Merry Christmas from The Daytons 2011

We started off the year with a new addition to our family which now feels so long ago. Benson Ron Dayton was born on January 15, 2011. We feel so blessed to have him in our family and are grateful for his sweet spirit. We just thought Benson was a fussy baby until he had an allergic reaction to milk which resulted in a call to 911 and a discovery of milk, egg, and nut allergies. Since we figured that out, Benson has changed into such a happy, and easier going baby. He is quickly and surely becoming Owen’s partner in crime. Just last week, I found him in the kitchen cabinet under the sink eating out of the trash.

Owen is 2 ¾ years old and he sure has grown into his role of older brother this year. He is especially good at telling Benson, “no, no” and quickly correcting the naughty deed Benson may have done. I should mention that these are normally things that Owen does on a daily basis but apparently it is different when your brother performs the action. He is also a very sweet brother and enjoys singing Benson lullabies, being there when Benson wakes up, and he LOVES climbing in bed with Benson. Owen astonishes us every day with his knowledge of new things. He just soaks up learning. He has shown quite the interest in reading/spelling and is always asking what certain words he sees around say.

Brienne is keeping busy chasing after these cute boys. She loves just being with them. She has been able to use some of her teaching degree more formally this year with Owen starting Mommy School, basically school with Mommy. She has also been busy teaching the young children at church, quilting with quilt group, and teaching preschool among other things. When she gets a free moment she enjoys blogging, napping, and crafting.

Ryan really enjoys his job as a tax accountant and loves the people he works with. He says he loves the challenging work. Ryan also finished his CPA exams this year, Hallelujah! He is now an official Certified Public Accountant. He has also been working with the 14-15 year old scouts at church and enjoys their company. I think he feels at home there. Ryan doesn’t get very many free moments but when he does he is playing with his boys and they sure do love that. He had a brief stint with Insanity(Brienne did too!), an exercise program, until the downstairs neighbor got a little upset, that will hopefully continue in the new year with a move to a new place.

We have had an amazing year with an outpouring of blessings. We are so grateful at this time for the birth of our Savior and His life on this earth. We wish you all the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year!

With Love to Our Family & Friends,
Ryan, Brienne, Owen, & Benson Dayton