Ella Pole Vault competition in Reno

 Ella has been loving pole vaulting.  She has done it all on her own.  Training and pushing herself.  Going to Reno was a big deal... all on her own... with her team from Utah Pole Vault.  So proud of her!

Christmas and New Years with the Harstons

We had a great time with the Harston family for New Year's.  We loved the cabin time.  We wish there had been more snow, but oh well.  Ella and Grace invited their friends.  Nolan and family came up for a day.  Jess got to iceskate on the Beaver Pond.  Jenny brought Minute to Win It games.  There was a fantastic puzzle to do.  We watched the final season of Stranger Things.  Darren hiked and took a nap.  I love the family time. 

 

Before going to the cabin, we went to see Wicked 2.  It was lovely.  Jenny also hosted a Favorite Things party with food and fun.  Everyone shared their favorites: tissues, eggs, caramel apples, pencils, cheese balls, chocolates...

My mom sent us this.  My Grandma Hatch made us all these dresses.  I am the shortest one with Candace on my left and Rachel on the right.  Emily Hatch and Holly Rupp are also there. 

December 2025

 December was so fun.  We had Charlie the Elf at our house.  He is always fun to wake up to.  

The weather was so warm.  No snow.  Darren and Ella did some mnt biking in short sleeves.  She is Darren's biking buddy, and he is going to miss her when she's gone.  Ella is a hard-working student.  We got a nice note from her teacher. Ella also sleeps.  I am always glad when she can catch a nap. 

Greetings,

I just wanted to reach out and express how much I have enjoyed having Ella in my government class. Ella is a sweetheart. I admire her ability to stay positive even when she is dealing with headaches. She is kind, creative, thoughtful, and hard-working. I have no doubt that she will go on to do amazing things.

Best,

Kami Merchant

My mom always does an amazing job of having grandkids put on the nativity.  Darren even had to participate because Tyler is gone.  Fun times with family.  

Jan Clayton was Tyler's organ teacher.  We are so grateful for her in our lives.  She wrote a note about Tyler to me. 

Thank you, Amy. Happiest birthday wishes to you and I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and happy new year. I sure enjoy reading Tyler's letters each week. I try to respond many times, but please know he is very special to me. When an Organ Student that is young, like he was at age nine, moves so quickly to become competent (and continues his piano studies) as well as Tyler dia, it's very encouraging to their teachers. He represents a small percentage of students who perform at the level he performs. He's also a natural born leader and is overcoming the huge difficulty of serving in a country so challenging to serve in as Finland is.

St George with just 4 of us

We had an action packed 2 week winter break.  It was so wise of Darren to suggest we go to St George for some family time.  We watched movies, sat in the hot tub, hiked to Hellhole and enjoyed the river.  We even jumped in the river and then back into our puffy coats.  Sleeping in, going to church and playing games at each meal is wonderful. 

 

Balls Family Christmas

As we are enjoying the holidays in Utah, Tyler had a fantastic time in Finland.  They had time with good families.  Many of their new converts were there also.  So grateful for good people all around the world.  

Ranell came into town.  We opened presents at 6:00 am with Verenna and Hadley.  It was a lovely, cozy day of filled with family time and a nice hike and walk.  We even had a singing show with Hadley. We got to talk to Tyler, which was great.