January

Celebrating our 13th anniversary we did something a little different that might just become a thing. We got a hotel in Twin Falls. For 24 hours we were just us on a date. We went shopping with no time restraints. Ran errands that really didn't need to be done but we didn't have anywhere else to be so why not. Went to an early lunch, late movie and later dinner with no rush to be home. Swimming with out having to count heads. Still got splashed just cuz my husband is immature. Slept in. It was fabulous. In primary we've had problems finding boys activity leaders but when they have them Axel Loves it. He's really grown. Had a heart stopping text early one morning. Jose was driving the bucket truck behind Preston. A milk truck going the other way ran into a hay wagon and swerved into his lane. His wife was due that week. It really shook Preston. He's probably spent more time with Jose in the past 3 years than me.








Finally got my chalk wall done. It's amazing and a big hit. I love their pictures. I don't have to be mad about them drawing on the wall cuz that's what it was made for. The kitties were scratching Zara's toes when she was in her chair or following her around. She got my good cloth Band-Aids and made foot wrappings. I think she had $5 worth. Creative fix. I was a little upset at the mess and loss. I put the cheap clear plastic dollar store ones back in her bathroom. Mom and Dad stopped for hour or so on their way through. We had the nail stuff out. Katana was surprised Grandpa knew what to do. "I had lots of girls I can do all sorts of things. Nails...Hair..."

Not having snow isn't necessarily a bad thing for me. I love the fantasy feel frost covered scenery we get. The kids miss snow activities though. So it was good when Preston was summoned to Arco for electrical work. We took the opportunity to take full advantage of their winter and cousins. There was some crazy crashes. Someone made jumps at the top. We caught some good air. Mace took out Weston. Axel sled jetted sideways and tried to plow over McKenna. Everyone survived long enough to enjoy some hot tub'n, frozen hair challenge and hot cocoa.

Cards and Years events

Starting with a "First Shall Be Last" vibe as I somehow missed the Christmas cards and World News post when I printed my blog book from last year. So as a recap lets start with the Kelly Christmas brag letter. 

Katana hit double digits this year (10) Miss independent wants to do her own hair. She started babysitting (for us. It's awesome. ) She loves math. Which even in 4th grade I can't help her with anymore. She loves to draw and create stories and songs. She is now my actual helper / right hand/ and mini mommy.
    Axel had a very special birthday. He turned 8 was baptized in August. He has better handwriting than I do. He is the highest AR earner in his class and is at a 3.5 grade reading level as a 2nd grader. He loves Activity days. We call him “bottomless pit” cuz he's always hungry.
    I started the book “Learn to read in 100 lessons” last summer with Mace. So he started Kindergarten knowing how to read, write, his colors and numbers. School is fabulously fun for him. He's really blossomed socially. He loves the arts. Musical productions, plays, concerts... he's my buddy.
    Zara. Nickname “curls” cuz she has a head of perfectly bouncy ringlets. She has 2 inside Kitties (Pumpkin & Spice). She loves play-dough, her tablet, honey tea and baby shark (still ugh). She can get away with murder with her head tilt and a smile.
    Family adventures: Pump went out on the well. (That was fun). We got a new miniature paint pony named Swirl. Had 2 Family Reunions. Our family vacation this year was behind the Iron Curtain AKA Portland. We visited my sister on the Oregon coast and toured the Columbia River Gorge area. So Blessed to live in IDAHO. Sending ya'll our love from the Land of the Free & Home of the Brave.   The Kelly's. 

Dear Family and Friends,  This year, we are grateful for: Our home in South Riding, VA and the new friends we’ve made here.   Our jobs in education and the blessing to help students achieve their academic goals.    The opportunity we had to get vaccinated and feel more comfortable attending in person church and social events.   The guidance we’ve received in improving our health this year.  The opportunity to visit family and friends in Utah and Washington this year.  The blessing of being able to volunteer at church and for organizations like NAMI and Loudoun Literacy Council.  Living close to Kevin’s parents and Erin’s sister’s family and getting to be the cool aunt and uncle to 3 amazing kids.  Our Savior Jesus Christ and the strength and comfort He gives us each day.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Keep in touch!  Love, Kevin and Erin Price 43017 Daventry Square #104 South Riding, VA 20152

2021 is in the books. It was a year of ups and downs. Braxton Clyde joined our family in February. Being a mother is a constant challenge for me and certainly doesn't come naturally. After 11 months we have a little bit of a rhythm and are getting the hang of it. I'm in the truck sometimes, in the office the remainder of the time trying to build up the business. I'm hopeful that 2022 brings the end of covid. I'm also making my new years resolution to make more time for the things I enjoy. Happy New Year Everyone! Charlie, Cassie & Braxton Amy

2021 News Highlights (If you can believe them anymore)

Jan- Biden is sworn in as President with Kamala Harris. Trump supporters "storm" capital. Media calls it a "violent riot." Portland still in lock down and burns with "peaceful protests."
Feb- Biden rejoins Paris Climate Accord. Winter storms cause week long power outages in Texas, killing more than 200 people. NASA rover Perseverance completes its 300 million mile journey by successfully landing on Mars.
March- container ship Ever Given got wedged sideways in the Suez Canal for week holding up billions in trade.
April- Minneapolis jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd. Black Lives Matter members go on "justified" police murder raids.
May-First operational spaceflight by a private company, Elon Musk's SpaceX. A Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccination for Covid is ready for distribution
June- partial collapse of a 12-story condominium in Surfside, Florida, kills 98 residents
July- 32nd Summer Olympic games in Tokyo, a year after being postponed for covid. The U.S. topped the medal count with 113. Simone Biles sparked controversy when she withdrew from competing during the Olympics citing mental health concerns. While some lauded her decision as a sign of mental fortitude and maturity, many criticized her choice as weak and selfish. Roughly 61 % of the country is said to be fully vaccinated for covid only to find DELTA strain to be highly contagious spurring the need for booster shots.
Aug-mass evacuation of American troops from Afghanistan after a two-decade war left stockpiles of weapons for Taliban who reclaimed the country in just 10 days. Withdrawal also left untold number of local citizens who helped the U.S. unprotected. A "Silent Massacre" not even the media can put a positive spin on so widely untouched. Another bad call from Biden.
Sep-Texas implements the Heartbeat Act, which bans abortions after roughly six weeks. Supreme court refuses to help clinics like plan parenthood to overturn issue and regain state funding.
Oct- World Health Organization endorsed the world's first vaccine against malaria.
Nov-Atlanta Braves won their fourth World Series. Kyle Rittenhouse is acquitted of all charges stemming from fatal shootings that took place in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Dec- Tornadoes ripped through the South and Midwest, killing at least 91 people. Jordan Baize becomes an internet inspiration playing on his family piano in his ruined home.