From Old to New

As this year draws to a close, we reflect upon the many happenings of the old year and look forward to the events of a new one.
This has been quite a year for our family...

January--Julie heals from an accident and another year begins.

February--Flowers amidst the snow.

March--In like a lamb, is Spring here all ready!? Rebekah wins the School Spelling Bee and competes for the Region Scripps Spelling Bee.  The children love holding cousin's baby chicks and ducklings.  Joe and Julie attend BYU's Alumni Ball together again!  (Whew--so glad to NOT have meningitis this year).

April--Arches Trip for Spring Break with Aunt Beth and family.  Cousin Jonas is born!  We miscarry a baby on Easter (Factor V Leiden). 

May--Anniversary (and Family) trip to Las Vegas.  We see the Donny and Marie Show featuring dancer Aunt Kelene (Dave Campbell's wife) and visit friend Cassy Dickerson.  Jonathan makes and races his first Pinewood Derby in Scouts!  Sixth grade Graduation.  Schools end and Summer begins.

June--Rebekah and Hannah attend Girl's Camp (but not at Camp Shalom which is still buried in snow!)  Dear Neighbors grandson drowns and family comes to stay with us.  Joe celebrates his 40th Birthday!  We celebrate Midsummer with a new backyard firepit.  We learn at the end of the month that I am expecting another baby!

July--Older girls attend Girls Retreat at Logan Campus.  Jonathan has a SuperHero Birthday party.  Ultrasound of the tiny baby reveals--two babies, one heartbeat.  Brother and beloved Uncle, Michael Joseph Clayton passes away expectantly.  Elfi is readmitted to the hospital (her Lymphoma has returned).

August--We say our final good byes and our sweet sister and Aunt Elfi passes away.  We meet her sister, Hilde, from Austria and speak and sing in a tearful funeral.  Hannah attends her JV Ballroom Clinic.  We host Joe's Family Reunion in Mexico (Puerto Penasco), Mom Clayton falls and breaks her back.  Ben Campbell gets dog bite, Montage Get Away (with S and E) and School begins.

September--One Freshman, One Middle Schooler (at PHS--in the Gifted Program), Two in Elementary (including a bored Kindergartner), and a Preschooler.  All four schools and a tricky schedule for Mom! Another year for Julie's preschool.  Joe's work assignment changes from Actuary to head over I.T.  Brigham City Temple Dedication (with most of the family).

October--General Conference announces new age for missionary service, Ben Campbell and friend Ara visit and stay with us from Korea, children excited about Halloween and making caramel apples.

November--Mitt Romney looses the election to Barak Obama.  What will happen in the U.S. during the next four years time?  We host Clayton's Thanksgiving and count our blessings even as we miss loved ones Elfi and Mike.

December--We see The Hobbit movie opening day.  Snow!  School break!  Family neighborhood gifts of a manger for baby Jesus filled with hay.  Hannah's Christmas Ballroom concert.  Rebekah's Choir concert.  Jonathan's Winter Concert at the BYU MOA and a special Nativity painting to see.  Santa!  Viral Flu and Pneumonia.