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Feel free to make comments. If you're not currently on the blog (but want to be), e-mail me your blurb and photo, and I'll put it on the site asap.  --Shannon

Howard Family: Did Ya Hear About the Ash Cloud?

Once upon a time, Travis and I were enjoying a romantic, luxurious, culturally stimulating river cruise along the Rhine (Note: I highly recommend this trip. Use Uniworld or Avalon!) . . . And then the Icelandic volcano, lovingly known as Eyjafjallajökull, erupted and spewed dangerous ash all over Europe--which stranded us in Switzerland for six days, post-cruise.

Now, before you role your eyes in lack of sympathy for any person stranded anywhere in Europe, please know that during this crisis, we had NO IDEA how long planes would be grounded or when we could secure a flight reservation (since we were fighting against 1,000s of other stranded passengers in a very unorganized first-come-first-serve transportation process) to return to our darling and distressed sons.

To make a long and stressful story bearable, I will summarize and say that we DID indeed get home, and in that fateful interim, we also got to spend two unexpected days in London (where Travis was pick pocketed on the tube, but that's another story entirely), and it was sunny and warm (our consolation for being marooned--or for being robbed?) Still, I love London and was really happy we had trip insurance to cover the expensive London hotel and the even more expensive Swiss spaghetti!

Another adventure (though more certain and probably less exciting) was our move to Gilbert, AZ, in June. We are in a very family-friendly town with cornfields next to Targets (so charming!), great schools, and a temple under construction. Our boys (Spencer, 15--with a driver's permit; Nathan, 13; Nicholas, almost 10;  Joshua, 5) have adjusted well. Travis is pretty busy working between 3 hospitals. I am doing some editing work from home. Spencer is becoming quite talented at the guitar. Nathan loves fencing! Nicholas just aced the gifted placement math exam. Joshua is almost literate and just lost his first tooth.

Gilbert Family: How Do They Do It All?

The Gilberts are happy to be celebrating the 2nd Christmas in our Bountiful home.  We love our life in Utah but still have heartache for all the friends we moved away from in Rexburg and Boston.  We love this time of year to reconnect again with so many dear friends.

We live in a busy household!  I'm not sure what is more consuming, our seven children or a husband running two companies.  Clark was asked to step on board the Deseret News earlier this year to get it running more efficiently.  This would have been a big job in and of itself but he was asked to do this while at the same time continuing to run the church's media company, Deseret Digital Media (over deseretbook.com, KSL.com, and deseretnews.com).  I'm glad it's him and not me because I'm not sure how he responds to so many emails & employees while keeping up with a changing newspaper every minute of the day.

When I think of all of this, I am happy to be the one who is chasing after our seven very active and energetic children (James-14, Paige-10, John-8, Emma-5, Mary-3, Grace-3 and Lucy-2).  It is always a new challenge as our kids go through new stages. Sometimes I feel a little bit split with a couple of children still in diapers but also a teenager and everything in between.  Beyond work and family, we keep busy with skiing in the winter, football in the fall, swimming in the summer, and as much travel as we can sneak in here and there.  We are planning a trip with our oldest children to London this summer and really looking forward to showing them the great city I fell in love with almost 20 years ago (can it really be that long??).

I love when I run into our Study abroad friends here and there.  Just tonight, Rachel Pike's adorable daughter Savannah got a run for her money as she babysat our little girls while we went to a show with Kristen Lee and her darling family. I felt like I was re-living study abroad all over again!  I love hearing about all of you and once in a while getting to be together.  Hope this holiday season finds you all happy!!

Woods Family: "Would Somebody Hold This Baby While I Type?"

I can’t be witty or fun in this update due to baby #5 hanging from my arm 21 hours a day, every day.  That’s right.  Baby #5 born September 7 of this year, the first day of school.  A fourth girl! (My poor son Leo!)  While she is fabulous and delicious, she is not a sleeper and is currently aging me every minute of those 21 hours.  I’ve decided this is what they do to torture POWs in wars—send newborn babies to wake up the prisoners every 2 hours for months to make said prisoners feel guilty for momentarily resenting the adorable babes who woke them because they are so freakin’ cute and helpless.  I love her.  Her name is Spring Beverly (Beverly is my mother’s name). 

Other than that, I have 4 children in 4 different schools (pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school) and it’s currently kicking my touschey.  I sold my card business, and when I have time, I write.  Or shower.

I love seeing Justin Bentley around these parts but we could use some more company so come on down to the beach!

