Eric: This year I continued working full-time at a company that makes automated factory vehicles. I didn’t have to travel as much as in 2011 so that was a big relief. But the job still takes its toll on me with installations all over the world needing the support of our department. In the last few months, Becky and I realized that we just weren’t spending as much time together as we needed. Combined with a stressful job, busy kids’ schedules and big changes at church (more details below), it really created a gaping hole in our lives So we added in some date nights, meeting for lunch during the week, more time together in the evenings at home and I'm looking forward to even more one-on-one time with Becky in 2013!

Becky: In 2012, we had multiple opportunities to see my parents and sisters, as well as the extended Engle and Miller families, with two weddings, a funeral, and trips north and south. With the larger Steffy family, we spent a fun week at Bethany Beach, DE. On a more regular basis, it is always a pleasure being with Eric’s mom and Ben for holidays, birthdays, and kids’ activities. I continue to be involved with leading Bible studies at church and in various ways at the kids’ schools. I still very much enjoy being a stay-at-home mom and appreciate the chance to manage the household while Eric works. For 2013, I look forward to spending more time with Eric and to completing some long-term projects around the house.

Dan: Our family went to Creation (three day Christian music festival) this past summer and it was a blast! Dad and I got the opportunity to help tear down the Fringe and Main Stages, packing up speakers, cables, equipment, etc. We worked on the Fringe Stage for a few hours before the final evening concert and candlelighting, then helped tear down the Main Stage from about 11:00 pm until 5:00 am the next morning. We trudged back to our campsite, got a few hours of sleep, then packed up our tent to come home. It was awesome! For 2013, I'm looking forward to taking more time to do some work around the house, start exercising regularly, and of course, going to Creation again. I'm also looking forward to starting ninth grade at the high school in the fall.

Lauren: This year I was involved in cheerleading again with the Souderton Braves. I cheered for the 160 lbs football team and also competed in three cheer competitions. I’m on the Math Counts team at school and participating in a school musical this winter. Over the summer, I had fun being a camp counselor at a week-long day camp at our church. I’m also involved with the youth group, played electric bass in the middle school worship band with Dad on guitar and Dan on drums, plus I play flute and viola in various groups at school. I'm looking forward to becoming a teenager in August 2013, starting eighth grade in the fall, and I am planning to continue with cheerleading next season.

Natalie: Over the year, I was involved in helping with tech during youth group at church. I also spent a week at Kenbrook camp this summer (my first time) and really enjoyed it. I’m in fourth grade now and just got into orchestra for violin. I also play clarinet in the school band, recorder in the new Recorder Ensemble and sing in the school chorus. I love to read and often get up early on the weekends to curl up on the sofa with a favorite book. In 2013, I’m looking forward to starting fifth grade, going to Kenbrook again, turning 11 years old, and reading new books.

Sarah: In 2012, I got a cello on which to practice before starting strings at school. I traveled to Washington, DC with Grandma Mary (just the two of us) and in December, Natalie and I went on a day trip to New York City with Grandma Mary and Ben. I'm looking forward to going into fourth grade next year, being in the school orchestra, chorus, and band (I still didn’t pick which instrument I want) in the fall, going to Kenbrook Camp for the first time, and hopefully lots of snow to play in this coming winter.