Christmas 2015
TL;DR - 2015 was the year that Todd & Lenore finally went on that cruise, Jensen came back from Poland, Lane graduated from high school and Ailsa seriously considered running away from Law School and everything to become a mermaid.
Todd & Lenore – Mom continues to stay busy and happy with her calling, and even recently got the opportunity to do something she loves but hasn’t had as part of her regular schedule in a while; she taught in Relief Society! Now that Lenore has heard about Exuma Island in the Bahamas, she wants to go swim with the pigs. Not dolphins! Pigs! I'm not sure Carnival has an excursion for that. Dad’s cycling met with some set-backs this year, but he still completed an impressive 2300+ miles, under the circumstances (about 7-8 weeks off the bike during the height of the season.) At least once, his misadventures prompted a lengthy debate about whether a certain arm was dislocated or if it was merely suffering under an especially nasty-looking hematoma. Even our neighbor nurse friend thought the elbow was seriously messed up (technical term). Ailsa: “Dad, it's not supposed to look like that.” Luckily, it was not dislocated and we all learned something about the importance and convenience of x-rays. He’s still the best sport around, living with four at least arguably traditionally feminine women who have officially subjected him to every period piece ever adapted to the screen by the artful BBC. As life continues to decline into political (and perhaps literal) apocalypse, we all must discover new ways to mentally, emotionally and physically navigate the unrest and constant demands of life. With some help and prompting from friends, both mom and dad have figured out that the best way to deal is to allow time to relax, and specifically to relax on a gigantic boat where you’re surrounded by delicious free food and entertainment and it’s really, really warm.
Lane – After successfully writing an 84 page graduation thesis on the religious history of basically everything since the dinosaurs. Lane received her diploma from Kimber Academy and immediately set about finalizing her plans to become a world renowned surgeon/Bond villain. Then she turned fifteen. She is by far the smartest person in the family, and will never allow that to be questioned. But, why would any of us question it? We’re all counting on her to let us live in her high-tech luxury volcano-powered secret lair one day. She’s also developed the absolutely charming habit of constantly singing full voice (especially in confined spaces like automobiles) to music that only she can hear through her earphones. And only she cares about. Specifically Twenty-One Pilots.
Jensen – Completed her full-time mission and learned to speak Polish with excellent proficiency, or so she tells all of us non-Polish speakers and we must only assume she is stating the truth. But, to the untrained (or trained) ear, it sounds like Lenore's childhood made up language: “Jiffy Dog Joe”. Jensen hadn’t been back five minutes and she started making plans to return to Poland next Spring. From her stories, we can’t really blame her. It sounds like she really found her geographical match and made a big impact on the mission, as well as allowed it to change her, and consequently, all of us, for the better. None of us even tries to pretend like Jensen isn’t the favorite in the family. She and the video game Fallout 4 met within weeks of her home-coming and we expect a happy announcement any day now. Jensen is currently performing seasonal work with the Post Office and treating all of your Holiday packages with the care they deserve.
Ailsa – Is still at BYU law school and DOESN’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT!. But she also went on a cruise, and honestly is enjoying her life genuinely, it’s not really that bad, she’s just a bit sleepy at the moment. Her greatest achievement is reaching the remarkable plateau of having 3 followers on her Instagram account.
We’re all looking forward to 2016, and to the great experiences we know are ahead. As another year closes out we can’t help but feel immensely blessed by God, and by our association with all of you, our sweet friends and family. May Heavenly Father bless and protect you, and may you all have a Merry Christmas!
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