(P.S. look how well Taylor is aging.  Nary a wrinkle and his weight hasn’t fluctuated.  What?  Not fair.)

Pike Family: Premier Marathon!

Rachel's 3 children are--Daisy (15), Savannah (13), and Tucker (12).

Rachel ran her first marathon in St. George in October!

Thompson Family: Graduation Bandwagon

The Thompson family is doing great!  Our three kids are wonderful but we often wonder why they are so disobedient when we tell them to stop growing and they continue to do it.  Kaley is now 13 and in 8^th grade. She loves to play the violin and piano.  Rachel is nearly 11 and loves, and I mean loves, her 5^th grade class – between us we are pretty sure she has a secret crush on her teacher. She is confident she will be the first astronaut lawyer doctor ever.  

 Katon is 7 and I can’t believe our baby will be baptized next summer. Where did all the years go?   He loves to read and finds humor in the Captain Underpants books.  We also have 2 dogs, basset hounds--the saddest looking dogs you have ever seen--and the devil cat, Hobbs. Hobbs frequently finds joy in tormenting the snakes and mice that live along the ditch bank in the back yard.  We are happy when he gets them but not happy when he sneaks them into the house. 

           

As for Rich and I, well it only took 20 years but I finally did it. I graduated!!!!!!!  I got my degree in Special Education this summer and, oh, the joy it brought.  I have been teaching since September and LOVE it! I only have 14 students (grades 3-5) and they bring laughter and tears.  Since I graduated we decided Rich better get on the graduation bandwagon before Kaley is in college.  He is getting his degree in Secondary Education in Math.  I see summers off as a family and many, many family fun vacations. We are on the two year count down until that day.

I think that about wraps it up. I dream of Hob Nobs, Yorkie bars, Tate Museum, and castles. I love it when I watch movies and TV and say to my kids “I’ve been there!” They just look at me like I’m crazy.  Wish you all joy and happiness and I think of you all fondly.  Thanks for all the memories. 

Christine Riley: Free Donuts!

I'm still living in Cambridge, in my tiny condo.  I switched jobs in February 2010.  I'm working for Dunkin' Brands (parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins) as the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility.  I lead the company's sustainable business efforts as well as The Dunkin' Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation.  I love it!  And I get all the free coffee, ice cream and donuts I want!  Which is why I continue to train for triathlons and half marathons.  

I completed three sprint distance triathlons last year and just ran the Baltimore half marathon with my sisters in October.  I've also participated in a really fun 24 hour, 200 mile team road race in NH for the past three years. I haven't been back to London since our days at Palace Court but I did travel to Ireland and Norway last year and St. Maartin in May.  I'm still trying to decide on a destination for 2011.  Suggestions welcome!  

Hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to reading all the updates!

Carter Family: Still in Training . . .

We have five kids:  Sophia (11), Sibley (9), Emmett (6), Camille (3), and Wilton (1).  And of course they all excel in some sort of extracurricular activity, if not two or three.  And of course they are all doing great in school.  Yep, even the 1 yr. old.  And I am basically Mom-of-the-Year because I coordinate all of this with ease, as well as being involved in numerous other things that a Mom should do.  And I bake bread. 

This past year did bring a big change for our family.  Neal finished his residency in general surgery.  I know, you're thinking, "what? still in training? at least they're done now."  But wait, there's more . . . He is now doing a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery.  So we left Ohio and have moved to Houston, and will be here for a few years while he completes his surgical training.  I never would have guessed I'd live in Texas.  But we love it here and are enjoying all that Houston has to offer.  Bonus is that there is a man in our ward from England; I love to reminisce a little with him about the old country.  Wonderful memories.

Here's a picture of the family.  I do not have one single picture of my whole family, wow.  And this is the only one that has even six of the seven.  Guess the camera has not been a priority for me this past year.  Well now I have my New Year's resolution.

Johnson Family: Derik, Is It Really You???

My wife's name is Ingrid and between the two of us we have six kids. Oldest is a freshman at Utah State and the youngest is two.

Workman Family: No Longer Under the Radar!

A quick update from Courtney: The Workmans have 5 kids: There are 3 boys and 2 girls, every other one starting and ending with boys.

Apke Family: Where's Phillip?

I miss my London friends and our days there!  Still . . . the best consecutive 6 months of my life!  I encourage anyone, anywhere to go on study abroad!

