Dear Rachel (#21)

Dear Rachel,

It's been a while since I've written a blog letter, and I have a few things to share to catch you up on the last couple months. First, guess who is behind the wheel now and practicing her skills?

Your dad has been a most patient teacher, although I did let Abby drive me to her soccer practice in Mapleton one afternoon. We both agreed that we wouldn't do that again for a good long while.

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Speaking of teen drivers, did you see what one did to your dad's car?

Oh, he was so sad to have to let this car go! It served his mid-life crisis well, but secretly, I am glad I won't have to experience any more g-forces whenever we make hairpin turns. This accident happened as we were returning Travis' tuxedo the Monday after Senior Prom.

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He had a great time. Brontë was easy to talk to and a really fun date.

Do you recognize a few other people in this photo? Once upon a time three of them were preschoolers who used to play at our house those many years ago.

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High School Track has come to a close. Travis came in third place in our Region in both the 100 m and the 200 m.

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Look at what Grandma W. crocheted me for my birthday. I love it! I spread it out on my bed for the photo, but it is the perfect over-sized throw for me to snuggle under, and the colors are exactly what I wanted.

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For Mother's Day (or my second birthday as Kellie likes to call it since it is always so close to April 25) Abby gave me a rose she made in her Metals class. I think she did an incredible job.

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Our curtain of wisteria was stunning again this year. I'm sure it is nothing like the prolific Atlanta blooms you get to see, but I love it just the same.

I love you and David too! Happy May!

Love,

Mom

Off to Medical School

Guess who is off to Medical School in New York City?

Kellie has been accepted to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai! It is a top 20 medical school and Kellie is very excited. She leaves the first week of August--a week before Travis reports to the Missionary Training Center.

We are all very happy and know that this is where she needs to be. So proud of you, Kellie!

Another BYU Graduate

A week ago (on my 50th birthday) Kellie graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Chemistry. She will also receive a teaching certificate in June when her internship at Springville High School is completed. Kellie began her undergraduate degree at the University of Utah as a collegiate athlete on their women's soccer team, but eventually transferred to BYU. Her undergraduate degree has been six years in the making and Kellie was ready.

(Brian and I before BYU's Commencement in coordinating UC Berkeley attire--unplanned)

(Brian and Kellie)

It was a unique experience for Kellie to have her dad on the chemistry faculty. He claims he tried to convince her not to major in chemistry, but she ignored that advice and loved it. She is one smart girl.

(Kellie and her Grandma Stoker)

(Kellie, Brian, and I after Convocation for The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences)

Congratulations Kellie!