The New Year, and Old

(photo by Marci Preece)

Greetings from the "Wilds"!

As we look back on the last year, we are filled with gratitude for our blessings. The Lord has truly watched over us…

Wildkid: 6 years old! He started “real school” this fall, and has loved being in the first grade with the “cutest” teacher ever. She could be Amy Adams in Enchanted. WK has really picked up on reading and is reading everything he can get his little hands on. Its so much fun to watch him learn and grow! He is also loving playing ball of any kind… soccer, dodgeball, baseball, football…its all good. He lost a plethora of teeth this year, and cashed in big time. He is conspiring with his sister to save all their money and buy a Wii. They have about $90 so far.

Wildgirl, Oh My! (another name change....its a process...;) 9 years old and growing like “a dandelion” says Wildkid. She is the sweetest thing ever. She, like her brother, just can’t get enough to read. She devours books. She also loves school and is doing really well. She loves to play any games (board, card, whatever...) with anyone. She is a gaming machine! She has started Ballroom Dance lessons this month. We are so excited for her!

Wildman: WM is still plugging away at his job at Macey’s as the Front End Manager. He currently runs the most efficient Front End in the entire company (of all the Maceys stores!) Between scheduling 100+ employees and keeping customers happy…he comes home ready to enjoy a little football, play a little volleyball, and R&R. He is still the 2^nd counselor in the Elders Quorum, and on the Activities committee. He has enjoyed making use of his tools by honing his custom frame-making skills. WM is also working on writing a book. You’ll have to ask him for the details.

Me: I thought that with both kids in school full-time I’d have lots of time to “myself”. I’m still waiting for that time to happen! This year has been full of fun! I am currently the Avtivity Days leader for WG's age group, and have found this to be fun to be with WG and her friends. The kids and I made a visit to Grand Junction, then WM joined us in May for a trip to Capitol Reef. In November the four of us traveled to some new country and explored the area around Kanab, staying in a cabin bordering the Escalante Ntl. Monument. I went WAY out of my comfort zone and joined my brother and dad for a backpacking trip into Coyote Gulch this fall. Definitely empowering. I got in some fabulous horse rides with friends and family, and am already scheming for more. This summer I will be certifying in Thai Yoga Therapy, and am already excited and scared to embark on that adventure. Now, with Wayfarer here in his “retirement”, the kids and WM will be able to do more riding with me…or else! I, too, am embarking on the book-writing-journey. We'll see where that takes us.

We were so happy to see so many of our families this winter season. How blessed we are to be able to call them family. We look forward to this year and the adventures it brings!

Love,

The Wilds