2014 Annual Holiday Newsletter

2014 was a year of growth.  In May, we transitioned from a family of three to a family of four.  

Welcome, Grace Mackenzie Jordan...

Grace is the happiest baby and flashes a smile to anybody nearby.

Palmer handled the addition with ease and really enjoys being a big brother.  He always welcomes Grace with a huge smile and kiss.

In March, I also welcomed a new sister-in-law.  Luke and Holly were married in Austin and Palmer took his ring-bearer job very seriously (despite a little mishap in the woods during the ceremony).  We couldn't be more thrilled (and shocked) that Luke lucked out with such a great new bride.

Palmer is adventurous, always up for a challenge, and a daddy's boy.  As he gets older, Palmer is happiest next to his dad doing whatever it is that Rick is doing, whether it be camping, fishing, golfing, or just playing together.

It was no surprise when Palmer also easily picked up one of Rick's and my favorite hobbies earlier this year: snow skiing.  Rick, Palmer and I went skiing in February and as suspected, Palmer took to the slopes like a champ.  (Meanwhile, I enjoyed my "apres ski" status since I was quite pregnant during our trip.)

Rick continues to work as a corporate attorney at Gardere and is striving each year to find that balance between having success with your career while also enjoying personal and family time.

I was proud of Rick for taking a step towards that balance by choosing to work remotely for a bit this past summer in Horseshoe Bay.  It was a blissful trip where we settled into the rhythm of having two kids and enjoyed regular morning jet ski rides before breakfast.

Aunt Samantha joined us from DC for a good portion of the Horseshoe Bay trip, so it was a win-win for all.

When not managing the family schedules and keeping the household in check, I continue to freelance for news networks and other media-related or writing projects.  October was especially a busy work month when Ebola sprouted in our own Dallas backyard.

Ironically, Rick and I had a trip planned for South Africa a few weeks later and laughed at how we were much closer to Ebola in Dallas than we ever were in Africa.

We traveled there to celebrate my dear friend Adrienne's wedding in her new groom's beautiful home country.  We spent most our time in (or near) Cape Town, which was incredible.  We had a ball at their gorgeous wedding.

Life has been good in 2014 and we look forward to hearing from each of you during this holiday season.  Thank you for all of the love and joy you bring us and for being part of our village as we all grow together.

-Bethany