13 minute end of year slideshow
Hello & Seasons Greetings to all, Christmas 2022! Looking over the past year, we know we have so much to be thankful for and we know for whom we look to for all our blessings - our Savior, Jesus Christ, He whose birth we celebrate.
Here are some memorable Hamilton family moments for 2022:
-All FIVE girls were in CCCMT's Babes in Toyland mini-play. They were so fun to watch!
-In March, we made a trip up north and had fun going to the Hogle Zoo with the Simons and hanging out with them. Mom and dad also went on a date with the Simons, Norton's, Joseph, and the Potts to a restaurant and an escape room. Lots of fun!
-For Spring Break, the girls voted to buy some kayaks vs. going somewhere, so we had a fun stay-cation. We read a lot, baked a lot, and had a fun day with the Ruperts going to Toquerville Falls and playing in Quail Creek.
-For Spring Break, the girls voted to buy some kayaks vs. going somewhere, so we had a fun stay-cation. We read a lot, baked a lot, and had a fun day with the Ruperts going to Toquerville Falls and playing in Quail Creek.
-A lot of time, effort, and money was spent in our backyard this year, putting in four garden boxes and doing some leveling and clean-up. We planted the metal waist-high garden boxes with fruits and vegetables and enjoyed a bounteous harvest!
-Summer was busy busy! End of May to June, Heidi, Jason & Ireland went on Ireland's 14 year old trip to Ireland and Scotland, right afterwards a trip to Vernal for a Richardson family reunion, July was girls camp for a week and the Potts family retreat at Downata in Idaho, and August was FSY for a week.
-Fall was back to school. All FIVE girls going to school full-time! We also went camping at Yankee Meadows for Labor Day and had a great time!
-December has been our medical month - Heidi had sinus surgery, Jason had a colonoscopy, Heidi, Jason & Noelle had a vision appointment, and McKinley & Ireland are supposed to get their wisdom teeth removed.
JASON:
-Jason continues his work at APHIS and really enjoys his co-workers, work environment and really enjoys their mission.
-Jason is a primary teacher and co-teaches with Alan Davies. He's had a great time and is excited to have Oaklyn in his class next year!
-Heidi & Jason had a lot of fun going to see Josh Turner at Tuacahn, what a fun night!
-Heidi & Jason had a couple fun getaways this year - a day for Heidi's birthday, a couple days for our anniversary (in Cedar), and a couple days in St. George in November. All were lovely!
-Jason had a Family History miracle he has been praying for, for quite a while! He has been involved in genealogy since he was in his 20's. He is not a pro by any means, but loves to connect to those on the other side of the veil. While we were in Cambuslang Scotland, on the outskirts of Glasgow (for Ireland's trip), he found a minute to get into Family Search. While in there he found a note or a message from a long lost cousin, actually his dad's first cousin, that was sent 2 months previous. John Hamilton, reached out to Jason as he had seen that Jason had posted photo's about Jason's grandpa Hamilton and family. Jason's Grandpa Hamilton and John's dad are brothers, both have passed on, but the hearts of their "fathers" have brought them to know each other and have enjoined family lines. John and Jason have spoken on occasion and hope to maybe meet each other in Texas at a future Hamilton Family Reunion. With John's help, Jason was able to "link" his family past his Great Grandpa Hamilton in Mississippi where he was stuck, back to Scotland, where he always felt his Hamilton family hailed from. He has since found out that his family on that side fought for freedom along side William Wallace!
-Jason's Aunt Lynette passed away in October and Heidi & Jason went to Vernal to spend time with family and honoring her memory.
-Jason found out he is really far-sighted & so much so, the doctor chuckled to know Jason does not "love" to read, as according to the eye doctor, his eyes have to work 2-3 times as hard to compensate. He may need readers soon and the doctor confirmed what Jason's Dad said, that the Hamilton left eye, is worse than the right.
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Seeing Richardson Family at the reunion this summer, outdoor adventures and hikes - at the lake at the hills, Toquerville falls, hidden haven, etc., Ireland and Scotland with Ireland and Heidi, also spending 1-on-1 time with Heidi ;-)
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Help Ireland learn to drive, plan a date with Heidi once a month.
