What a year for us! The beginning of the year Travis started a new job with Kimberly - Clark in North Ogden. It was such a relief for him to quit his long commute to south Salt Lake every day. He is working as an Electrical Controls Engineer & he loves it. They are proving to be great employers & he enjoys the team he works with.
I got a new job last month, staying with Deseret Book, but at the Layton store. It was like getting thrown in the deep end of the pool those first few weeks, lets just say moving stores in the middle of the Christmas Crazy is not something I would recommend, but its fun & I'm enjoying the challenge. I like meeting new people & making new friends.
Lauryn is in 8th Grade. She is tackling it with grace & patience. I love her so much and admire how she deals with the struggles that all that brings. She is such a kind and caring friend to those she meets, you make a friend with Lauryn & you have a loyal friend for life. She is still playing flute in Band & is super awesome at helping me at home when I am gone. She is a superstar! Her hobbies are One Direction. One Direction. One Direction :o)
Katherine is in 6th Grade, her final year in Elementary School. She's had a difficult time so far, but I am really proud of how she has handled her obstacles. She's my assistant in the kitchen. I love it when she is cooking & helping me with dinner. She loves to be reading & crafting. She & Evelyn are BFF's. For one who really prefers her own company, I've loved watching her bond & care for her baby sister. Especially when Evie can take over the personal space & get in all the 'fun' things Katie has in her room!!! She's a wonderful daughter!!
Joshua is in 4th Grade. I am enjoying volunteering with his class each week. They are a funny bunch. He keeps me on my toes, and sometimes I find myself counting to 10 more times than I'd like but he is full of energy & likes to be doing all the time. He loves his friends & hanging out at the new park (before the snow came). He loves sports & will follow Travis around. He pretty much idolizes his Dad. He loves watching over Evie.
Jacob is in 1st Grade. I also get to enjoy reading with his class each week. Jacob has amazed me with his progress this year so far. He left Kindergarten really struggling, way behind grade level. In just a few short months he has come on leaps & bounds in all areas of his school work, especially Maths. He & his brother are definitely following on in their Daddy's mathematical shoes..... He completed a group called GUS & GUSSIE. Standing for 'Growing Up Strong'. Focusing on helping him become more confident. I'm proud of him for every step he makes.
Evelyn is now 2 years old, and the entertainer of the family. She will break out with dancing at any moment, music or not. Is always looking for laughs from her older siblings... She lights up our life in every way!!
In the Spring Michael (Amy's brother) & his family came to visit us for 2 weeks. It was so great to have them here, to show them around & do fun things together. Homesickness is a constant challenge for me, but it really helps when we have these moments. I always love to see the cousins come together and hang out like they only saw each other yesterday.
We purchased a Camping Trailer (Caravan) this year for the family. We took it on the 13 hour drive to Glacier National Park in the summer, and stayed in a really lovely KOA Campground in West Glacier just outside the Park. It was truly a highlight, and the best vacation we have had in many years. We are an outdoor family - and so we find nothing better than being on the lake or hiking through the forest or climbing mountains. I felt right at home, as it reminded me of many years of visits to the Alps, & the weather was hot, so we spent lots of time swimming & kayaking. There was so much more to do than we had time for, it is a beautiful place & I would recommend you visiting!!
We got to see lots of wildlife, our highlight for sure was our day in Many Glacier Valley. It was worth the 2 hour drive to get to, most of all for the bear encounter we had on our hike through the woods. I was grateful that at that moment we came across 2 other large families & we stuck together while we got off the trail. Safety in numbers!!
The kids would probably tell you their favourite part of this trip was hanging out at the Campground, in the outdoor pool, a big hit for the teenagers it seemed as it was the best spot to pick up the WiFi. ;)
We are looking forward to the Christmas Break, from school & a couple days break from work (YAY!!!) to be together & eat lots of food - etc etc). Remember that we love you, we are grateful to have you in our lives whether you be family or friends, our lives are made richer by your presence in them.
Much Love
Travis, Amy, Lauryn, Katherine, Joshua, Jacob & Evelyn.
