Merry Christmas from the Martins!!!
As we come to the end of 2011, it is with joy that we look back at the many wonderful things we have experienced this year.
Bert ran more races (marathons, relays, 10ks, and 5ks) this year, lifted lots of heavy weights, and even climbed Mt. St. Helens. The biggest challenge Bert undertook, however, was changing jobs after nearly 7 years. Bert is thrilled to be working in the IT department at Peace Health S.W. Washington Medical Center. Perhaps the best perk to his new job is a 10 minute commute — 11 minutes if he hits every red light between the hospital and home.
Kristina had another good year working at the church. She continues to blog (Ten Minute Missive) and do some stand-up but what is keeping her most busy these days is editing her young adult novel. Of course, that is only when she isn’t managing the lives of three kids who somehow managed to become even busier this year!
Isaac is now a middle schooler and is enjoying the challenges of being in the honors program. It is a good thing he loves math because he is taking 8th grade math while doing the 6th grade curriculum on his own in preparation for the sixth grade tests next spring. He is thrilled that he finally talked his parents into letting him quit piano lessons which gives him more time to read, draw, build with Legos, and play video games.
Amelia is loving the second grade and continues to do quite well in all subjects but is finding science really interesting this year. She decided to stop dancing (at least in a class) and has focused on piano and cutting out lots and lots of wee pieces of paper to use for craft projects. She spent all summer swimming in the pool and cannot wait for the weather to get warm again.
Elias became a kindergartner, much to his mother’s dismay. He is already a very proficient reader and will be starting first grade reading curriculum in a few weeks. His teacher and classmates think he is a great friend and student but everyone is most amazed over his ability to undulate his eyebrows and lick his elbow.
We were blessed to travel together as a family to Strasbourg and Paris, France and London, England last March when Bert was sent there by Columbia Sportswear for work. Isaac loved the museums, Amelia fell in love with the Dodo bird, and Elias found out that putting Legos up your nose is a very bad idea. Bert and Kristina celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary with a trip back to Negril, Jamaica and hope to go back again as soon as their Jamaica Jar allows.
All in all, it has been a year of major new things but mostly time together and with the friends and family we cherish so much.
May your holiday season and the new year be filled with all the things you wish for as well as some happy surprises to keep you smiling all year long!
The Martins
Martin Christmas Card 
We loved it!!! Merry Christmas to you all!
Absolutely LOVED this video Christmas card. Your children were so fun to watch, but Mom and Dad were apparent no-shows—and don’t give me the stuff about being behind the camera. I wrote the book on that excuse. Next year perhaps?
I love this holiday video so much. Thank you for sharing it!
You have great kids:} I loved both of your Christmas videos. Here we are as in olden days, happy golden are here. I hope you do have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Blink of an eye girl and those kids are bringing home the boy and girlfriends for the Christmas feast and leaving their laundry.lol. I use to do the Christmas card with kids thing until one year there was a revolt and I ended up sending a picture of the dog who lets be honest, looks her best when she is lying down. I think we all could learn a lesson from her. Oh yeah and the music. You did my Irish partner proud. While I am singing Stan Rogers First Christmas Away from Home or The Huron Carol, he’s getting down with Noddy and the boys.. Fun, Fun fun til her daddy takes the T Bird Away. Ok am singing but not Christmas songs. I still have two weeks for that.
Hey Bert and Kristina!
What a great card! We are glad to hear things are going well for everyone in the Martin household. Bert, congratulations on the new job!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jeff and Linda Cameron
Such a beautiful family. Reminds me of when you visited us as a tot and was scooting on your bottom, in your under pants, in the mud, around our oak tree at the foot of the stairwell. Sweet memories. It was so thoughtful of you to sent us some memories to have of your kiddos. Wish we could see you but guess our traveling days are about over except when Guinn takes us to hes home in Georgia. We are doing well thoughe. Just a little limited but both still drive. We love you and yours. Give everyone a big hug for us. Aunt Sadie MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
THAT IS THE BEST! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it and I’d really appreciate it if you’d run for Senate or Congress or President!!!! Merry Christmas Bert and family – you guys make stunning rock stars!
So much fun and such a beautiful family! Merry Christmas to you and your family and may you all be blessed with health, joy and many more family times in the new year.
That is(another) great Christmas card video! Love this whole series, and thank you all for sharing it.