Merry Christmas! We have had
an incredible 2016!
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| From Hawaii |
In April, we were able to go to Hawaii for the first time for Joanne’s
birthday. We went to the island of Oahu and spent about five days. We went to the Polynesia Cultural Center,
attended the Laie Temple, soaked up the sun on the beach (several times), went
snorkeling, toured the Dole Pineapple Plantation (a few times because of their
delicious pineapple whips), climbed Diamond Head, shopped in Honolulu, strolled
Waikiki Beach, and visited various other places along roadways we took to see
the sights. We took—or should we say, Darrel took—lots of pictures.
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| Waiting on the wagon for the ride through the cornfield and pumpkin patch |
Emiline and William were able to spend a couple of weekends with us. We
had a ton of fun. Springville has a new little lake with a beach. They loved
going there. Also, we went to the Springville pumpkin patch this year. Instead
of a sand box, they had a huge corn box, filled with kernels of corn. They
didn’t want to leave. Anna Rose and Christiaan were able to go on a river
cruise in Europe and spent some extra time going to Norway.
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| On our way to the Grotto |
Hailey and Joseph did a major move this summer, moving from Kansas to
Washington. Joseph is now a math teacher at Eastern Washington University in
Cheney, Washington. On their way to Washington, they were able to come for a
week or so and spend some time with us. When they were here, we went on a hike
up Payson Canyon to a little waterfall. Plus, we went to the little beach here
in Springville. While the water was freezing cold, they still played and played
and played. They came out popsicles; yet, they loved it.
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| At the pumpkin patch |
Darrel was able to go to his 40th high school reunion, one
year late, at the Rigby Lake in Rigby, Idaho. What a great experience to see many
of his friends whom he hadn’t seen in years. They are all looking pretty good
for being a little older, some a little grayer, and most way wiser.
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| Darrel took a watercolor class. |
Darrel was promoted to Associate Vice President, Academic Outreach and
Economic Development at Utah Valley University, Utah’s largest public
university. He is having a good time. In January, he was called to serve as a
counselor in one of the Young Single Adult Wards (YSA) in Provo; then, in
August, he was called to serve as a Bishop in a newly organized Provo YSA ward.
We are enjoying our time with these YSAers. Our ward is a little older than
most. Many of them are young professionals or going to graduate school although
we do have a few of the 18-year-olds but not many. They have something going on
almost every evening. They will keep us young.
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| The little dudes this summer |
Joanne continues to work part time at the BYU Health Center. She also
volunteers at the new Provo City Center Temple on Thursday mornings. Plus, she
has taken several cooking courses through UVU’s Professional and Continuing
Education program. Darrel is definitely the beneficiary of her class projects.
She has been successful in learning how to cook new, delicious entrees,
desserts, soups, and pasta sauces.
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| Our family at Thanksgiving |
We had Thanksgiving at Hailey and Joseph’s new place in Cheney,
Washington. Anna Rose, Christiaan, and their little family drove up. We had a
glorious three days with all of them. We walked the Turkey Trot, ate lots of
food, played games, put together a puzzle, and did our traditional thing of
going to a movie (Fantastic Beasts and
Where to Find Them). The cousins got along amazingly well. Emiline (7)
became the surrogate mother to Avonlea (2); William (4.5) and Clark (4) played
well together. We did take a family photo while we were all there. Thus, we are
using it as our Christmas photo. It is amazing how much everyone has grown this
year. It was nice to be with them.
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| Emiline and Avonlea |
Christmas will be quiet here as Anna Rose and Christiaan are going to
California, and Hailey and Joseph are going to Seattle side of Washington—all
to be with their in-laws. I guess we have to share. We may go some place warm.
We are still deciding.
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| Hailey, Joanne, Darrel, & Anna Rose |
We wish you all a huge MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year. We know
2017 will be an incredible year for all of us. We love you all!
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2 comments:
Beautiful letter and family! Thank you for sharing with some of us that aren't family but most definitely are friends! Merry Christmas you two ������
O how we love the Hammon Family! Thank you for sharing your events and travels of 2016 with us. You inspire me with all of your accomplishments! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Yates Family!
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