Merry Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are in the middle of December, I guess I’d best get at this! We had a wonderful year—where did the time go? I’ve learned that once the 4^th of July comes and goes I’d best start getting ready for Christmas because it’s just around the corner.

Sarah graduated from BYU, with her Masters of Public Administration, in August. She actually “walked” in April, but took a summer study abroad trip to China in June and July. She has been applying for jobs around the state. Interviews are a bit slow in coming, but things will work out. We love having her at home again after her two years in Provo. She has developed a real knack for Family History research and works with indexing in her singles’ ward.

Jacob and Cori live up in Holladay in a large basement apartment. It’s about a 20 minute drive from our home. Jacob continues to work in accounting for the U of U bookstore, Cori is tutoring a few elementary students. Benjamin is 3. He is a delightful conversationalist. Gracie is 1, and loaded with personality. We love having them so close! They both serve in the Sunday School in the their ward.

Abby and Steve still live just 5 minutes to the south of us. Steve has travelled quite a bit with his job with the FDIC. Abby and Eli have accompanied him to Washington DC, Gunnison and Burley. It seems you have to put up with a few Burleys to really enjoy the DC trips! Eli is 1. He is a source of constant laughter! Steven is the Elders’ quorum president and Abby works in the Primary.

Bekah is living at home. She works as an office manager for a dentist. She would like to find a job that is more in her field of Events Management or Philanthropies, but she is happy to be employed, and she is getting more hours as the business continues to grow. She continues to serve as Relief Society president in her singles’ ward.

Hannah completed her Jr. year at BYU-I in July. She was home for a few weeks and then headed south to spend another fall working at Jacob Lake Lodge, just north of the Grand Canyon North Rim. They have guests from all over the country, and from many parts of the world. She waitressed in the dining room, was the RA for the girls’ dorm, and was called as the Relief Society president for the little branch there at the Lodge. She worked hard and played hard, including hiking rim to rim again this year.

Caleb is in 9^th grade. He attends early morning seminary and has received his Eagle in Scouting. He had a blast at scout camp up at Bear Lake and EFY here in West Jordan. He’s been busy with volley ball, basket ball, soccer, and singing with a musical theater group. They perform at gatherings throughout the valley. And he loved his Russian dance in the Nutcracker. He thinks he’s going to get his learner’s permit for driving very soon. We’ll see!

Dinah turned 12 in February and is now in Young Women. She loved Girls’ Camp in June, up at the Heber Valley camp—cabins and showers—Whatever! She has transitioned well into Jr High. She continues with ballet, finally this Christmas her pointe class performed for the recital (she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she twirled on her toes), and Jazz dance. We love to listen to her practice her harp. She is getting pretty good, but even the mistakes sound lovely on a harp!

Frank continues at Deseret Industries. Every day is “Black Friday” and each day brings a new adventure. He spent many hours painting and puttering around the house. He serves in the Sunday School presidency.

I have 30 piano students. We had a great fall with Duet and Concerto festival. I’ve recently been called to serve in the Relief Society presidency.

We had a delightful family reunion at our favorite campground up near Salmon, Idaho. The water was a bit higher and colder than usual, but it’s a great place to spend 2-3 days. Over Labor Day we went south to Capitol Reef. We’d not been through that area since Abby was a baby. We camped and hiked and drove through some amazing sights.

We hope this Christmas finds you and your family well and happy.

Love,

Frank and Marla Hintze, and family