HEIDI:
-In February, Heidi had the 3rd 40th sisterhood getaway. They went to Vegas and enjoyed a hotel and went to see Menopause the Musical. Then they hung out in St. George for more sister fun, food, crafts, and conversation. Unfortunately, it ended up also being a COVID party as Heidi, Trisha, and mom (and eventually Tiffany) ended up with COVID :(
-Much of Heidi's time continues to be taken up with her Young Women President calling. The girls decided to have a garage sale fundraiser for girls camp. LOTS of work, but thankfully successful. Camp was also a lot of work, but really great and she loved spending time with the girl.
-Heidi has been very involved in Share this year, helping with the walk and wave of light, as well as going to the hospital to help families that have lost babies. She's learned how to make molds and support those families going through this difficult time.
-With all five girls going to school, Heidi has had a bit more time during the day, though never enough ;) She has really enjoying going back to the gym, going on more hikes, reading and writing more, and keeping the house cleaner. She also helps out in Oaklyn's classroom once a week & has been helping her friend, Diane, at her Kanarraville glamping resort.
-We invested some of the SUU rental money this year, so we'll see what happens, but Heidi is continually on the lookout for cabins. So far, still too expensive though :(
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Sister get-together, getaways with her sweetheart and getting to see where her Grandma Dorothy lived in Belfast, Ireland and seeing all the gorgeous natural beauty of Ireland and Scotland.
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Another race with Kezia, time with family, family history and temple work, and Trek!
McKINLEY (17):
-Our McKinley is 17 years old and a Junior this year!
-In Babes in Toyland, McKinley played Jane and even had a love interest! She had fun and hopes to be able to one more play while she still is under 18!
-What a cello year for McKinley this past year! She got a 1- on her State solo & ensemble piece, The Swan, at State, her orchestra got a 1 on ALL their pieces at State, a Superior at Southern Utah Strings Festival, she played with Orchestra of Southern Utah, and even did a couple musical numbers in sacrament meeting. She is so accomplished and we LOVE to hear her play!
-Dances! In March, McKinley went to prom with Aiden Bell. In September, she went to Homecoming with Hayes Longhurst, and in November, she took Derek Wood to Sadie Hawkins :)
-McKinley went to the Piano Guys with mom, dad and the Potts in April. Super fun!
-Summer highlights - McKinley was a YCL at girls camp and had a great time and was so helpful and important to the success and spirit of camp! She also went to FSY for the first time & had a blast rooming with Emily Graff and being in the "Preach my Gospel" group. She learned so much and grew spiritually - she met some great people, some of whom she still texts. She was also a huge help with the girls while mom and dad were in Ireland. Not fun to do in the summer but she also took the ACT and did great!
-A couple high school parking lot fender-benders this year. One was the other girl's fault, the next was her fault. Thankfully, no one was hurt and not much damage (nothing would really look obvious on that van anyway) ;)
-McKinley's BFF Karmiyah, ended up getting a BF & going back to Parowan HS & decided to graduate a year early, so it's been tough to find time to hang out, but she loves to anytime she gets! Her other friends she sits with at lunch are Tsadakah, Peshanie, Jenzie, Ari, Eliza, Karlie, and Sabrina. She also still loves hanging out with Emma Manley when she has the chance!
-McKinley's Junior year schedule is pretty intense - 4 college classes, including AP Calculus, History 1700, English 1010, and Spanish 1010. She is super busy but doing well!
-McKinley is in a missionary prep class 2x/month and enjoys learning and being with her friends :)
-McKinley has been reading the Anne of Green Gables series this year in her "spare" time (which is really mostly just school breaks) and is loving it. It's been fun for mom to talk with her about them.
-After she came up with a contract, and we made a few adjustments, McKinley now has social media on Facebook and Instagram! She has only made one post on Instagram, but she enjoys seeing what others are up to and catching up. She also has Marco Polo on her phone and enjoys visiting with friends - and mom - on there :)
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Girls camp, FSY, and Prom :) Orchestra trips & Piano Guys, Date with Derek Wood, spending time with friends
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Trek & Girls Camp, CCCMT, job? Senior Year. The summertime!
FAVORITE 2022 MEMORIES: CCCMT play & Piano Guys. Cross-Country races.
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Bear Lake Retreat, French bake stand, CCCMT play
LINK:
-Link would be a whole DECADE old this year! We continue to remember and honor him through Share and on his special days as well as doing family history and service. This year we're doing acts of service, recording them, and putting them in his stocking. We LOVE that Oaklyn made a really good friend in kindergarten this year, his name is Link, and we get to hear his name often. Link's most prominent love note this year was the ladybug. We saw them everywhere! And even Oaklyn's soccer team were the ladybugs! :)
NOELLE (8):
-Noelle is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. It's the first year she's had boy teachers (Mr. Neibur and Sr. Gabonal) and she really enjoys them. She even earned the Catch the Vision award and she has finished Lexia at the beginning of 3rd grade, even though it's supposed to go all the way through 5th grade! She continues to learn Spanish and do well.
