2013 Year in Review

Every year at this time I sit and think about the past year and look forward to a new one.  I am always astounded at how quickly the time has passed and this year is no exception.  2013 has nearly left us, and as I ponder the rich blessings which have been ours during this year, I wish to share what the Austin’s have been up to this past year with you!

Walker (8 yrs. old) had a big year this year!  He was baptized in early March, and this was a very special event in his life.  He has also started Cub Scouts, which he loves, and he will soon get his Wolf.  He attended his first Cub Camp in June, and loved every moment!  Walker is growing up so fast.  I am amazed every day how big he is getting!  He will soon be taller than I am, and his feet have already grown bigger than mine (I don’t have a dainty little foot either!).  Walker is at the top of his 3^rd grade class and is exceptionally gifted in math and reading.  He likes to work on accelerated math in his spare time! He was in a musical this year!  He was the City Father and a Winkie in the Wizard of Oz this past May. What a great kid!

Garrett (7 yrs. old) is toothless for Christmas this year!  He has recently lost both front teeth and loves to comment that he looks just like a ‘real’ hockey player now!  Garrett is also at the top of his 2^nd grade class, and is absolutely amazing at math.  This kid does complicated math in his head… he must get this from his father’s side.  Garrett is simply a joy.  He has a special gift being a tender, sweet boy, and his gentle spirit wins him many friends.  He will often come to give me a kiss and tell me he loves me ‘just because’.  This past May he represented the Lollipop Guild in the Wizard of Oz.  He was just so darn cute with his grumpy face as he tried to look 'tough'.  He is excited that he will be getting baptized this November and looks forward to joining Cub Scouts, too.

Owen (3 yrs. old) gets to go to preschool every day!  This is very important to little Owen who feels he has to be big, like his older brothers.  He heads to ‘school’ every morning, and even revels when he gets ‘homework’!  Owen recently started speech therapy to help him with a speech delay.  He is already talking so much better, and trying so hard to be understood.  What a super kid!  Owen really loved the family trip this past summer to LegoLand!  This place was incredible because he could ride the rollercoasters with his bigger brothers!  Owen starts Sunbeams in 2014, and is so excited to be in primary with the big kids!

Kevin is busy with work, which is always a blessing! He was able to attend Wood Badge this past year, and even taught a dutch oven cooking class at Scout Camp this past summer.  Right now he is serving as the 11 year old scout leader and he loves it.  Despite his busy schedule Kevin finds time to be the number one hero to three boys!  He makes time to play hockey (yes, he wears inline hockey skates), baseball, or wrestle with the boys…and they simply love it!  Kevin also supports a very busy wife, helping more around the house this year.  He is a wonderful support to me.  Although he doesn’t go fishing as much as he would like, he did get a few trips in during 2013!

I (Bekka) have had a great 2013!  I graduated from APU in February with an undergrad in English.  The same month I began my Single Subject Credential program in Music and Masters in Education through National University.  In July I was hired as a first year teacher and I currently teach High School Choir and Piano at East Union High School. I finished my final credential course this past month, and now have 5 more months of Masters coursework until I graduate in June with a M. A. in Education.  The end is in sight and I am pressing forward. I was released this past February as the Primary President in our ward, and now serve as the Music Coordinator and Relief Society teacher.  In May I was the musical director for the Tracy Repertory Theater's Production of The Wizard of Oz.  I simply love musical theater and this production was outstanding. In addition to this, I discovered some food sensitivities this July.  I have cut out beef, yeast and gluten from my diet entirely, and I feel better than I have in many years!  A healthy 2014 is on the horizon for me this year!

The Austin’s have been truly blessed in 2013.  We are grateful for good health, wonderful friends, and the gospel which brings us such joy and peace.  We sincerely hope the New Year will bring you and your family a wealth of goodness and blessings, and that 2014 will be a year of joy!

Much Love,

The Austin’s

Kevin, Bekka, Walker, Garrett and Owen