Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! It's been my traditional many months since the last blog. And a lot has happened. Perhaps a player by player update would work.

Victoria is now in 7th Grade and in Junior High. She is loving it! She is playing the violin in her strings class still. She is learning more of her fingerings and getting better and better every day. She enjoys playing her violin, as anyone who follows her facebook will see. She is in Young Women's and is currently her class secretary. She enjoys being on the computer, playing games, helping the family out, and generally is just a happy, wonderful daughter!

Amanda has had many changes. She graduated from Snake River High School this year. She has one semester of college taken care of at Dixie State College in St. George. She is currently home for the Holidays! She has no idea how much we miss her. She is enjoying the college activities, dating, and the Dixie sun! She is working at TempleView R.V. Park and taking care of Grandpa Pete. She is studying Dental Hygiene. So far it's the general ed classes. She's really working hard and playing hard, too!

Susan is adjusting to a college daughter. She loves the cell phone, texts, picture messages and skype! Susan had a hysterectomy a few weeks ago, so she is staying down (well, she is supposed to be staying down). She is feeling a lot better and her constant pain of 5 years is now a thing of the past. She is still the popular "Mrs. O" at Moreland Library.

Rick is still enjoying work with the Sheriff's Office. I'm becoming familiar with I-15 between Blackfoot and St. George (except for my mission and very young years, I've never lived more than a few miles from I-15!).

We have had some fun vacations and trips this year. Susan, Rick, Victoria and Susan's sister, Cathy, spent a week in Grand Teton National Park. Sight seeing, rafting, animals, Jackson Hole, and kidney stones made for a really fun vacation (except for the kidney stones). We have been to St. George for family events, moving Amanda (a couple of times), homecoming and football, and bringing Amanda home for the holidays. I'm really enjoying reconnecting with my Aunt and Uncle, Grandpa, and cousins, although it doesn't seem like there is enough time when we go down.

As Christmas approaches, we realize how blessed we are. Family is so important. And the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ strengthen that family bond now that we aren't always together. We also appreciate all of our family. It's hard to stay in touch with so many as everyone's lives go different directions, but you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May each of you enjoy a holiday season of peace and may 2012 bring many blessings and opportunities your way!