-8 years old! A big year for miss Noelle-my-Belle! She got to have an Encanto Birthday party with lots of friends and she got baptized in May with lots of family coming to celebrate her - and have a yummy nacho bar :)
-Noelle went snow skiing for the first time this year and like the rest of her sisters, her daddy taught her how to ski and really did well & enjoyed it!
-Noelle was in the Babes in Toyland play and had a lot of fun!
-Soccer continues to be Noelle's first love. She plays almost every day at recess and she did great in her spring soccer season. Way to go Noelle!
-Noelle's dream came true by getting a cat after Christmas last year. Her name is Maylee. While she is not as friendly as her sister, Haylee, she is a sweet, but shy kitty and Noelle loves to try to get her to purr.
-We got Noelle back into swim lessons in the fall & she did really great! Progressed a lot and had fun.
-Noelle still loves to play Minecraft and watch Youtube videos about Minecraft and she also likes to watch Mr. Beast, Mark Rober and JK Studios, Tuttle Twins & Studio C. Also, of Daily Dose of Internet and Odd 1s Out and Ice Cream Sandwich.
-Noelle & Oaklyn still love playing outside with their friends, the Sundquist boys, Mateo and Charlotte and riding bikes around the neighborhood.
FAVORITE 2022 MEMORIES: CCCMT play, her 8th birthday party, Downata, swimming & soccer
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Doing CCCMT, Get better at soccer, learn new things
OAKLYN (6):
-Some firsts for Oaklyn this year! She was in the CCCMT play and she did soccer and swimming! In all this, her favorite part, of course, was meeting new friends :)
-Another first was starting Kindergarten. She is in all-day at East and has really enjoyed it. One of her favorite friends is a boy named Link. We just love that she is friends with him and we have met his family. They've even had some playdates. Oaklyn also likes to play with Amor and Izi. She really is a leader and a friend to many of her classmates. She also still loves neighborhood friends - Charlotte, Macie, Tucker, and Brielle. She still is very much a "mom - can I have ____ over today" girl.
-Oaklyn is getting better & better at reading and is solid on all the BOB books and knows over 50 sight words.
-Oaklyn had some really rough sleeping nights for a while. We decided to try to see if she could earn a kitty that projects stars if she stayed in her bed for a certain number of nights. She did it! And seems to be a better sleeper overall.
-For screen time, Oaklyn likes to watch YouTube magnetic balls, Mark Rober, and funny animal videos. She also likes to play Minecraft.
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Going to the zoo with the Simons, going on all the waterslides at Downata, and learning to swim!
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Another play, soccer, tying shoes, starting dual immersion.
-Summer was busy busy! End of May to June, Heidi, Jason & Ireland went on Ireland's 14 year old trip to Ireland and Scotland, right afterwards a trip to Vernal for a Richardson family reunion, July was girls camp for a week and the Potts family retreat at Downata in Idaho, and August was FSY for a week.
-Fall was back to school. All FIVE girls going to school full-time! We also went camping at Yankee Meadows for Labor Day and had a great time!
-December has been our medical month - Heidi had sinus surgery, Jason had a colonoscopy, Heidi, Jason & Noelle had a vision appointment, and McKinley & Ireland are supposed to get their wisdom teeth removed.
JASON:
-Jason continues his work at APHIS and really enjoys his co-workers, work environment and really enjoys their mission.
-Jason is a primary teacher and co-teaches with Alan Davies. He's had a great time and is excited to have Oaklyn in his class next year!
-Heidi & Jason had a lot of fun going to see Josh Turner at Tuacahn, what a fun night!
-Heidi & Jason had a couple fun getaways this year - a day for Heidi's birthday, a couple days for our anniversary (in Cedar), and a couple days in St. George in November. All were lovely!
