We are ready to say OUT with the OLD and IN with the NEW as we bring 2009 to a close! Reflecting on the events of the last year has had its’ definite ups and downs and trying to stay positive in light of the affects of being immersed in the recession has been a trial in itself!
The boys continue to grow and thrive as they’ve reached 5th and 7th grade. Their responsibilities are daunting to them as they juggle school, 4H, sports and the reality of getting older = more responsibility. They’ve managed to embrace the challenges though.
Kason tackles his schoolwork like a real trooper and we were proud of him earning the Honorable Mention status for first quarter. He’s become quite the musician now playing the clarinet & saxophone in band and picking up the fiddle on his own. He is dedicated, goal oriented and a joy. If everyone had a Kason Brown in his or her life, the world would be a happier place!! He continues to treasure his interests like mountain manning, hunting and fishing and isn’t seen very many places without his buddy Cyrus!
Kaine has matured into a wonderful young man as well and takes great pride in who he is and what he wants. His favorite class is Ag shop where he has learned to weld very well. He is more headstrong everyday, but I’m proud to say he stands up for what he thinks is right!! He’s had several good friends move away recently which has tested his strength and has made him a stronger person for sure. He’s a go-getter on the basketball court and not afraid to show his aggression in football either. His love is still bowling and he’s begun mechanizing at the Bowling Alley. His highlight was bowling a 207 last summer. He continues to love hunting or fishing for anything and tagged his first antelope this fall. He also drew his first elk tag and spotted a beautiful 6x6 bedded down, but announced it to Dad first INSTEAD of shooting first. That’s why we call it hunting and not killing right! Mountain Man Rendezvousing, buffalo herding, winning the Snow Shoe Stomp Race and Ice Fishing are just a few of the adventures the boys have taken part in the last year.
We hosted another wonderful Japanese Exchange student, Ryota Togashi last July- August. He became part of the family and learned a great deal about the American West as he was thrown into the rugged mountain life the boys love so much. Pike fishing and frogging on the Green River were a big hit as we immersed him in American culture the first weekend. We also took him tubing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, lots of swimming, picking wild raspberries and strawberries at Teller City, Star gazing at an astronomers observatory, Hot Air Ballooning, visiting the Railroad in Cheyenne and finally a crazy afternoon at Elitch Gardens. WHEW!
Our family grew by 2 more feet this year as well… with the addition of a new baby nephew in July. Another addition will be coming next spring when Reb’s brother and his new wife have their first child too.
We are very lucky to have some “family like friends” in our lives and have had some enduring moments this last year with them. The little ones I’ve watched for years relocated over the mountain, so they’re still close to see regularly. Recently we helped our dear Loftsgard friends move clear to North Dakota… a 1200+-mile journey. This was a difficult move for us all, but I see many road trips planned in the future for us all! In September we took a road trip to Montana where Reb was in his best friends’ wedding and I took pictures. What a wonderful get-a-way right after the hustle and bustle of fair!! On the trip we saw our niece and nephew that live up North and the kiddos enjoyed the afternoon at the water park. Cousin camp was called off due to “life”… I had surgery, my sisters were tied down with work and awaiting a baby and our men were choppin’ trees. NEXT year though, I’ve been reminded to NOT call it off!
For Reb and I, our world revolves around work & the boys. When he’s working the woods, I’m taking pictures, running water or doing side work to help make ends. We have faith the recession will turn around this year. I went back to school last spring to eventually earn my Masters in Education Leadership in hopes to relieve some work pressure here. School boarding, volunteering, 4H leading and fair boarding continue to fill in the gaps of time. Photography has done well despite the luxury expense that many opt out of now. I’m doing work for the Colorado Tourism Council and have my first coffee table book “North Park…a Diamond in the Rough” at press to be released in January.
In the new year we hope to gather our senses a little more and enjoy more family time camping and traveling. Hunting is a surefire way to get the boys to go on a road trip I’ve learned!! Best wishes to you all in 2010 and enjoy the simple things that make this time of year so memorable!
Always~ Reb, Jamie, Kaine & Kason Brown
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