2019 Is Off and Running

Bethany had a big day last Saturday, January 5th-- call backs for Young Performing Missionaries in Nauvoo this summer.  It was a ten hour audition day and SPOILER ALERT: She didn't make it.  But it was a wonderful experience and she learned and grew so much in the process of preparing.  It really was a wonderful senior project for her.  She worked so hard on her vocals and found she absolutely loves to sing and developed a real talent I didn't know she had.  We are so very proud of her.

The age range for the YPM's is 18-25 and Bethany will turn 18 in march (gasp!)  She was likely the youngest person at call backs and although she was disappointed, she trusts that it's all according to God's plan.  She is looking forward to a fabulous summer working, going on Trek, and being in a play here at home.  I would have loved for her to have the experience, but I also love the idea of having her home for one more summer.  I delight in her company. 

Her longest-time and dear friend Raven also went to call backs and didn't get a YPM spot either.  Bummer for us because we won't get to go out and see them perform, but exciting to see what other adventures life has in store for them. 

Although it wasn't of the same importance as Bethany's big audition day, January 5th was also the opening meet of the Utah Red Rocks gymnastics team.  This is our third year with season tickets and it's really a lot of fun.  This was part of Faith's Christmas. 

Faith was so happy to bring her best CHUM along for the meet. They are silly and sweet and awesome.

I don't have a picture of this next thing, but Cannon is really excited to be back in another Ballet West production!  He was invited him to be in Swan Lake-- rehearsals have already begun and the show opens February 8th.  This boy was so happy (and sore) to be back dancing after the two week break.  

Elinor and Abe at her last home swim meet this season.  Riverton swims against their rival Herriman this week.  Next up is regionals and then prepping for her favorite thing-- WATER POLO!

Elinor saw this picture and said, "Wow!  I'm really tall!"

Uh.. yeah you sure are.  

It's interesting and challenging at times for Elinor to work so hard, so many hours and measure her improvements in hundredths and thousandths of seconds.  The coaches really break their bodies down during the season, especially in December, and then taper in the last couple of weeks to get their fastest times at regions in January. 

I find it so interesting, because that's how it is in life.  We don't see much progress, we get feeling frustrating with our own lack of progress and then suddenly what used to be difficult and/or impossible, suddenly becomes easy.  Our part is to continue to work and trust the process.  Trust the coaches. Trust that practice will work a miracle-- it will make the impossible, possible.

Faith did a brave thing last week.  She tried out for the rec. league swim team and she made it.  This girl is strong, strong, strong-- but has never been a great swimmer.  That's about to change, but the tryout was hard for her, and she did it!  

2019 is off to a very full start, but we love it and we wouldn't want it any other way.