-Jason had a Family History miracle he has been praying for, for quite a while! He has been involved in genealogy since he was in his 20's. He is not a pro by any means, but loves to connect to those on the other side of the veil. While we were in Cambuslang Scotland, on the outskirts of Glasgow (for Ireland's trip), he found a minute to get into Family Search. While in there he found a note or a message from a long lost cousin, actually his dad's first cousin, that was sent 2 months previous. John Hamilton, reached out to Jason as he had seen that Jason had posted photo's about Jason's grandpa Hamilton and family. Jason's Grandpa Hamilton and John's dad are brothers, both have passed on, but the hearts of their "fathers" have brought them to know each other and have enjoined family lines. John and Jason have spoken on occasion and hope to maybe meet each other in Texas at a future Hamilton Family Reunion. With John's help, Jason was able to "link" his family past his Great Grandpa Hamilton in Mississippi where he was stuck, back to Scotland, where he always felt his Hamilton family hailed from. He has since found out that his family on that side fought for freedom along side William Wallace!
-Jason's Aunt Lynette passed away in October and Heidi & Jason went to Vernal to spend time with family and honoring her memory.
-Jason found out he is really far-sighted & so much so, the doctor chuckled to know Jason does not "love" to read, as according to the eye doctor, his eyes have to work 2-3 times as hard to compensate. He may need readers soon and the doctor confirmed what Jason's Dad said, that the Hamilton left eye, is worse than the right.
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Seeing Richardson Family at the reunion this summer, outdoor adventures and hikes - at the lake at the hills, Toquerville falls, hidden haven, etc., Ireland and Scotland with Ireland and Heidi, also spending 1-on-1 time with Heidi ;-)
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Help Ireland learn to drive, plan a date with Heidi once a month.
HEIDI:
-In February, Heidi had the 3rd 40th sisterhood getaway. They went to Vegas and enjoyed a hotel and went to see Menopause the Musical. Then they hung out in St. George for more sister fun, food, crafts, and conversation. Unfortunately, it ended up also being a COVID party as Heidi, Trisha, and mom (and eventually Tiffany) ended up with COVID :(
-Much of Heidi's time continues to be taken up with her Young Women President calling. The girls decided to have a garage sale fundraiser for girls camp. LOTS of work, but thankfully successful. Camp was also a lot of work, but really great and she loved spending time with the girl.
-Heidi has been very involved in Share this year, helping with the walk and wave of light, as well as going to the hospital to help families that have lost babies. She's learned how to make molds and support those families going through this difficult time.
-With all five girls going to school, Heidi has had a bit more time during the day, though never enough ;) She has really enjoying going back to the gym, going on more hikes, reading and writing more, and keeping the house cleaner. She also helps out in Oaklyn's classroom once a week & has been helping her friend, Diane, at her Kanarraville glamping resort.
-We invested some of the SUU rental money this year, so we'll see what happens, but Heidi is continually on the lookout for cabins. So far, still too expensive though :(
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Sister get-together, getaways with her sweetheart and getting to see where her Grandma Dorothy lived in Belfast, Ireland and seeing all the gorgeous natural beauty of Ireland and Scotland.
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Another race with Kezia, time with family, family history and temple work, and Trek!
McKINLEY (17):
-Our McKinley is 17 years old and a Junior this year!
-In Babes in Toyland, McKinley played Jane and even had a love interest! She had fun and hopes to be able to one more play while she still is under 18!
-What a cello year for McKinley this past year! She got a 1- on her State solo & ensemble piece, The Swan, at State, her orchestra got a 1 on ALL their pieces at State, a Superior at Southern Utah Strings Festival, she played with Orchestra of Southern Utah, and even did a couple musical numbers in sacrament meeting. She is so accomplished and we LOVE to hear her play!
-Dances! In March, McKinley went to prom with Aiden Bell. In September, she went to Homecoming with Hayes Longhurst, and in November, she took Derek Wood to Sadie Hawkins :)
-McKinley went to the Piano Guys with mom, dad and the Potts in April. Super fun!
-Summer highlights - McKinley was a YCL at girls camp and had a great time and was so helpful and important to the success and spirit of camp! She also went to FSY for the first time & had a blast rooming with Emily Graff and being in the "Preach my Gospel" group. She learned so much and grew spiritually - she met some great people, some of whom she still texts. She was also a huge help with the girls while mom and dad were in Ireland. Not fun to do in the summer but she also took the ACT and did great!
