August 22, 2011

I am sorry to get so far behind on the blog. We had a wonderful vacation to visit Jeff followed by visiting Julie and Jeff. I need to be off to work soon so I will give you details on our vacation in a later entry. I am sending now the news from our family spread throughout the world. Love Dad

Stacie' & Kevin's

8/15- 8/21

This week was a busy week for both Kevin & Stacie. Kevin spent the week in orientation preparing him to teach an introductory English course. For Stacie, the week was busy preparing and assisting with resident move-ins. However, they both enjoyed spending their evenings going out to dinner and watching movies together. On Thursday, Stacie lead out on a big project for work that she has been preparing for all summer. She was happy to see it succeed. On Saturday, Kevin was willing to come volunteer for her event, which she really appreciated. In the evening Stacie & Kevin had dinner with their friends, Jeramie, Clare, and Colleen. They were also joined by Kevin's professor, Dr. Domico. They enjoyed grilling and playing games all evening. They also enjoy playing with their friend's bulldog, Mycroft.

8/8- 8/14

This week was a busy and eventful one for both Kevin and Stacie. On Monday they enjoyed dinner with friends and then spent the evening helping Kevin pack for his trip to visit his family members in Utah. His brother-in-law, Brent, graduated from BYU this week with a Bachelor's in Geography. On Tuesday Stacie dropped Kevin off at the airport and then headed over for her first ultrasound appointment. Attached are pictures of their baby at 13 weeks. She was very happy to have the first opportunity to hear her baby's heartbeat, confirm that there is only one baby in there, and see a glimpse of their little one.


On Wednesday Kevin hiked to the Y with his dad. He enjoyed several opportunities to go hiking with his dad this week and looks forward to hiking more when his dad comes to visit in October. On Thursday he attended Brent's commencement ceremony and on Friday he attended the convocation ceremonies. He had another opportunity to go hiking with his dad and with his cousin, Cory. They hiked up Stewart Falls, which was beautiful with the cold waterfall at the end. In the evening his family enjoyed dinner at Tucanos, much to everyone else's jealousy (especially Stacie's). Meanwhile, in Albuquerque Stacie went to a doctor's appointment and then enjoyed a quiet evening at home scrapbooking.


On Saturday morning Stacie went out to a salon to get her haircut. She was looking forward to a bold transformation and certainly got it! Attached are pictures of her new haircut that is at least 10 inches shorter. She loves her new look and looks forward to taking less time to get ready in the morning (which Kevin surely appreciates too). Meanwhile, in Utah Kevin visited Salt Lake City with his family. They attended the Joseph Smith film and were surprised by some changes to the film. They also were able to walk around temple square and attend an organ practice in the old conference center.


Today Kevin was sad to leave his family, but happy to return home to Albuquerque. Stacie was very happy to have Kevin back home. They look forward to Kevin's last week before school begins.


Julie' & Jeff's News


This week has been busy with studies for Jeff's big test on the 30th. He has been working very hard on it and is beginning to see some good steps. We are hopeful that it will continue through the test. He is also hopeful for a possible management position that is opening up at his work since he is one of the senior employees with all the requirements, except one which he will have in a week most likely, that if it does open up he would be a leading candidate.


The baby's news is that it danced to "Coldplay" this week. Jeff and Julie got some gyros for their date night. All Julie has to say is... lamb.... YUM! OR pineapple pizza.. oh divinity! Although taco salad, at today's linger longer, was not such a good idea since it sent her running for the closest trash can in a crowded room.


Julie went to help her friend, Linda, at the fair with a special Olympics booth on Wednesday. Jeff joined her after his studies and had fun with the lively environment.




On Saturday, they went to an enchanted birthday party for their friend's 1 year old. They got some fairy wings and a knight's breast plate that went with the the theme of the fairy tea party. They were also graced with a phone call from Lanette whom was greatly concerned for the urgent need to use the bathroom, even though the closest bathroom they could get for her would be located in VA!



With many new move ins-in the ward Julie's primary and achievement day girls have grown quite large with more prospects to come. Apparently, James Madison University is extending its LDS population by hiring more and more professors that are moving into our ward. We are hopeful of it turning into the next BYU really soon! Although the dating pool here just got smaller since one of the three LDS boys here just got engaged to a new member. Emily is sure to get a few LDS professors when she comes out her next year!


Grant's News

Grant was excited to have the family get home this week from their vacation. The house was getting creepy so quiet. Plus, without Molly, rabbits were overrunning the yard. Work at Hudson's is going well, Grant is getting better shifts and is getting to know the other servers better. Unfortunately a bunch of servers are quitting with the start of the new school year, so he is sad that some of the people is has started enjoying working with won't be there soon.

Andy' & Melanie's News

8/15- 8/21

On Monday we went to meet Kayla and Haley’s teachers. Haley told me that she is old now because she is in first grade, as for me she is still our little Haley even though she is growing up quick. She started school on Tuesday and Kayla started Pre-K on Wednesday. They are both excited because we are carpooling with their friend Emma. Now that Kayla is going to school in the mornings I have a three hour break without kids. You would think I would be able to accomplish more things during that time but I have found myself getting very distracted when it comes to accomplishing tasks especially exercising. Andy moved from Kabul, Afghanistan this weekend to Qatar and the weather is extremely hot about 100-130 degrees and 100% humidity. He has to set up a shop from scratch because USAOF-A fuels have never set one up there before. Although he is in Qatar, he will be spending the majority of the time in Afghanistan doing the same job as before.

8/8- 8/14

This week the girls and I were soaking up the last few days of summer vacation. On Tuesday I was able to enjoy a session at the Denver temple while Haley and Kayla went to the zoo with their friend Emma and her family. On Wednesday we went to the library and then to the park with Haley’s friend Sydney. Haley has been a very good missionary to Sydney by telling her about primary and inviting her to church. She hasn’t come yet but we hope she will be able to come with us soon. It is truly amazing how a little child can have such a big influence on others. On Friday the girls and I spent the day at the Splash Pad with Sydney and her family. I was surprised that the girls actually wanted to stay for longer than one hour because the weather was not as warm as what it was forecasting. On Sunday I was grateful that Brother Stewart took my class while I went into the primary to hear Haley gave her talk. I heard from Andy on Monday, he said that they are going to be moving from Kabul so the address that I sent out last week is no longer the address for him. But when I get the new address I will send it out to everyone.

Jeff' and Renata's News


Our week went well.

I confess that I do not have a lot of news. Felipe. Lucas and Derick all sound well. Renata also appears to have enjoyed her week.

Today is father's day in Brazil. So to all the father's and especially the becoming fathers congratulations are in due.

Elsewhere know that we are well and wish the best to all.

Love,

Jeff


PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IT IS JEFF'S BIRTHDAY ON THE 31ST!!!!