinewood Derby song

Joshua is so busy with school activities this year.  He started Read, Right, and Run earlier this month.  He has already been a member of the Environmental Club which meets twice per month after school.  Joshua meets with the Chess Club during one of his lunch times during the week.  And he is practicing to be Rafiki in The Lion King musical which they are performing in April!  This is all in addition to Cub Scouts, 4H, piano, and band.  Luke stays busy with Cub Scouts, 4H, and piano.  Both boys are looking                                                                                                                      forward to baseball season starting soon.

Joshua's Blue Race Car is in the second lane!

One highlight of the month was the annual Pinewood Derby.  Both of you worked hard on getting your cars ready.  Your cars were very fast!  Each of you spent time looking on the Internet for secrets and tips to make the fastest Pinewood Derby car.  Your cars were both fast and they looked awesome!  Luke was second place in his den and he won "Scout;s Choice."  That award is given to the owner of the car that most of the Scouts voted for!  What an honor!  Joshua's car was fast, too.  He placed 18th in the whole den!

Luke's Speed Racer is in the second lane!

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Isn't she cute?  

Love,
Mama