-A couple high school parking lot fender-benders this year. One was the other girl's fault, the next was her fault. Thankfully, no one was hurt and not much damage (nothing would really look obvious on that van anyway) ;)
-McKinley's BFF Karmiyah, ended up getting a BF & going back to Parowan HS & decided to graduate a year early, so it's been tough to find time to hang out, but she loves to anytime she gets! Her other friends she sits with at lunch are Tsadakah, Peshanie, Jenzie, Ari, Eliza, Karlie, and Sabrina. She also still loves hanging out with Emma Manley when she has the chance!
-McKinley's Junior year schedule is pretty intense - 4 college classes, including AP Calculus, History 1700, English 1010, and Spanish 1010. She is super busy but doing well!
-McKinley is in a missionary prep class 2x/month and enjoys learning and being with her friends :)
-McKinley has been reading the Anne of Green Gables series this year in her "spare" time (which is really mostly just school breaks) and is loving it. It's been fun for mom to talk with her about them.
-After she came up with a contract, and we made a few adjustments, McKinley now has social media on Facebook and Instagram! She has only made one post on Instagram, but she enjoys seeing what others are up to and catching up. She also has Marco Polo on her phone and enjoys visiting with friends - and mom - on there :)
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Girls camp, FSY, and Prom :) Orchestra trips & Piano Guys, Date with Derek Wood, spending time with friends
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Trek & Girls Camp, CCCMT, job? Senior Year. The summertime!
IRELAND (15):
-Ireland is a Sophomore this year and continues to enjoy Launch HS (B days) and going at her own pace. She is taking Anatomy and Physiology this year and it's been tough but she's done well. Ireland's friends are Delilah, Mahina, and Annie. And she is texting at least 3 different guys right now :)
-This was Ireland's first year doing CCCMT and the director wondered why it took her so long! She immediately put her in a lead role playing the toymaker and a gypsy - did SO great! She really had it down so well and was so fun to watch!
-Ireland did a duet with Samantha Gardner for solo & ensemble this year & did great!
-Ireland is very creative - she is gifted in so many areas, including music, poetry, art and dance (as seen below)!
-Ireland and Scotland! We went for almost 3 weeks and it was really amazing. Ireland wished it wasn't so rush-rush from place to place, but we really did see some breath-taking amazing sights and it was neat to go to "her" country.
-Ireland enjoyed girls camp and especially FSY. She roomed with Annie Rupert and was in the "Go and Do" group. She grew so much spiritually AND got the best dancer award at the dance - who knew!!
-Mom & Ireland continue to enjoy reading Jane Austen (and the like) books. Right now, they're reading Jane Eyre. We usually read for a bit after she gets home from Launch, since she gets home before her sisters.
-Ireland is in concert band this month and also taking private flute lessons with Tanisa Crosby. She's excited for solo & ensemble next year!
-Ireland's favorite music artists right now Ed Shereen, Shawn Mendes, Claire Rosinkranz, Tate McCray, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Lauren Daigle, Adele, Olivia Roderigo and Sam Smith
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Being in CCCMT. Her favorite Ireland memory was the Gap of Dunloe, she loved the donkey cottage and the Cliffs of Moher & Giant's Causeway. In Scotland she liked the castles - especially the one with the hot tub. And she liked the church airbnb & hiking the Old Man of Storr.
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Driving, taking a college class, dating & dances :) Going to the Bear Lake Cabin. Getting a job!
KEZIA (13):
-7th grade this year has been a lot of homework - especially since she takes online health because of Spanish. She also does yearbook club for advisory and orchestra.
-Kezia was called to be the president of her young women's class this year and, though it's kept her very busy, she's done a great job!
-This year's CCCMT play was Kezia's favorite. Why? She got to play Roderigo, who was Gonzorgo's sidekick and Gonzorgo was Lauren Burgess, an awesome girl in our ward and good friends with Kezia. Kezia had SO much fun with the songs, dances, and stunts.
-Kezia is taking private violin lessons with Marin Colby and has grown so much! She is first chair in her intermediate orchestra and is sounding wonderful!
-Kezia is blessed with great friends that invite her to do awesome things! Here's just a few: House of Jump in St. George, a dodgeball tournament, rappelling, swimming at the Hobson's, Anne of Green Gables marathon, and going to the Piano Guys! Some of these friends are Macie Mitchell, Sophie Burgess, Berkley Roundy, Deni Delcore, Lori Bailey, Sarah Simmons, Tyler Bird, Ephraim Hardy, and Kylan Fielding.
-Kezia unexpectedly got a cat at the end of 2021 - Haylee! She is an energetic and fun cat and Kezia has had fun with her.
