Real nice Mom and Dad, my first shot at writing the Christmas letter and you’re not even sending it out in cards. Something about a tight budget and saving trees. I don’t know what the big deal is about saving trees, all I do is pee on them anyway. Oh, hi by the way, my name is Butch. I’m the newest member of the Boelk family and therefore it is apparently my job to write the Christmas letter. For those who have not been lucky enough to meet me, I am a 125 lb. great dane and black lab mix. Yes, that makes me the second largest person in this family. And don’t think I don’t know it. So, this year has been quite an adjustment for me. See, I came from a shelter where I had been staying for probably 1 ½ years. Prior to that I was taken away from a neglected household where my brother and I were starving to death and we didn’t get treated the nicest. Luckily for me, I have found this great loving family and I now have a psycho sister who I really am fond of. I love all this yard I get to roam around in; chasing squirrels, digging holes, playing with my sis, and basking in the sun. But my main pleasure in life is cuddling with my family.
This new family of mine is a very busy one. That I learned quickly. Let’s see, let me start with the kiddos. These three are non-stop action, and I am often found in the middle of craziness. The girl, Taylor, well she loves dancing, reading, and socializing. This year she played tee ball again in the summer and Dad was the coach again. She also went to some Safety Camp in Iowa City with her friend Skylar and had a wonderful time. Now she is taking a couple of dance classes called jazz and hip-hop. She also recently started carrying this shiny silver stick all over the house and likes to practice twirling and throwing it in the air. Her brothers think it is a light saber, but I hear they call it a baton. Taylor goes to this thing they call school everyday, and apparently she is really good at it. She is in both 1st grade and 2nd grade this year and seems to love both. Speaking of school, I went to some class earlier this year as well to learn to sit and stuff. I had a lot of trouble with the sitting and letting others pet me at first, but by the end of the school year I looked like a pro. Mom and Dad seem very proud of Taylor and all she does!
Tay’s brothers, well, they have a LOT of energy. Both the boys took swim lessons this summer for the first time and had a ball. They got to ride a school bus from preschool to the pool in Tipton and thought that was pretty cool. They also both played tee ball for the first time and Dad helped coach “as needed”. Check this out; they also have fun playing in this gym bus every week at school. That sounds like fun to me. Speaking of fun, did I tell you I got to “run” the obstacle course at the end of my training classes. Well, all but going through the tube because I was a little big for that. Anyway, sorry, back to the boys. So, they are still in pre-school as Mom and Dad decided to wait one more year before starting kindergarten. They are really growing and maturing with this additional year and can’t wait to start school next fall. Though most people have a hard time telling them apart (myself included), they seem to differentiate themselves more and more by personality and character traits. Their new biggest interest is Star Wars, and they are hopeful to be getting some Star Wars themed presents for Christmas. As with Taylor, Mom and Dad are full of pride when talking about their boys.
Mom and Dad have been VERY busy with their church this year. They are often gone to meetings or at church for housegroups, prayer groups, church board, set-up/tear down, and Sunday school teaching. I guess they felt an even stronger calling from God and decided to take on finding a new home for the Vineyard Church. Though many steps were involved in finding a new address to call home, it ended with the church buying the top floor of a commercial condominium in Coralville. This 12,000 SF space was only a shell inside so Dad drew up some floor plans and with the help of Mom’s architect contacts, came up with final construction plans. From there, Mom decided to take on the construction and project management with the help of her company, Knutson Construction. It has been a tiring and stressful process, but I think they must have moved into the new church building last week because boy were they excited! I hear the new church is absolutely beautiful and the Vineyard community is truly rejoicing. In addition to that, they find themselves playing with the kids, coaching, working in the yard/garden, crafting, walking us (J) , and enjoying time with friends.
Holly and I have unfortunately found ourselves home alone on several occasions this year, as the family traveled without us (what’s up with that?). One of those being their annual trip to Minnesota with Dad’s parents and sister’s family, which they LOVED as always. From what I hear of that place I sure hope I’ll be able to go with sometime. Mom also took her annual trip to Chicago and Dad his trip to Kansas City. But their main focus has been on this other animal called a Hawkeye. Funny, I hear about this Hawkeye all the time but I never see it or get to play with it. Oh well, at least it doesn’t take any of my food. Speaking of, I’m really starting to get hungry. Sorry, must focus and get this finished. So, the family has spent their Saturday’s tailgating and at Kinnick’s stadium, enjoying the wonderful season the Hawks have had. They also spend many an afternoon and evenings at Carver’s arena as they watch wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. They are so proud of the black and gold no matter what the result. Go Hawks!
The family wanted me to express that this year was one of many thanks. Thanks for all of our wonderful family and specifically parents, thanks for the abundance of friendship, thanks for their wonderful church community, thanks for secure and enjoyable employment, thanks for food and shelter, and thanks for their relationship with Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit enter your hearts in both times of need and in celebration in 2010.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, GOD BLESS, and Go Hawks!!!
Love,
Brian, Amy, Taylor, Carver, Kinnick, Holly, and Me (Butch)
They spent quite a bit of time out there and weather conditions were certainly not the best. The results are shown below in the wagon, in which they brought back up garbage and debris along with their tools of choice. 
We hope they never forget this important concept and wish others would take after them!
Another pleasant surprise was the fact that during the 
The following are pictures from the show.
As another one of our family traditions, she was able to invite 7 friends since she was turning 7 years old. In addition to the 7 girls Taylor decided to have over, she also enjoyed the presence of her brothers and cousin Mason. 
Of course Taylor received some wonderful gifts and was truly blessed by all her friends and family that were able to share in her birthday celebration. 
Yes, our running backs are only freshman. Wow, what a future!
Gotta' love the Captain!
