That would be me! I don't know what has happened to me, but I have not posted forever! I have a lot to catch up on so bear with me..
December 30th we had to say goodbye to Rich's grandma June Hunsaker McDonough. She lived to be 91 years old. We will miss her but find great comfort in knowing that Chels and grams are together :)
January was filled with more one more Dance Comp at Alta High, along with the 5A region Competition. Syracuse High Dance Line took 1st Place!! It was so exciting to see all that hard work those girls do pay off!
While waiting for awards, they do a drill down. Mckena took 3rd place! So that was kind of fun.
February started with yet more dance as we headed to UVU for the State Competition. The girls had high expectations and had been very "pumped up" by other judges and coaches about how well they could do at State. They ended up taking 8th place overall which is still very good for the 5A division, but when you have your hopes for top 5 at least and you fall short, there was a little bit of disappointment. Although they did amazing and as parents we could not be more proud. It has been 19 years since a Northern Region has won State... it is about time those Salt Lake schools have a run for their money. Maybe next year. The top 7 were all SL schools, then it was SHS. Really? Ughh....so close, yet so far!
Our missionary is doing so well. He has been transferred to Columbus Mississippi. Took some adjusting, but I think from his last letter he is doing just that! You can see pics of him and read his letters
here
Shayla is working on her solo to compete this year, and is closely observing the Dance Line girls as she will be trying out herself at the end of April.
And last but not least... I have delayed posting about this, but it is what it is. At the end of November, we had to leave our home that we built and thought that we would be in forever. But do to the never ending Medical issues and Rich's closed business, that was no longer an option. But we feel that we have been watched over and cared for, as we were able to find a nice home to live in and still be in Syracuse so the girls did not have to change schools and could continue with their activities and friendships. We did not even have to change wards! So our callings and friendships all remain the same. It was hard for me to leave because of the memories that are attached to that home, but as my sweet Shayla reminded me, we take our memories with us. It is just a house, and the most important things came with us :)
We are working hard at getting back on our feet. It is actually amazing that we survived as long as we did. Because when your struggling for air... it can feel like a long way to the top. It has been a life lesson that we are still learning from. We are so incredibly blessed that Rich was able to get such a good job that he loves. And bonus... the new house (well new to us) has a pool! So yes, we can't wait for summer to create new memories and be together... after all, that is what it is all about!
Shayla's comp season has begun! First competition was this last weekend. Shayla took 2nd place on her solo, (which Mckena choreographed for her) and did a great job!! Then her team took 1st place on all 4 dances! They have worked hard and looked amazing. Shayla's best friend came to support her. It was a fun weekend!
While waiting for awards, they do a drill down. Mckena took 3rd place! So that was kind of fun.
Once upon a time there was a girl who liked to play soccer, and the piano, she also enjoyed tumbling, but loved to dance! She started dance when she was three, on a comp team when she was 5 and ever since then she has not looked back. Being on the drill team at the high school has been a commitment like no other, and yet.... she still loves it. Mckena was chosen by her coaches this year as an All State participant. Coaches pick dancers to go learn a routine in a short period of time, and then judges pick an "All State" team. There were 200 dancers from around the state that were there. They chose 30 girls, and one of the 30 was Mckena! Her coach then highly encouraged her to compete a solo this year, as to help her with getting a scholarship. So she put her choreography skills to work, and made up a solo for herself. She competed it at the 1st drill comp at Davis High and took....... 1st place out of 7 girls! Whoo hooo!!
She competed again at Bountiful High Comp and took 3rd place out of 8 girls. First and second went to Bountiful High girls (they are in a league of their own!) We are so proud of our little dancing queen! 
Found it!! This is usually TJ's duty, but since he is on the Lord's duty this year, Rich had to do the honors. 
My family seems to be shrinking :( So weird to just have the four of us at home these days. hmmm. Thankfully we have many memories and traditions to keep us tied together.....
