Hello dear friends and family! A little update on the goings-on in our family.
Andrew has been at home with us the past several months. He has experienced some health struggles but we see improvement each week and are proud of the progress he makes each day. He’s a big help around the house, tutoring Joseph and teaching his other brothers as well. It’s been great having his contagious laugh around the house again!
Chandler and Rachel are living at Wyview in Provo. Chandler is in his last year of mechanical engineering at BYU. We again enjoyed having them live with us over the summer as Chandler had an internship at Nexteer. They announced their second pregnancy shortly after their arrival to Michigan, and Sherie and Rachel had the time of their lives planning a fun gender reveal party while they were here! The drop of pink balloons and confetti was welcomed with shouts of joy and applause! This first Boss girl was born into the world on December 7th. Olivia Rachel was born weighing 7 lbs 9 oz. and is just a beautiful sweet piece of heaven. James is a great older brother already and adjusting well.
Jordan continues working at Great Clips, and also gives some of the family haircuts from time to time! He is Clayton’s piano teacher and shows a lot of patience as he teaches him. We are so proud of all that Jordan has accomplished so far in his life! He is doing this adult thing pretty darn well. Each time he and Donny visit, the house erupts with joyful glee. He is always so good at playing with his younger brothers and developing meaningful relationships with each one.
Seth (Elder Boss) is in his second year of his mission in the Arizona Flagstaff mission. He’s currently serving as Zone leader and has been in Cottonwood since August. He is often so busy that we don’t have time for a call each week, but we always at least get to have a nice chat over text. He’s had a lot of musical opportunities as a missionary. One tender mercy is that a member had an extra cello she was willing to lend out to him so he could play some musical arrangements. He also used his musical arranging skills to arrange a musical number with piano, cello and a full choir for zone conference. We’re looking forward to talking to him both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Michael is in his Senior year and close to finishing high school for good! He is planning to graduate midyear, and work till he goes to BYU (Provo or Idaho, undecided at the moment) next fall. He continues to develop his piano skills, and even has picked the cello back up from time to time. Mike participated in Ultimate Frisbee again this year; his team won state! He has also continued to advance his skills and physical prowess through Kung Fu and also loves to run, and play golf, basketball and volleyball. Michael continues to amaze us with his mind - he makes amazing connections and conversations with him are always extraordinarily stimulating. His quick wit is unmatched! Michael currently serves on the Stake Youth Committee and as a Priests Quorum Assistant.
Bentley is in 8th grade and rocking the middle school life. He has participated in cross country and just finished the swim season. He surpassed all of his previous best times quite significantly in both sports! Over the summer he also took golf and tennis lessons. I think he would have a hard time picking his favorite sport - he seems to love them all! Despite the busy-ness from sports practices, he continues to maintain straight A’s. He takes his church responsibilities seriously too as he serves as Deacon’s Quorum secretary, creating agendas, teaching lessons and keeping the quorum’s schedule updated. He continues to astound us with his bright mind.
Clayton is in 4th grade and doing very well. His work is always neat and he continues to excel in math and science. The reading bug has bit, and Clayton may never recover! He is always found with a book in hand, and his nightstand is stacked high with books. This is a good time to mention that we got a new puppy this year named Lexi, a sweet cavapoo. The giggles that dog brings out of Clayton are unforgettable! Clayton is definitely her second favorite (Dad, once again, holds top spot for the dog’s favorite). We still have Ellie too, but she is showing her age at 15+ years. Clayton continues to love to swim, takes Kung Fu, took golf and tennis lessons over the summer and has continued with tennis lessons during the school year. He loves both golf and tennis equally!
Joseph is in Kindergarten and is an entertaining ball of energy. He struggles with staying on task and sitting still, but is a bright and happy boy. His reading skills improve daily and like his brothers, he loves math. He makes us laugh daily, and is also kindhearted and giving. One of his favorite pastimes is doing science experiments, which he likes to do “all by himself” as much as possible (!). Joseph loved taking tennis lessons this summer, doing kung fu, and is interested in starting some gymnastics classes in the new year. He continues to LOVE swimming and summertime is full of favorite outdoor activities, beachtime, outdoor fun and camping. He is still obsessed with Mario and will get lost in screens if left to it, but he’s always up for new adventures.
Greg continues to work for Optum (a division of United Health Group) as Chief Architect for Strategic Platform. This spring he was called to 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency. Thursday evenings and much of Sundays are spent in that service, but he loves people and loves his calling. He still finds time to fix everything around the house and be an amazing dad and husband.
Most of our vacations this year were shorter and close to home. The family spent a few days in Traverse City at Great Wolf Lodge in the spring. In May, we traveled to Ohio for the Columbus temple open house. While in the area, we picked up a cavapoo puppy that is now part of the family - Lexi fits in just perfect. We went to Cedar Point a couple of times this year. Greg and Sherie spent a week in Utah over the summer celebrating an early surprise 80th birthday for Sherie’ mom. The family also enjoyed a week long vacation in the Upper Peninsula, where we camped on Lake Superior.
We send our love to each of you this blessed Christmas season!
Love,
Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler (& Rachel, James & Olivia). Jordan, Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton & Joseph
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