|
Christmas Greetings From The Williams Family (Arizona Branch)
|
|
|
Click on Photos to enlarge
Front - Elli & Ann-E
Sally's Mom (Lucy Lee) & Great Grand Daughter Lucylee
L-R Ryan, Tara, Lucylee, Ann-E, Hunter Rob, Elli & Melissa
L -R Tara, Ryan, Nana, Rob, Melissa and Nieces Ashley & Jordan |
Belated Christmas Greetings to you! We have chosen to go “green”
with our Christmas letter this year and also be a little late as we
wanted to include photos of our very special family gathering in
Austin. If you are getting the printed version, we must not have
your e-mail address, so please share with us! 2009 was a wonderful year with many highlights – In May, Lucylee Grace was born to Ryan and Tara. It was a special time as I was able to spend three weeks with the family and enjoy the first three weeks of her life and watch her sibings, Ann-E (7 ½) Elli (5) and Hunter (2) fall in love with her immediately and give her more love and hugs and holding than thought possible! Also, in May, Ryan was promoted to CEO of Hospital Housekeeping Systems. He has been with HHS his entire working career and we are obviously very proud of his recognition. The promotion meant a move to Austin, TX where the company is headquartered which was great for us as we can now drive instead of fly! Tara continues to be a very busy Mom, getting the kids settled in school, settling into a new house, and training for a full marathon that she is running in January! Rob continues to enjoy his career in the music business as Stage Manager for Umphrey’s McGee, a successful jam band based in Chicago. This fall he was in Austin for a concert and the kids had backstage passes. Elli “played” the guitar for the crowd with lots of help from Jake, one of the very talented guitarists for Umphrey’s. Rob and his girlfriend, Melissa celebrated their 3rd anniversary of being together and we were thrilled to have them join us in Austin for an early “family” Christmas. Their dog Leary, is a huge part of their life! Sally’s 93 year old Mother, Lucy, came to Austin to meet her name sake. We are blessed that she felt well enough to hop on that Southwest flight and make the trip! The two girls bonded as well as big Lucy enjoying all the festivities with the kids and a non-stop household. The entire family (now 21 members strong) gathered at Ryan and Tara’s house for an early Christmas celebration on the 21st. It was the first time since 1991 that all of us have gathered for Christmas. Lucy continues to live in St Joe at Living Community, which is truly a Community of caring friends for her. Most of our traveling this year has been to Florida or Texas. Next year, we are planning one of our long motorcycle trips. There are several destinations, primarily in the West, that are on our ‘bucket list” that we have yet to visit on a motorcycle. I'm sure we will post photos of that trip on Facebook. The mortgage business has been rather slow this year, but has been a backhanded blessing in allowing me the time and freedom to be with the grandchildren. I still love what a do and want to continue working as long as possible. Retirement has suited Ray very well as his multiple hobbies keeps his interest and provides for various diversions. He has a t-shirt that says “I need my garage time” and he truly does! He continues to be on the Board of Directors for our large (300+ member) motorcycle club and is the volunteer webmaster for the club website – www.blackmountainmotorcycleclub.com He still rides his motorcycles and ATV and has started a new hobby of restoring and selling older bicycles. Of all his hobbies over the years, this one actually pays for itself! We both have enjoyed reconnecting with friends from years past through Facebook. Sally attended her 45th high school class reunion this summer and reconnected with many classmates and friends. Between the motorcycle club, church, volunteering, LTQ (fellow Christian progressives) activities, Sally walking three miles a day with dear friends, and Ray riding his bicycle at least 1500 miles a year, we do stay active. Ray’s doctor recently told him that 80% of our health is genetic and the other 20% we control. Ray’s mother lived to be 93 and we are both hoping that we favor our mothers in that respect! Please share your e-mail address with us. Our contact information is as follows: Ray – raynealwms@cox.net, Sally – salwms@cox.net Arriving home last night after being gone for two weeks and opening all the cards was a true delight. It reminds both Ray and I of what we love about the season, the opportunity to re-connect and be truly thankful that you are part of this journey. If you are heading this way, please feel free to check availability at the Williams home – we would love to have you stay with us!!! Friends are a wonderful blessing!
Ray & Sally Williams 7075 E. Carriage Trails Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266 Note that our Zip code has changed!!
|
