Dear Rachel (#20)

Dear Rachel,

I've been doing a bit of crafting as I hibernate inside. I'm pretty sure I haven't been warm since Thanksgiving. The shelf in the front closet which houses our winter woolens has been a disaster as we all rummage through to find what we need. Well. . . you know me and my love for Scrabble tiles.

Such organizational satisfaction!

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We are finally making progress on Abby's room. Here's a sneak peek:

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On the first day of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Travis competed for the first time in the pole vault at a track meet held (appropriately) at the Utah Olympic Oval (built for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake.)

He had only been training for three weeks, but he was excited to give it his best shot.

At this meet Travis competed using "three lefts" (or six steps) and he held the pole down lower than many of the other athletes who have trained for much longer. However, even with this technique he was able to clear 9 feet which was his personal record. This week he cleared 10 feet at training using "five lefts" (or 10 steps). Enjoy this video dad shot with his iPhone:

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Finally, look at the progress that's been made on the new Provo City Center Temple. Abby took this picture as we were driving down University Avenue a few weeks ago.

But, what am I saying? You'll be here in a couple days and you can see it for yourself. I can't wait! Give David a hug for me.

Love,

Mom

Art by Abby

Even though I've known it for quite a few years, I'm still amazed that we have an artist in the family. I, myself, can barely draw stick figures, yet my youngest offspring is one talented girl (in my humble maternal opinion.)

She drew this flag to represent a fictional country in Geography last semester.

 I received this drawing for Mother's Day last year. It is of Abby and I.

This one was entered into a recent art show at her High School.

Abby drew this tired-looking guy in her sketchbook over the course of several nights as Brian read Harry Potter aloud to her AGAIN. She says this type of expression is much easier to draw than a smiling one. Evidently smiles create too many lines.

Lastly, Abby brought this home from her Metals class yesterday. I think she did a great job especially since she says the spot-welder scared her and the rivets took a long time because of her lack of forearm strength. She was especially proud of the lid since it was of her own design.

Love you, Abby!

Treasures from Travis

No matter how old he gets, I still cherish my son's handmade creations. Last year for Christmas Travis gave me an airplane he painstakingly built out of popsicle sticks and toothpicks. For weeks this project monopolized a corner of our kitchen counter. In between homework, basketball practice, and games he cut, crafted, and glued.

I was so impressed with his attention to detail.

He even put an "M" on the tail for "Mom".

Check out that engine and landing gear.

I think this guy has started some kind of tradition

because this year he gifted me with a tree.

Simply put . . . true treasures.

Soldier Hollow

It was a chilly but gorgeous day when we arrived at Soldier Hollow on the Friday morning between Christmas and New Year. I'd been wanting to try out their tubing hill for years.

Once we were checked in and tubes acquired everyone was towed to the top.

We then chose a lane, held on tight, and enjoyed the ride!

The kids had a great time racing each other down.

Abby claims she came in first.

Brian must have been in on it too. He's there on the far left.

I took a token "selfie" to prove I was indeed on the mountain as well.

We had a really fun morning going for speed and going for air. I loved when we would slide down in groups of two or three. I usually ended up screaming or laughing all the way down.

Travis and Kellie went down together for one of their last runs of the day. I wish I had recorded their skilled take-off, but at least you get a taste of the action.

December Days

December and the old year are quickly coming to a close.

2013 has taken these two down very different paths than the ones they anticipated.

Travis, too, has had a significant let-down, but my kids are OK and generally happy and I couldn't be more proud of who they are and who they are striving to become.

Travis built a roaring fire on Christmas Eve.

Evidently he is the master pyrotechnician at all scout campouts.

The kids insisted on roasting marshmallows. They had a tough time keeping a comfortable distance from the white-hot flames.

Christmas morning we woke the kids up around 8:00 am, texted Grandma S. to come on over, ate homemade popovers, and opened presents. In the afternoon we ventured to Grandma W's and visited with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

(Grandma W.)

(Mark and Susan)

(Heather and Kellie)

Smiles for 2013 and smiles for the new year to come!

Dear Rachel (#19)

Dear Rachel,

It is now officially winter, but we've had snow on the ground for weeks.

During the day the sun's radiation usually burns the snow completely off the drive way and creates impressive icicles on our eaves that have pulled down the top row of our Christmas lights.

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Our fall birthdays are now complete. The gifts you sent the kids were so thoughtful and perfect. Travis opted for cake bites from The Sweet Tooth Fairy for his "birthday cake". The red velvet ones are his favorite.

I can hardly believe your "little" brother is now 18!

Abby's eyes . . . typical. For HER birthday, she chose her usual--your dad's homemade rice pudding.

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The church Christmas party landed on Abby's birthday this year AND she had a soccer game so we partied all day.

It seems that no matter how old you get, if crayons and paper are placed in front of you, doodling must occur. Abby drew a man with a mustache

while Travis drew a floating car.

They were both so thrilled with their artwork that when the party was over, they dismantled the "tablecloth" and taped their creations to our refrigerator. It's been a while since we've had kid art on our fridge.

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It's hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I was called as our Stake Young Women's President. Did I ever introduce you to these amazing women I get to work with?

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We will really miss having you and David here for Christmas this year. At least, we'll get to see you this summer. For now, enjoy this snowy view of home from our front yard.

 We love you LOTS and LOTS. Merry Christmas!

Love,
Mom