January 3, 2026 Saturday

 Michael and I went and did sealings at the temple in the morning. We then went straight over to pick up Calvin from winter encampment. He had been there all week. He said he enjoyed it but that it was hard. Once home, I took the younger four to art class with Sister Taber. She showed us an English tradition of popping crackers, holding them in a circle and pulling on each others. Inside was a hat and a little toy. It was neat to see and be part of that little tradition. We then painted some trees and a beach landscape. To everyone's joy and pleasure, Austen was still here when we got home. He originally had planned on leaving today. We all had super fries for dinner that Michael had made and then played pickleball together. Austen had fixed up a number of holes in the duck enclosure so that was nice, he also brought in the groceries while we were gone, and had fun making pizza's for lunch with the kids.

At night they showed him a little of the Tuttle Twins. It was a nice full day. I spent the evening getting choir folders ready and printing off music for the beginner orchestra.  It takes quite a bit of time to get it all ready but once ready, then I just have to help everyone learn it throughout the semester. We might add on have some piano ensembles this year.