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| Ringing in the New Year! After a few failed attempts at getting a decent picture, Eric suggested we try to look surprised. Only he and Emma took that advice . . . |
As with each year, so many things happened that I doubt I have been able to keep very good track of it all, but I will give it a try . . .
Our trips included-
Zion National Park; Las Vegas; Logan, UT/Bear Lake; McCall/Payette Lake; Seattle/Index, and for Eric, Hawaii!
In June, Paul and MaryBeth visited us before they embarked on a tour of some of the national parks located near Idaho. We love visitors. Hint, hint . . .
The girls turned 13 (yes, we have teenager in the house) and 10! I turned 46 and Eric hit the big 50! Our anniversary was #17. Holy cow! Time is flying fast!!!
Emma is learning to play the clarinet at school and Katy is in year four of playing the flute. Emma is also involved in the school choir. Both have had wonderful performances this year--holiday concerts, a Veteran's Day assembly(Emma) and parade(Katy) with various other opportunities for us to be "wowed" by their talents. The summer intensive that Katy attended in Seattle was truly amazing! Even Emma thought it was cool to hear something other than the classics being played in band/orchestra form. Hoping to get both of the girls involved in a summer music camp again this year.
Also, Katy had the time this year to try out for Jazz band. It is separate from the concert band class she takes during the school day. She had to audition against the more experienced ninth graders. Piece of cake . . . she made it in and is really enjoying playing a different style of music.
Emma's love of sewing has grown, so much so that she asked for a new machine this year. Lucky for her, we got one. (Thanks Uncle Ryan and Aunt Starla!) And thanks to Grammy, for teaching Emma how to sew pillowcases. They have it down to a science, making one case in less than 30 minutes! Sewing club and camp are in her future, I am sure.
Katy no longer wears braces. They were removed during the Thanksgiving break--talk about thankful! She now has a really cute retainer she has to wear, 24/7. How can a retainer be cute, you ask? My old one was kind of a pinkish, flesh colored thing. Katy's is red with black spots, like a ladybug. It is cute and gross at the same time!! Really. She looks marvelous with her straight pearly whites. Emma-well she is working towards her brace wearing days. She has several more baby teeth to loose before we start it all up again.
Eric changed restaurants and I started working for the school district again. I was already substituting, but I needed something more steady. I would like a full-time position, but state funding is getting worse every year, so we'll see. I do love working at the elementary school level. I help with 6th, 4th and kindergarten. The kinders keep me on my toes and the sixth graders are just trying so hard to be cool. It is fun to see students as they enter the school system and then the others as they prepare to leave for junior high!
Eric still loves his job. It is challenging and he never has a dull moment. He has a lot of work to do, but it all seems to be coming together. From my perspective, the best part is that the owners insist he only work days and that he take weekends off. Hard to believe, I know.
Katy continues to ride at the barn. Her horse is finally getting the hang of the English style of riding, which is helping Katy as she improves her own hunter/jumper skills. Katy thinks she and the other barn girls should do a "Gangnam Style" video, English riding version! Anything is better than the original . . .
While I know I did not cover every little thing, suffice it say we had a great year! Thanks for calling, visiting, entertaining, sending your love and support to us, and keeping up with our family antics. We love you all and are thankful to be a part of your lives.
We wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!