-Baking! Kezia has done a lot of it this year from English Biscuits to French Macarons, she has been practicing and delivering some yummy treats! She is working on perfecting the recipes to have a bake stand next year.
-Kezia decided to jump into cross-country at the end of the summer and she competed in all the races & did so well! She was usually about 7 minute miles and in the top 5 girls coming in. Mom and Kezia did a 10k trail race in October and Kezia was 2nd overall and 1st female! She got a $100 gift card for the St. George running store.
-For her birthday, mom and Kezia painted her room a bluish-gray.
-Kezia, once again, proved how amazing and creative she is by hand-making her Halloween costume - Sophie Foster. Sophie is her favorite character from the Keeper of the Lost Cities books and even through she didn’t end up getting brown contacts for her eyes, everything else was spot-on! Danell even helped her sew her cape and do a cool button.
-Kezia has almost $700 saved for her goal to go to France! She is an in-demand baby-sitter, she sells dog treats and baked goods, and whatever else she can do to earn money :) She is an entrepreneur by heart.
-Ireland is a Sophomore this year and continues to enjoy Launch HS (B days) and going at her own pace. She is taking Anatomy and Physiology this year and it's been tough but she's done well. Ireland's friends are Delilah, Mahina, and Annie. And she is texting at least 3 different guys right now :)
-This was Ireland's first year doing CCCMT and the director wondered why it took her so long! She immediately put her in a lead role playing the toymaker and a gypsy - did SO great! She really had it down so well and was so fun to watch!
-Ireland did a duet with Samantha Gardner for solo & ensemble this year & did great!
-Ireland is very creative - she is gifted in so many areas, including music, poetry, art and dance (as seen below)!
-Ireland and Scotland! We went for almost 3 weeks and it was really amazing. Ireland wished it wasn't so rush-rush from place to place, but we really did see some breath-taking amazing sights and it was neat to go to "her" country.
-Ireland enjoyed girls camp and especially FSY. She roomed with Annie Rupert and was in the "Go and Do" group. She grew so much spiritually AND got the best dancer award at the dance - who knew!!
-Mom & Ireland continue to enjoy reading Jane Austen (and the like) books. Right now, they're reading Jane Eyre. We usually read for a bit after she gets home from Launch, since she gets home before her sisters.
-Ireland is in concert band this month and also taking private flute lessons with Tanisa Crosby. She's excited for solo & ensemble next year!
-Ireland's favorite music artists right now Ed Shereen, Shawn Mendes, Claire Rosinkranz, Tate McCray, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Lauren Daigle, Adele, Olivia Roderigo and Sam Smith
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Being in CCCMT. Her favorite Ireland memory was the Gap of Dunloe, she loved the donkey cottage and the Cliffs of Moher & Giant's Causeway. In Scotland she liked the castles - especially the one with the hot tub. And she liked the church airbnb & hiking the Old Man of Storr.
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Driving, taking a college class, dating & dances :) Going to the Bear Lake Cabin. Getting a job!
KEZIA (13):
-7th grade this year has been a lot of homework - especially since she takes online health because of Spanish. She also does yearbook club for advisory and orchestra.
-Kezia was called to be the president of her young women's class this year and, though it's kept her very busy, she's done a great job!
-This year's CCCMT play was Kezia's favorite. Why? She got to play Roderigo, who was Gonzorgo's sidekick and Gonzorgo was Lauren Burgess, an awesome girl in our ward and good friends with Kezia. Kezia had SO much fun with the songs, dances, and stunts.
-Kezia is taking private violin lessons with Marin Colby and has grown so much! She is first chair in her intermediate orchestra and is sounding wonderful!
-Kezia is blessed with great friends that invite her to do awesome things! Here's just a few: House of Jump in St. George, a dodgeball tournament, rappelling, swimming at the Hobson's, Anne of Green Gables marathon, and going to the Piano Guys! Some of these friends are Macie Mitchell, Sophie Burgess, Berkley Roundy, Deni Delcore, Lori Bailey, Sarah Simmons, Tyler Bird, Ephraim Hardy, and Kylan Fielding.
-Kezia unexpectedly got a cat at the end of 2021 - Haylee! She is an energetic and fun cat and Kezia has had fun with her.
-Baking! Kezia has done a lot of it this year from English Biscuits to French Macarons, she has been practicing and delivering some yummy treats! She is working on perfecting the recipes to have a bake stand next year.
