As promised, the Christmas News for 2013 will be short and sweet. We continue to live in Westlake Village and love it! We have had an eventful year! Here are some highlights.
Aaron Graduated from Berklee College of Contemporary Music
Aaron graduated from Berklee School of Contemporary Music in Boston in May (then finished up the summer semester). He had some good rock climbing this summer and moved to Utah where he lives in our home in Provo. He has a degree in Professional Music, so if you need a jingle, film score, TV music or just a nice theme to back up your Christmas newsletter, let him know.
How does he do that?
Amelia continues to ride horses. And more horses. She is now employed as Assistant Trainer to Sue Martin and rides between 2-10 horses a day, including jumper horses for the jumper trainers at the barn. They are finding that the horses feel a lot better after time with Amelia. Amelia was invited to compete in the NAJYRC (North American Junior/Young Rider Championships) in Kentucky in July! After 5 years, she acheived her goal of riding for a team to compete at this International competition, for Region 5. We made the trip to Kentucky and cheered her on. Veto was fabulous, and Team Child took 9th place out of a field of 40; Region 5 team took Bronze. She also teaches Dressage lessons, including Diane on her horses. She is a GREAT teacher! Amelia continues her online studies at the U of U, where she is majoring in Psychology and Human Development. She likes to bike and run, and runs after Beckett day and night. Amelia was in a wedding this October in Utah for her friend Kacie. David performed the ceremony, and Amelia was the Maid of Honor.
What a great team!
Jacob is a Senior! Can’t believe our baby is grown up. He is still the artist in our family, and his favorite acquisition this year was a plaster head, with the muscles revealed on one side. Charlie (the head) is well represented in Jacob’s sketchbook. Jacob submitted 2 paintings to a plein air competition this fall. He is preparing a portfolio to help him as he applies to art schools and art programs for next year. He has taken up running, and loves to hit the trails with his new mountain bike.
Daniel and Claire are continuing their adventure in Iowa. They have taken some great trips to Chicago and Mt. Vernon Iowa, where there is a great little restaurant called the Lincoln Cafe. We spent Thanksgiving with them and Daniel revealed his talents in legal Mormon smoking as he brined and smoked the best turkey ever. Daniel is in the middle of his second year of Medical School at the University of Iowa. Claire continues her work as a physical therapist, specializing in the cardiac unit. She got a great job offer at the University of Iowa, so she and Daniel are closer in proximity each day. They adopted a dog, Freya, who loves to curl up at Daniel’s feet as he studies. Daniel and Claire are also happily moved in to their first home. Life is good!
Daniel & Claire after mountain biking with us in Crested Butte, CO
David was called to serve as the Bishop of the Westlake Village Ward in June. He now spends his Sundays and a few other days of the week doing Church Service and we have learned “You can run but you cannot hide.” He loves working with the youth and serving the wonderful members in this area. He continues to ride his road bike, run (road and trail), and study Pilates in his free time.
Diane continues to direct the choir, ride horses and play music. Elliot is her newest horse–a 4 year old Dutch Warmblood whose sire is Apache. He is very sweet and willing, as well as having a wonderful canter. She continues to learn from Madore (age 17) and Zia (age 9). Diane has spent a lot of time traveling this year to Utah as she completes the outside of the Barn/Arena in the Heber Valley. She also loves helping Amelia with her competitions and studying Pilates.
The New Boy!
Since we are going to be in Westlake Village for 5 more years while David serves as Bishop, we decided to buy a house. We are now painting, replacing carpet, and having fun sprucing up a beautiful California-style Mediterranean house on a beautiful, quiet cul-de-sac. We are happy to put down some roots in a community that has welcomed us so warmly.
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Lots of Love from Our Family to Yours
- Jacob at Stewart Falls
Christmas All Year 
It’s great to see how your beautiful family is doing. Vern and I had to do a double take when we saw the picture of Daniel – he looks so much like David when we first met you guys! Thanks for sharing, we love you guys!
Loved reading your update!!! Everyone looks so healthy and happy!! Miss you all. XO