The Apkes, I'm content to say, haven't changed much . . . besides a little more gray hair - I'll be 40 in a month! We have been in the Boston area for the past 11 years and have no plans to go anywhere else.  We spend our summers in Illinois or Utah to see family, but were able to sneak in a trip to southern Cal this past summer and were lucky enough to cross paths with Ms. Tammy Hawes and family - SO fun!  We have 4 great, happy, energetic, inquisitive, sometimes whiny, sometimes adorable children.   I love them dearly and am finally getting a grip on the scouting program!  

We have decided that boys and girls come pre-programmed. Our first boy's "word":  put lips together and blow making motor sound . . . this would tell me there was a truck behind us on the highway.  Our first girl's major tantrum:  "Nooooooo!   Piiiiiinnnnnnkkkkkk!!!!!!"  . . . when trying on a hand-me-down-from-the-boys red winter coat.   

I'm ready for a London reunion!  I would LOVE to see you all in the same place at the same time!  Does anyone know what has become of Phillip Schofield?

Photo upload from Shannon: Alas, Miss Sara, our Dear Phillip has aged much more quickly than we have!

Richardson Family: Indeed in MO

Yes, the Stratford sightings have been verified. Joe and his family have relocated to Missouri  (in Joe's words) "to get out of the city and to give our kids a little more space to run around."

Ever elusive, Joe did not offer any others details. But he HAS FOUND a photo for the blog.

Spencer Family: Parenthood Is Bliss!

Garry and Rebecca (Sybrowsky) Spencer were thrilled to welcome a baby boy into their family in August.  Rebecca has taken a leave of absence from her law firm and is loving her time with baby Paul.  Garry finished his graduate studies at Columbia University in May and is currently working for IBM as a senior consultant in their Global Business Strategy group based out of New York City.

We miss family and friends out West but are loving our "East coast experience."  We are moving in the next few months but will be staying in the New York City area.

Hunsaker Family: Virgil in Virginia

Glade and I [have spent the fall semester] in Buena Vista, Virginia, where we've been volunteer teaching at SVU since September.  Glade's been teaching Milton and Classical literature featuring Homer, Virgil, Sophocles, Dante, Shakespeare and Milton.  I've been helping in the music classes doing a lot of accompanying.  We've loved being here.

Attached is a photo of family in Lake Powell this past June.

Larson Family: New House, New Adventures

Hello friends!

I love getting your updates and cards every year! 2010 was a year of change for our family. We moved into a new house in August.

Our kids have adjusted really well (thankfully) and we are excited about the change. We have 5 children. Amanda (12) loves to dance and made the honor roll her first term in middle school (thanks for letting me brag). Zach (10) loves sports. We just finished a fun football season and he is now playing basketball. Olivia (8) is a social butterfly and also loves to go to dance class, but for social reasons. Hannah (5) started kindergarten and wishes she could go to school all day rather than just half-day. Emma (2) is our baby and she makes us all laugh. I realize she is probably too old to still be called the "baby" but I'm afraid she is going to be stuck with that designation! 

We love chasing our kids around and enjoying life with (and through) them! Hope you are all well and happy!

Perry Family: From Junior League to Junior Primary

Me (Mary Catherine): Finally retired after 10 years of volunteering with the Junior League of Salt Lake City. Now serving as ward Primary President, elementary school volunteer, and cheerleader/supporter of little athletes and dancers.

Jason: Recently resigned as Governor Herbert’s Chief of Staff to accept Vice President position at the University of Utah. Vows to spend more time with the family.

Jack (9): Loves soccer, basketball, football, school, and planning his run for President of the United States.
Best line of 2010: (On watching his parents greet each other with a kiss) “Oh, come on.”

David (7): Also loves soccer, basketball, football, school, and anything Lego.
Best line of 2010: (Regarding what he wants to be when he grows up) “I’ve decided to be a boxer.”

Rachel (3): Loves preschool, dancing, dressing up, and anything her big brothers are doing.
Best line of 2010: (When told that I was fixing hamburgers for dinner) “Do you mean, like, Crabby Patties?”

Charlotte (1): Taking first steps, playing in the dishwasher, pulling everything out of the cupboards, enjoying first sips of Diet Coke.
Best line of 2010: (When offered anything at all) “MORE!”

Merry Christmas to all! Wishing you fond memories of Christmas shopping on Oxford Street and roasted chestnuts on every corner!

Favro Family: Simple Pleasures Include a New Arrival

Merry Christmas London friends! 

I hope this holiday season finds each of you happy and well. As I look back on 2010, the phrase "enjoy the simple pleasures of life" comes to mind. A few of those simple pleasures have been taking family trips to Yosemite National Park, making strawberry jam with Amelia and my Mom last fall, watching the BBC version of Emma, reading good books, and visiting NYC last spring to catch In the Heights on Broadway.

