From AF: Hey There!

Dear Family, Wow...the past few months have been a whirlwind like no other. Busy, busy, busy. Thankfully the Lord compensates us and keeps us sane amidst it all as we try and do the most important things first and keep a proper eternal perspective. As I (Ryan) have been a slacker in getting an entry out (Jenn and I take turns and it's been my turn for several months now...sorry!) I'll just do a short blurb on each of us:

Jenn: Jenn's plate has been full to overflowing lately. Who knew that Young Women's would entail so much time, energy, and emotion? She's doing a great job though and has some good counselors to lean on. With Girls Camp coming up, she's getting ready for that amdist preparing other activities, occasional Sunday lessons, helping adivsors understand their role (and not dip too far into the budget!), having 1x1 sessions with troubled young women, sitting in on missionary lessons for one of the girls...and the list goes on. Amazingly she still keeps up her primary role as a wife and mother and often sacrifices time she'd otherwise spend to relax for a few minutes to play with the kids, support her husband, and help others. She also just got done with the dance recital and choreographed some great dances for Lydia and Rebekah (Sarah has a different teacher). We just missed seeing her dance herself in the recital this year!

Ryan: Well, I got released a few weeks ago from the high council after serving in that position for 3 1/2 years. It was a difficult release and I've been coping with some feelings of sadness since I truly did enjoy all that the calling entailed (I admit though, after giving 40+ talks, I think I won't miss that). The bishop called me in just this last Sunday to put me to work as the Marriage and Family Relations teacher AND as the Outdoor/Activity Scout Chair. I'm not overly thrilled about the latter, but I think it will be fun to teach the Marriage & Family course. Other than that, I've just been busy at work (and still grateful to have a job after some massive layoffs) and have been spending lots of time with the kids in the evenings in support of my good wife.

Rebekah: Has enjoyed increased babysitting responsibilities, did a fantastic job in the dance recital, loves her friends, and is excited for school to be out! She's growing up faster than Jenn and I care to realize. But she sets such a good example and are grateful for all she does to help out and serve others.

Joshua: Is finshing up his soccer league (thanks to Mom, Dad, and Hyrum who saw him play), has been engrossed in origami lately (he's getting very good and he taught us all how to make a few things for FHE the other nights), loves playing with friends, and is happy to be in scouts.

Lydia: has caught onto reading (Junie B. Jones series) and is doing a great job learning lots of words. She has enjoyed her year at kindergarten but is anxious to move on to 1st grade. She's also enjoyed her year of dance...but...she's going to take a year off next year and try something new: Karate! Hmmm. We'll have to see how THAT goes.

Sarah: Besides going through a whiney/demanding phase lately, Sarah is a cutie. She will greatly miss dance class and preschool (as those were the highlights of her week...."Is it dance class today?" she's ask everyday when she woke up) BUT she is excited for some summer activities and loves dressing up as a princess, working on puzzles, and playing with Matthias.

Matthias: has made the transition to Nursery! WhoooHoo. Now mom and dad can enjoy Sunday School together. This kid just continues to grow and get into EVERYTHING. He also draws on everything. And his new found love is popsicles (as our kitchen floor with sticky spots can attest to). The big news on Matthias is he's going in for some ear tube surgery on Tuesday (26th) as he's had one ear infection after another for many months now.

We appreciate everyone's updates and for your love and support. Thanks to all those who were able to come to the dance concert. BY THE WAY, if you missed the dance concert, you can click HERE (Part 1) and HERE (Part 2) to see it on YouTube. Part 1 includes the dances of Sarah and Lydia and Part 2 includes the two dances of Rebekah. Enjoy!

Some pics from our trip to Zion's National Park: