2015
We have been settling into our “new” house this year, and the process recalls a few episodes of “This Old House.” We had to replace 2 furnaces, an A/C unit, 2 hot water heaters, do some re-ducting in conjunction with the HVAC work. Plus, we had a lovely episode of hot water spurting out of the wall (luckily mostly into the crawlspace) from a hole in a hot water pipe. The projects required the usual friendly flow of subs, for plumbing, drywall repair, flooring repair, tile, electrical, and painting. Dan Ord, our contractor, handled everything as smoothly as possible. Thank you, Dan!
We still love the peaceful area and count it a blessing to be able to live here. The sunsets are beautiful. This fall we have an abundance of kumquats, not many tangerines, and some other citrus heading into the spring. We had such a bumper crop of tangerines last year, and we can’t figure out why our luck didn’t hold this year. Luckily, David goes to the farmers’ market in Calabasas each Saturday morning, so we will be able to enjoy all the local citrus we want. But I did think my thumb had turned into a green thumb. Maybe not? I think it was just beginners luck!
We are looking forward to rain this year, with “El Nino” expected to bring lots of it. We have had to cut back on watering and have found many ways to be “water-wise.” We have planted a few corners of the yard in lovely and interesting succulents, which don’t require much water, and have changed over from spray irrigation to drip irrigation on many of the zones in the watering system.
KIDS:
One big piece of news this year is the arrival of Henry Arthur Child on July 29th. He is a wonderful addition to our family! Diane and David are thrilled to be Grandparents, and Daniel and Claire are exceptionally good parents. Henry is growing fast and thriving. Daniel continues work on the Phd portion of his MD/Phd with his work in genetics. This involves mice. And Huntington’s Disease. And writing grants. He teaches Primary in his ward, and plays his viola when he has time. Claire serves as the YW president, works at her physical therapy job a few days a week at the Hospital of UPenn, and cares for Henry Arthur, for which we are grateful.
Four Generations–Daniel, Aaron, Henry in arms, William H. Child aka Grandpa Bill, David
Claire and Henry
Aaron on the Rocks
Amelia Boomeranged (to our delight and entertainment). She graduated from the University of Utah in August with degrees in Human Development and Psychology, and moved back home. She is now working as a behavioral interventionist with autistic children in the area, continues riding and training horses, and serves as the Visiting Teaching Coordinator in the YSA ward. Becket the Boston Terrier is now happily hunting lizards daily in the back yard.
Jacob is in his sophomore year at Maryland Institute College of Art, taking classes in Drawing, Fibers, and The Black Death. He spent part of the summer in Venice taking classes and visiting many Biennial exhibits. He continues to paint wonderful art works, and Diane wants to buy them all.
Jacob on the Sand
Aaron is living in Utah in his own apartment and working at Momentum Rock Climbing Gyms as an IT specialist. He gets out on the outdoor rocks as much as possible too. He plays Guitar, Mandolin and sings vocals for an up-and-coming band named Forest Eyes. He also does recording session work, and plays with another group. He has enjoyed touring to LA and Idaho this fall, and we had a great band-in-residence week.
Diane continues riding horses, directing the choir, and planning trips to Philadelphia to visit Henry. She bought a new horse in the fall, Don Carlos, a dark chestnut 6-year-old Hanoverian cutie pie. She still enjoys riding sweet Elliot (also 6), when he is not getting stitches in his lip, or growing into his gangly legs. Zia is pregnant by the KWPN Stallion Connaisseur and her foal is due in June 2016. Then, a whole new adventure will begin!
David continues to serve as the Bishop of the Westlake Village Ward, which keeps him very busy. He dotes on Henry. He loves running, road biking, and has started to learn to surf. He picks up the Cello now and then. With Amelia’s return to the house, we all enjoy playing trios together in our spare time.
Our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2016.
Christmas All Year 