For our sweet home-lover, this year has been one of venturing out into the unknown. He started preschool this year with much anxiety, but soon found that he liked new friends, new teachers, new adventures. He is tender hearted and has learned how to stand up to his much more aggressive younger brother. He has conquered the top bunk. He is learning that words are just sounds blended together...he can't wait to read.
For our first-grader, this has been a year of exceeded expectations. She felt so big when she lost her first tooth and then went on to lose four more shortly afterwards. She started first-grade already knowing how to read, but surprised us all with her 3rd/4th grade reading abilities that improve everyday. She loves to write, draw, and create and always has a pen and paper somewhere nearby 24/7. She is capable of doing whatever she wants to do...I wonder what will be next.
Our second oldest feels like he has sawed through the bark and into the real good stuff in the middle. His best memories of this year involve his family, good friends, fun trips, and more often than not, guns. To name a few: turkey hunting in Wyoming with great friends, the Utah Summer games where he competed in the precision rifle divisions, going to BYU football games with Dad, receiving his very own pellet gun for his 9th B-day, hot summer days conquering the scariest slides at 7 Peaks with his friends, and shooting an 88 (last night) in prone position with his awesome new precision rifle.
For our oldest time is flying by! He turned 11 this year and has advanced from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He received his Arrow of Light award, a big accomplishment well worth the effort. He took Hunter's Safety at the beginning of the year and in the process discovered his passion...precision shooting. Thanks to Dad's support, he has improved by leaps and bounds, earning a silver and three bronzes at the Utah Summer Games. He went on his first hunt this year where he was the hunter...and took his first jake. He is a great big brother and a great example to all his younger siblings.
For me this year has involved several firsts. My first trip to Hawaii with my husband and our good friends. We fell in love with Kauai. I'm quite certain there will be several more trips in the future. My first time leaving my kids for more than two nights. They survived although I'm not sure my mom will ever be the same...thanks, Mom!! My first marathon, definitely not my last. My first time having all but one in school!!! I forgot how much easier shopping is without the whole gang. My first time in Young Women since I was one myself...I feel young again.
For my husband this has been a year of fulfillment. His motto has always been "Work to play." He has worked hard and has had a great year with his business. As a result he has been able to play a lot as well. His greatest joy this year has been the time he has been able to spend with his family, especially on hunting trips with his boys, friends, and his Dad.
