Franklin Family Christmas Letter, 2008

Dear Family & Friends,
Another fantastic year has come and gone in the Franklin home. Although it is difficult to sum up an entire year all in one little letter, I’ll try to cover the highlights.
I, Alanna, am writing our letter this year because Bradley has been super busy. Even during this holiday break he has been seeing patients and putting in long hours at Logan College of Chiropractic. This year Bradley completed trimesters 6-8 of the D.C. program and, in February, received his Bachelor’s degree in Life Science. In trimester 7 he began caring for patients in the student clinic and in trimester 8 he started seeing patients from the community. Brad is an excellent student-doctor and is well on his way to finishing his requirements early, enabling us to do an internship during his last trimester with a chiropractor wherever he chooses. Brad still works in the phlebotomy lab at school and plays basketball every Wednesday night. At church he served as an Elder’s quorum instructor during most of the year and was recently called to teach the youth in Sunday school.
I have spent much of this year surviving pregnancy and enjoying my newborn baby. Brigham Christopher joined our family on June 6th. Besides a small bout of colic in the beginning, Brig has spent the majority of his life smiling. We adore this delightful little bundle of joy and feel lucky to be his parents.
Being a mother of two is rewarding, challenging, and entertaining. I have become an avid blogger and take great pleasure in staying close to my family and friends through this medium. At church I spent most of the year in the Young Women’s organization. I loved my calling as a Mia Maid (14-15 yr old) advisor. Recently I was called to be the nursery chorister. I conduct music (primary songs) in the junior and senior nurseries. It is a lot of fun because I get to sing with Allen’s class. This calling has helped me learn more songs to sing with my boys.
Allen has made the transformation from only-baby-of-the-family to big brother exceptionally well. He has doted over his brother from the beginning and it’s fun to watch their relationship continue to develop. This year Allen got his first tricycle, went fishing, and became big enough to really enjoy our water park.
The first half of this year Brad’s sister, Heidi, came to live with us. It was SO much fun having her in our home. She even talked us into getting a puppy (who promptly moved with her after she left). We miss her and treasure those 6 months we had together.
Our lives were touched by tragedy in August with the untimely death of Brad’s step dad, John Carey. We spent a few weeks in Seattle to be with his mother and family. Though it was under sad circumstances, it was good to see our family, as it was our only trip to Washington for the year. It was great to see Uncle Jeremy before he left on his mission to Italy for 2 years, and nice to have Brigham’s baby-blessing with so many relatives near.
We were fortunate to have visits this year from Grandma Bonnie in June, Grandpa Allen in July, and Grandpa Mark now at Christmas time. We are all looking forward to moving back to the Pacific Northwest next Summer.
Our faith and testimonies have been strengthened time and again as we have witnessed our Heavenly Father’s guiding hand in our lives. We feel truly blessed in every way and sincerely wish you all the best this holiday season and year round.

Merry Christmas!
Bradley, Alanna, Allen, & Brigham