.: our christmas letter :.

We wake to find ourselves virtually at the end of another year... and what a year it has been! On December 30, 2006, we were married in a beautiful ceremony at Burlington Lutheran Church, followed by a snug reception at the Hillcrest Lodge (Mount Vernon). The day flew by so quickly for both of us, but our memories include feeling overwhelmed by the loving support of everyone around us... and having to go back to the lodge after our grand exit so that Dave could get his keys. Our hearts are full of recollections about taking the next blessed step of marriage and entering into our new life together.

That new life has been full! Our honeymoon took us through both Seattle (watching the fireworks over the Space Needle from the Westin) and Leavenworth (getting snowed in at the Enzian Inn). From January to April, Dave had the opportunity to serve in a college ministry ("Monday Monday") as a part of his church internship under Pastor Bill Mueller. This was a great time, spent getting to know some of the students that attend the junior college in our town. In March, Kelly threw a surprise birthday party for Dave (who turned the big 3-0). Much of the Spring and Summer consisted of numerous trips down to Safeco Field to cheer on the Seattle Mariners. In fact, we attended our first ever "Opening Day" game, which was one of our favorites. The only downer was having Dave's car get broken into during a subsequent evening game, though it turned out to be a positive thing in the end (a new car stereo!). And many-a-time, we were "thunderstruck" by the pitching of closer J.J. Putz. In June, we packed three adventures into one. It began with a couple days at Crescent Bar in Eastern WA with Dave's folks, followed by camping at Lake Easton with Dave's sister, and finishing with Kelly's side of the family at Lake Cle Elum. We both attempted to fish, though our efforts were in vain. It was still good practice for our time at Diablo Lake in August (our first catch of the season).

One of the biggest changes in Kelly's life came in August through the arrival of the new principal at Washington Elementary. Despite her being different from the previous principal, Kelly has been blessed with a good working relationship with her. In August, Dave had the privilege of returning the favor to one of his groomsmen by being in his wedding In Toronto. This was our biggest trip of the year as a couple. Once the ceremony was over, we traveled to one of the greatest honeymoon sites in the world, Niagara Falls. We still reminisce about our adventures on the "Maid of the Mist", getting drenched in Bridal Veil Falls, and taking in the evening fireworks over Horseshoe Falls.

About the time you receive this letter, Dave will have finished his last Regent class ever. All he has left to do now is learn the Hebrew language and he will be on his way to officially receiving his Masters of Divinity (a journey he first began in January 2004). This next summer, we will begin the search for where the Lord might lead Dave to serve as a pastor. It is our heart's desire that we stay in the Northwest, but we are excited to see what God has in store for us both.

Each of you has played a special part in our first year as a married couple. Thanks for all your support and encouragement. May God bless you now and throughout the year to come!

In His Name,
Dave & Kelly McAllister