A few weeks ago I saw the most amazing sight as I waited with Hannah at her bus stop early one morning. The flight pattern must have been a bit different that day because it doesn't always look like this. I watched as planes departed for different destinations leaving behind evidence of where they had been. At first there were just a few trails and within ten minutes many. It made me think of life and those who have influenced us over the years. Some have played a major role, some were just passing through and although life may have taken us to different destinations we have been blessed by so many and hopefully our paths will cross again.Happy New Year and Happy Trails!
January 8th, 2010
Happy New Year!
It was fun getting Christmas Cards and letters from so many friends and family members. I’ve had a box of Christmas cards sitting on my desk since Thanksgiving. I started a few drafts for a Christmas letter, but I easily get distracted and never quite got around to finishing one. So you are getting a New Year’s letter instead.
It is hard to believe that a year ago this weekend we were in St. George, Utah for the wedding of Elizabeth to Chad Moore. They will celebrate their anniversary this Sunday, January 10th. After spending Christmas with them, we were reminded just how blessed we are. They are so happy and take good care of each other. Chad is amazing. We all love him and are grateful that he chose to become a member of our crazy family. He fits right in and is always the first to help and get things done.
Chad and Elizabeth were in California from May until the end of September where they both worked for ADT Security. Chad was the leading tech for the summer and has been asked to go back as a supervisor next summer, but one summer may have been enough. Elizabeth worked in the office. She was able o get a taste of California where she has always dreamed of living. She now feels it is a nice place to visit, no need to live there. They are now in Provo going to school. Elizabeth is studying computer aided graphic design and Chad is studying business.
Matt has spent the past few years working on pipeline projects in New York and Pennsylvania as a right-a-way agent. In April Hannah and I joined him in western Pennsylvania. He is working on projects in both P.A. and West Virginia. It is great to be together as a family and we enjoy being so close to Pittsburgh. We can be down town in 25 minutes, but where we live feels almost rural. We have museum passes that allow us access to art museums, science museums, a natural history museum and a sports center. We can also take up to eight guests with us. You are all invited.
We are learning that if you have the right clothes, the cold isn’t so bad. Matt made sure that we have plenty of winter wear. A few days after Christmas we went tubing at Seven Springs Resort and then the guys went skiing and snowboarding. (We had Elizabeth, Chad, Matt’s sister Judy, her son Morgan and Matt’s mom here with us for the holidays.) Chad built a cool sledding run down the hill beside our house. Morgan and Hannah really enjoyed it. For a bunch of Floridians we are doing alright in this white stuff they call snow.
Hannah has been amazing through all the changes this past year. She is most comfortable when she knows the routine and schedule. For someone who lived in the same house and went to the same school all her life she has adjusted well. She is a 5th grader in an intermediate school that is just 5th and 6th graders. We had debated the pros and cons of moving during spring break last year or waiting until school got out. Moving earlier allowed her to make friends in elementary school and I think it really helped her feel confident this year. She is on the “A” honor roll. Friday she had her first snow day.
At ten and a half Hannah is almost as tall as me and is taller than Elizabeth. She is growing into a beautiful young woman. She has her first official babysitting job in a few weeks. Both Hannah and Matt are taking piano lessons and Hannah plays all the time. A friend taught her how to play “Heart and Soul” and we hear it often. Hannah says it makes her feel good to play. I say play on!
We miss our family and friends in Florida, but our new ward has been wonderful. Hannah has made some great friends and so have we. It does help to be involved. Matt and I both were called to serve on the Activities Committee right away. That allowed us to serve and get to know members of our new ward. Matt is now the Gospel Doctrine Teacher and I am the Young Women’s President. We only have three active girls so we have some work to do.
We are looking forward to great new year and hope that you are too. If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area you’ve got a place to stay!
Lots of love! Kenna, Matt and Hannah
1 comment:
You guys sound like you're acclamated to your winter wonderland!! We had some COLD weather here for about 2 weeks straight and I thought we were going to die! The 'snow' we received actually stayed on the ground for quite a few hours. I'll be waiting for that picture!
Post a Comment