Christmas2013

Russ & Suzanne Ballard wish you all a very Merry 2013 Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014! May the Savior Jesus Christ be remembered at this season and throughout the year. 

For our family reunion this year we went to Elko, Nevada, to celebrate GREAT BIG GRANDMA BALLARD'S 90th birthday!  Her great-grandchildren had so much fun making posters and serving guests at the party in her back yard.  The next day we went to Lamoille Canyon south of Elko and had a wonderful day of picnicking, hiking, and playing in the cold stream.  Happy Birthday, mom Ballard!

We also had time together for various other events over the year - and had one trip North in April to visit with our kids in Washington State.  Wish we could do that more often!

There have been challenges we've had to face this year - but who wants to read about that at Christmas time?  We're just grateful for our faith in Jesus Christ which sustains us through them all.

News of 2013 from the Ballard family: 

--Kevin & Jana live near enough that we can see Sheridan, Teriesa, Nathan, Cooper, Amelia and Tyler frequently.  All the children bring us much joy and are very musical and bright.  Kevin continues to work for MasterControl and Jana teaches piano lessons & serves in the Relief Society (women’s group in Church).  Kevin is in the Stake Sunday School Presidency.

--Tamsen is doing a wonderful job raising Braeden, Ethan and Maura.  Her husband, Todd, resides comfortably in a local nursing home.  She serves in the Relief Society organization. Braeden was recently ordained a Priest, Ethan is a Deacon, and Maura loves Irish dancing.  

--Emily and Patrick live in Seattle and sadly we were only able to visit them once this year.  We really miss their soccer-playing daughters, Bridget and Avery – as well as cute Finley.  Patrick won a trip for two through his job to Spain, which he and Emily enjoyed this last summer!

--Megan and Nick live in Vancouver where Megan works as a bookkeeper and Nick works for Oregon Metal Slitters as an inside sales rep.  On our visit there in April we got to have a good time with Ashleigh & Preston who are both doing well in school.

--Ryan and Sara live over an hour north of us with their active boys Tyce, Teagan, Talon and Tage – and new addition, a HUGE Great Dane named Zippy.  Ryan changed jobs this year and is the Elders Quorum President.  Sara teaches at a local elementary school and was recently released after 6 years as Young Women’s President.

--Suzanne continues to serve as a Ward Family History Consultant. She now works close to home as a Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones Investments.  The boss is wonderful and the commute is a breeze!

--Russ still works in the Mt. Timp Temple one day a week and is on the High Council.  He diligently completes honey-do projects for us and for Tamsen (although a shoulder injury has side-lined him a bit).   He made the most beautiful grape arbor swing for our yard this year!  He has more than enough to keep him busy in his retirement!

Suzanne, Russ, his mom (age 90!) and his brother, Ron.  

May God bless you all!  Have a happy 2014!