2017
has been full of adventures for us.
The biggest adventure we went on was when
Sam’s employment with LDS Employment Resource Services ended in February. He
spent months interviewing around Utah, Oregon, Illinois and Idaho. In August he was offered, and accepted, a job
as the Executive Director of the South Coast Development Council. So, we loaded
a moving truck and moved to Coos Bay, Oregon. We spent 2 weeks in vacation
rental, so the kids could start school, while we closed on our house. We are
settling in nicely and have a guest room, so you are always welcome to come for
a visit. Yes, we are only a 10-minute drive away from the beach.
Seth, played a great spring baseball
season in Hurricane. While in Hurricane, he loved spending time helping Papa on
the farm. He even got to drive the tractor and the farm truck. He took 1st place for his grade
and 1st place for his whole school in the arts competition for a
poem that he wrote. Seth and Chris attended Animal Camp at Best Friends Animal
Sanctuary this summer and loved being with all the animals. Seth started the 4th
grade at the middle school in Oregon. He has loved being at the ocean and
participating in Surf Camp. Seth adopted Jerry, a Great Pyrenees, for his 10th
birthday and they have become the best of friends.
Chris had a busy year. He was baptized into the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on his 8th Birthday, the day
before we loaded the truck. He was supported by lots of friends and family for
which we are so very grateful. Chris took 1st place for his grade in
the school Science Fair and 2nd place in the District Science Fair. He
broke boards and leveled up in Karate, played Soccer, is playing basketball, rode
the waves at Surf Camp and started the 2nd grade after the move. He
adopted a Kitty, Tuxedo, for his 8th Birthday and that kitty adores
him.
Lexi is still full of sass and all the
spunk you can handle. She performed in her first dance recital this May. She
even convinced her Daddy to dance in the Daddy Daughter Dance performance. She
loved being in the spotlight. She loved preschool everyday and was so excited
to start Kindergarten after the move. She is thriving in school. You can often
find her with her nose in a book. She has been doing cheer-leading through 2
different programs and even got to cheer at the High School football game.
Marie is living with a nice family in Utah. She works as a Special Ed Bus Aide and is registered to start Culinary School next year. She is active in her YSA ward and has started dating and learning to drive. She was able to come to Oregon for Thanksgiving.
Andrea is still driving carpool,
running kids to their activities and trying to keep up. Since the move, she has
started subbing at the kids’ schools. She also started back to school to get
her Oregon’s teaching license and Special Education endorsement. Yes, Andrea
went back to school again to get another degree.
Sam is loving
his new job. He gets to do lots of fun and exciting things like ride jet boats
up the river, touring deadliest catch fishing boats, and working with businesses
up and down the South Coast. He has made enormous progress, but his job is
still secure because there is still a lot to do.
Seas
and Sun Greetings from our Family to Yours!
Love, Sam, Andrea, Seth,
Chris, Lexi and Marie
