We Mourn the Passing of Great Grandma MacDonald
On April 18th we were saddened to receive word that Grandma MacDonald has peacefully passed away at home. She was had been living with my parents for the last two years and it was our priveledge to get to visit with her each time we went to Maple Valley. She was a very sweet person and we will miss her. I have uploaded pictures of grandma to a Picassa web album at http://picasaweb.google.co
Dedication of the Vancouver British Columbia Temple
We were very excited when, early this year, it was announced that the Bellingham Stake was going to be included in the temple district for then new Vancouver British Columbia Temple in Langley, BC. To visit the temple, our family has had to travel 2 hours south down to Seattle. If the border was favorable, the Vancouver temple would only be 45 minutes away!
Temple Youth Celebration
As part of the dedication of the new temple, Ryan, Katie and Nathan had the privilege of participating in major cultural event called the "TYC" or Temple Youth Celebration. Ryan participated as a "dancer" in two acts of the TYC. The open act of the event was a reenactment of the creation with all of the youth from the Bellingham, WA Stake participating. Ryan was a tree. He had some good laughs during the practices leading up to the performance. He had to learn how to "run like a tree," "stand like a tree," and (most importantly) how to "shimmy like a tree." He was also in a specialty dance where he got to do some martial arts stick fighting as part of a Filipino Tinikiling folk dance. Very cool! Nathan and Katie were members of the Children's Choir. They played an important role during the "First Peoples" number and in other parts of the TYC. (Nathan was not thrilled about being a flower during the Creation number.) The most amazing part of the entire performance was the finale. If you can imagine 1,200 youth joining hands in the arena, facing the temple and singing their hearts out. It was a wonderful experience for all of the kids. An experience I hope they will hold on to for a long, long time.
Sports, Sports, Sports...
Ryan and Nathan have both enjoyed busy winter and spring seasons. Ryan had his first experience with wrestling at Vista Middle School. Though this caught Rachel and I off guard, Ryan now considers wrestling one of his favorite sports. He enjoyed the mix of individual achievement while working with his teammates. Though he won eight out of twelve matches, he made incredible strides through the season and is looking forward to next year. This spring Ryan ran track and enjoyed himself again. Track was another new experience for him (Yay Middle School!). His season ended well. He was the only 7th grader from his team qualifying for the district meet (our district runs 7th and 8th graders together) and he finished 3rd overall in the 200m and 4th overall in the long jump. His 4x100 and 4x200 relays took 1st at districts with the 4x200 setting a school record. Speedy feet!
Nathan's spring put him on the soccer field again with coach Dad excited about his team's prospects. The boys played well and won the opening game in the "Whatcom Cup" recreational tournament at the end of the season. Nathan is turning into a solid goalie (he has no fear) but enjoys playing on the field too. He is a lot of fun to coach. He keeps us smiling!
Alice in Wonderland
Rachel and I were very happy for Katie who had the opportunity to play Alice in Skyline Elementary's Alice in Wonderland. She did an incredible job as "normal" Alice. There were actually a number of girls who played Alice in the play. Katie's role required her to sing (which she did very well!) and act. She really enjoys being on stage.