-Kezia decided to jump into cross-country at the end of the summer and she competed in all the races & did so well! She was usually about 7 minute miles and in the top 5 girls coming in. Mom and Kezia did a 10k trail race in October and Kezia was 2nd overall and 1st female! She got a $100 gift card for the St. George running store.
-For her birthday, mom and Kezia painted her room a bluish-gray.
-Kezia, once again, proved how amazing and creative she is by hand-making her Halloween costume - Sophie Foster. Sophie is her favorite character from the Keeper of the Lost Cities books and even through she didn’t end up getting brown contacts for her eyes, everything else was spot-on! Danell even helped her sew her cape and do a cool button.
-Kezia has almost $700 saved for her goal to go to France! She is an in-demand baby-sitter, she sells dog treats and baked goods, and whatever else she can do to earn money :) She is an entrepreneur by heart.
FAVORITE 2022 MEMORIES: CCCMT play & Piano Guys. Cross-Country races.
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Bear Lake Retreat, French bake stand, CCCMT play
LINK:
-Link would be a whole DECADE old this year! We continue to remember and honor him through Share and on his special days as well as doing family history and service. This year we're doing acts of service, recording them, and putting them in his stocking. We LOVE that Oaklyn made a really good friend in kindergarten this year, his name is Link, and we get to hear his name often. Link's most prominent love note this year was the ladybug. We saw them everywhere! And even Oaklyn's soccer team were the ladybugs! :)
NOELLE (8):
-Noelle is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. It's the first year she's had boy teachers (Mr. Neibur and Sr. Gabonal) and she really enjoys them. She even earned the Catch the Vision award and she has finished Lexia at the beginning of 3rd grade, even though it's supposed to go all the way through 5th grade! She continues to learn Spanish and do well.
-8 years old! A big year for miss Noelle-my-Belle! She got to have an Encanto Birthday party with lots of friends and she got baptized in May with lots of family coming to celebrate her - and have a yummy nacho bar :)
-Noelle went snow skiing for the first time this year and like the rest of her sisters, her daddy taught her how to ski and really did well & enjoyed it!
-Noelle was in the Babes in Toyland play and had a lot of fun!
-Soccer continues to be Noelle's first love. She plays almost every day at recess and she did great in her spring soccer season. Way to go Noelle!
-Noelle's dream came true by getting a cat after Christmas last year. Her name is Maylee. While she is not as friendly as her sister, Haylee, she is a sweet, but shy kitty and Noelle loves to try to get her to purr.
-We got Noelle back into swim lessons in the fall & she did really great! Progressed a lot and had fun.
-Noelle still loves to play Minecraft and watch Youtube videos about Minecraft and she also likes to watch Mr. Beast, Mark Rober and JK Studios, Tuttle Twins & Studio C. Also, of Daily Dose of Internet and Odd 1s Out and Ice Cream Sandwich.
-Noelle & Oaklyn still love playing outside with their friends, the Sundquist boys, Mateo and Charlotte and riding bikes around the neighborhood.
FAVORITE 2022 MEMORIES: CCCMT play, her 8th birthday party, Downata, swimming & soccer
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Doing CCCMT, Get better at soccer, learn new things
OAKLYN (6):
-Some firsts for Oaklyn this year! She was in the CCCMT play and she did soccer and swimming! In all this, her favorite part, of course, was meeting new friends :)
-Another first was starting Kindergarten. She is in all-day at East and has really enjoyed it. One of her favorite friends is a boy named Link. We just love that she is friends with him and we have met his family. They've even had some playdates. Oaklyn also likes to play with Amor and Izi. She really is a leader and a friend to many of her classmates. She also still loves neighborhood friends - Charlotte, Macie, Tucker, and Brielle. She still is very much a "mom - can I have ____ over today" girl.
-Oaklyn is getting better & better at reading and is solid on all the BOB books and knows over 50 sight words.
-Oaklyn had some really rough sleeping nights for a while. We decided to try to see if she could earn a kitty that projects stars if she stayed in her bed for a certain number of nights. She did it! And seems to be a better sleeper overall.
-For screen time, Oaklyn likes to watch YouTube magnetic balls, Mark Rober, and funny animal videos. She also likes to play Minecraft.
FAVORITE 2022 Memories: Going to the zoo with the Simons, going on all the waterslides at Downata, and learning to swim!
GOALS/ANTICIPATION: Another play, soccer, tying shoes, starting dual immersion.
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