Jackson Family Chronicles: September 2013 News

Holtrys on board with Family Reunion next year. Are you?
Hi everyone- Are you tired of hearing from the Holtry family yet? I sure would like to hear from all of you. I don’t talk to everyone that frequently so it would be nice to hear from everyone. School has begun here and it’s a whirlwind as always. Josh is a Junior, Hannah is in 6^th grade and Jackson is in 2^nd grade. It’s been a busy year so far and at first I was mad summer was over and school had begun but now I suppose I am happy for the routine that fall and school starting brings.

Josh is off to a great start with Water Polo they won their game last week and he has many more games this season to still play. It’s a really fun sport to watch. Very intense. He is also keeping busy with school and other activities. We got an extra car for him to drive to school and seminary so it’s been nice not getting up so early!

Hannah is doing awesome in 6^th grade. She is on a field trip today doing a Ropes Course at Sac State. I’m jealous about all the fun field trips my kids get to go on at our school. All I remember was going to an occasional museum. Our kids get to do amazing things and I’m glad I often get to go with them! Hannah is playing Soccer this year and loves it. She’s come a long way from her first season in Kindergarten where she wasn’t thrilled playing because she didn't want to run. She is a great player now and a real go-getter.

Jackson is in 2^nd grade and learning things 2^nd graders do. He keeps using the phrase “personal space” so I am assuming his teacher is saying to them to stay out of others “personal space” a lot. Not surprising. He recently got glasses and loves wearing them. My first thought when he got them was – UGH- another kid in glasses and since his prescription is pretty small I figured he would wear them for a day or two and then not be interested anymore. Surprisingly he wears them every day and takes pretty good care of them. One of the moms at the school asked him if he liked his glasses and he said “I like getting all the compliments” – such a Jackson thing to say. Funny kid. He is also playing soccer and his favorite parts are the practices. He is a social kid and likes to play but doesn’t like the pressure of the games yet.

Brent is getting ready to take his patent bar in the next month or so and then has to really dig in and study to take the regular bar in February. We’ll be glad when it’s all over.

We went on a family trip this weekend to Santa Cruz and had an amazing time (except for Josh getting poison oak all over his body from looking for a football in bushes he shouldn’t have been in) – I want to propose a family reunion there next summer. The place we stayed at was called Seascape Resort. It’s right on the beach and they have a lot of amenities including beach, pools, shopping, hiking, biking and much more. Plus it’s only a few minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea and much more. I really feel like this would be an awesome place to gather. I am thinking the end of June might be a good time but I would love feedback from everyone. What time of the summer is usually best for you? I know summer is so insane for most families these days but it’s been far too long since we had a reunion. Please give me some feedback!

Hope all is well and that you all contribute to the next newsletter. Please know I, for one want to hear from everyone.

Love to all

The Holtry’s

Check out this link to Seascape Resort: http://www.seascaperesort.com/

Josh First day of school-wouldn't hold the sign!

Family tearfully sends John and Christine off to Oregon.

Chatfield Chatter (entry from Kels' family newsletter)

We loved the “Grandma and Dahl show” in the last Chatter. It’s so much fun to hear what is going on in your lives. Sounds like Vegas is the happening spot!

Springville is definitely a little less happening. Except for the start of the new school year. And that doesn’t get much excitement from our kids. Kate and Jake like the social aspect of school but not much for the homework. And come to think of it I really don’t care for that part either.

Kate’s 6^th grade teacher believes that there should be enough time during school hours to accomplish all the work and sees no need for homework unless students waste their time in class. I agree. Although next year might be a bit rough (in Jr. High) for Kate if she is not used to doing homework.

Jake seems to think that all assignments (both at school and home) need only take about 10 min. After that he’s bored. He’d rather spend his hours in the school weight room or on the baseball field. Better yet up Hobble Creek, fishing. Jake signed up to take a dance class this semester. He thought it might build his core. He was right and it didn’t hurt that he along with one other guy are the only boys in a class of 30 girls. We’re waiting to see how that turns out. Jake also started Seminary this year. We are grateful that Seminary is released time at school. I’m not sure we could drag Jake out of bed any earlier than we do already.

Bianca is currently an employee at 3 different businesses. Her greatest challenge is working her schedules so they don’t conflict. Thankfully they are all within walking distance of each other and seem to be good places of employment. We hope that her savings account grows and grows.

Kels found out the middle of last month that his company was laying him off (along with a few others). After 10+ years it came as a great surprise and didn’t make him too happy. It seems that the company needs to downsize and is now trying to assure the remaining employees that they are solvent, at least for another 6 months. The good thing in all this is that Kels just completed all of his CPA tests and can now officially apply for accountant/CPA jobs. He was planning on making the move anyway. Just happened a little earlier than we’d planned. He’s been able to pick up some contract work and has had several promising interviews with companies in the area.

Kels also received a new church calling. He is now attending the single’s ward. Not because he’s single but instead as one of the Priesthood leaders there. He was sustained 2 weeks ago as the Executive Secretary to Bishop Tipton. This isn’t a call for the family. We continue to attend our home/family ward but occasionally join Kels for his Sacrament meeting. There are some very nice young adults in the ward and we think Kels will really enjoy being with them.

I continue plugging away at PTA, Young Women calling and being a Mom. Most of which I enjoy. I’m especially looking forward to cooler weather. And fall activities.

Love to all of you,

Kellie, Kels, Bianca, Jake and Kate

Jake's first day of 9th Grade

Kate and her 6th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Larsen

Kate was looking forward to her first day of school because she revealed a “whole new 6^th grader!” She is now glasses and braces free. She’s a beautiful young lady.

Jake…well he’s taller than his mom and almost as tall as Kels…if you listen to him he’s already passed Kels up. Jake still has a month to go before his braces come off. Then Kels and I will be Orthodontist free! Now that’s a great feeling!

Pictures of other grandkids that have returned to school!