This time of year reminds me of my many blessings: my dear husband Phil and my cute kids--Amelia (4) and Adam (2)-- being the top on my list. We are excited to have a new baby boy join our family in February.

Robinson Family: Family History Expert Returns to England

It's been 18 years since we came home from London,  and I'm finally going back! I've been taking genealogy research classes for the last few years, and as a culmination of my learning I will be doing on-site research in England in February. Once I get home I plan to take the professional accreditation exam. So have I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up? Maybe. I'm still not sure if I want to take on clients or just do my own family history.

I'm still busy being a mom, though my girls seem so grown-up now! Adrianne is 14, Cassie is 11, and Madeline turns 8 this month. They all dance and play musical instruments and bring so much joy to my life.

Clyn is still working at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, but found lots of time this year to spoil me. We took the kids to Jamaica in March, toured Portugal in September, and just returned from a surprise anniversary getaway in Las Vegas (I had no clue we were going anywhere until 30 minutes before!).

Life is very very good for the Robinsons!

Stratford Family: Joe Sighting!

My major news is that I got to see Joe! We went on an incredible church history tour in Missouri with my husband's family in September and our tour guide, who lives in Joe's ward near Adam Ondi Ahman, took us to his ward building. Joe happened to be there teaching institute! Who knew Joe moved to Missouri with his family??!! Our tour guide, Wayne Brickey, just loves Joe and says his family has been a great asset to the ward. So, Joe, if you're reading this, it was so fun to see you again. You're just the "same old Joe!" Hope things continue to go well with your move there.

The Stratfords are still making good of life in sunny Arizona. Not a whole lot new to report on. When I'm not racing around raising five kids between the ages of 11 and one, I still find myself running in a few races every now and then. I just won a free facial by winning my age division in my last race: I guess they figured the runners running in that age division were old enough to appreciate a rejuvenating facial! =) Yes, we're getting old!

Speaking of getting old, Christine and I are planning a fun trip to London/England for our 40th birthdays (that's in two years!) and we'd love for any of you to join us! We'd love a visit anytime you're ever in Mesa!

Larimer Family: Volunteer Expert & Running Enthusiast

Merry Christmas to all Londoners! I hope this finds you happy and well. Aren't we due for a reunion soon? I think we are coming up on 20 years in 2012. Wow...that is amazing.

Things are going well here. Craig and I are busy with church, work, and family. Our children are getting older and busier. I spent the past fall coaching the middle school cheer team with my two oldest daughters on the squad. I also chair the elementary school Art Literacy Program and help with Jr. Great Books and math groups for my boys classes. I spend most of my time getting kids to their activities and trying to get a jog in when I can. I completed the Portland to Coast relay race last year and am currently training for my 4th half-marathon.

We took the kids on a fun cruise to Mexico this summer. I have my first teenager (so far, so good) and my baby is in preschool. Time seems to be going faster now than ever before. I love to read how you are doing and my study abroad memories grow more precious as I get older (ahem...I mean more MATURE). :)

Warren Family: Four Boys . . . and a Girl!

Our family has had big some changes this year. It started off with Devin being released as bishop after over 7 years and Leilani being called into the Relief Society Presidency. It seems to be a change in roles as Devin’s Sundays have opened up and Leilani now has several meetings!

Devin was able to get a great job with Qwest as a project manager. And we found out after having 4 boys, a little girl will be joining our family. A girl will definitely change the dynamics of our family! We have been so involved with sports and boy things; we don’t know what to do with a girl, but I am sure she will guide us along. The boys are busy with sports, scouts, music, and school. They keep us busy and we love it.

We hope you are all doing well and have a wonderful holiday season.

Devin, Leilani, Spencer, Travis, Trevor, Blake and little girl Warren

Gentry Family: Teen Takes the Keys

Like many of you we are busy busy with all of our kids' activities. What is new, is that my son will turn 16 in February so we are busy with all the driver's ed stuff. I will have a 16 year old! That completely freaks me out!

We are still living in Ladera Ranch in Orange County and loving it. Evan is serving as bishop which makes me a bishop's wife. I am also having so much fun with my little photography business. You can always see what I am up to on my blog. SandiGentryphotography.com/blog

I have loved being friends with so many of you on facebook and seeing what you are up to. I simply cannot believe it has been so long since our study abroad days. I am hoping to go on a trip with Evan to London sometime in the next year. But it will just not be the same to be there without all of you! Merry Christmas!