Christmas greetings from the Golden State! We are very surprised but happy to find ourselves back in southern California! God has kept us on our tippy-toes these past few months, and we are thankful for His never-ending supply of grace to help us accept every challenge thrown our way.
Gabriel, (Dr. Dilanji!) graduated in April with his PhD in physics from the University of Florida. After five months of job searching, the Dilanji family said goodbye to Florida and friends, took a big leap of faith, and started the trek west by car and plane. Shortly after arriving in southern California, Gabriel was offered a position as technical project manager with Magforce USA in Santa Ana, California. Thanks be to God! Also special thanks to Gabriel’s parents who let us stay with them in somewhat cramped quarters for three months while we looked for housing.
Laura is currently working on organizing, decorating, and unpacking the new home whilst continuing with the homeschooling, cooking and cleaning. This Christmas we are very excited to be hosting Laura’s immediate family who will be visiting for the holidays.
The biggest highlight of our year was the arrival of the 8th member of our family, Xavier Michael. He was born May 31st at home surrounded by his five siblings who were very excited to meet him. Xavier is now 6 1/2 months old and has perfected his skills in crawling, pulling himself up to a standing position, sitting, and smiling. He has yet to pop a tooth, but has recently shown a big interest in table food. Xavier is greatly doted on by all his family members and receives a great amount of affection from his siblings.
Connor, aged 2, has adjusted well to his role as big brother. He is learning the art of potty training, and whispering and sitting quietly in church. Connor enjoys his Thomas trains, sucking his thumb, and playing the roll of knight to “Princess Juliette” during dress up.
At 3 years of age, Juliette is the most outgoing of her siblings. I think it may have something to do with the fact that she is a girl, and the only girl amongst five brothers! Juliette loves the color pink, displaying painted nails, dolls, purses, and any other type of girly accessory.
Kieran, who will be turning 5 two weeks after Christmas, is in preschool this year. He is learning to write his name, numbers, ABC’s, and count to 100. Earlier this year Kieran mastered the art of bike riding sans training wheels and placed third in the homeschool science fair for his art project entitled “Sandy Water”.
Aidan, aged six, is in 1st grade and doing very well. His favorite subjects are religion and mapskills. Aidan had to take a leave of absence from homeschool when he broke his arm after falling off a playground slide. He took it like a champ though, and after six weeks of being in a cast, we are happy to report that his arm is fully healed and he is already up to speed in school. When Aidan is not outside riding his bike and scooter he enjoys building lego masterpieces.
Elias, our eldest, is seven year old, in 2nd grade, and excelling quickly. His favorite subjects are geography and mapskills. Elias is preparing to receive his First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this spring, and we are very excited for him. In his free time, Elias enjoys assembling lego kits and riding his bike and scooter with his brothers.
We are very thankful for all the blessings we have received this year and for the constant reminder that God will never abandon us as long as we have faith in Him. We pray that you will have a very blessed Christmas and a happy new year!
With love,
The Dilanji Family
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