Dear Family and Friends,

This year we had a few really fun vacations. First, we went to Oregon. We stayed in Bend for a few days with a college buddy of Ivan’s. We explored some cool volcanoes there before going to the coast and then stayed with Rachel’s uncle in Portland. It was the perfect vacation: cool, interesting things to do and see but also relaxing and full of good company.

Shortly after that, we went with Rachel’s family to Durango and Silverton, Colorado for a few days. We went Jeep-ing to an old ghost town, rode a steam powered train, and just had a good time.

Ivan thinks the new UTA bus schedule is kind of awful. He’s been working in the office a few days week. He’s also taken on a new role that involves more cross-team work and less programming. It’s been fun and a nice change, but he does miss programming and his old job.

Rachel thinks braces are kind of awful. She got a freeze dryer and, apart from time when it was broken, has enjoyed experimenting to see what will freeze dry.

Avery thinks ninth grade is kind of awful. She was in the Millennial Choir and Orchestra. They’ve had two concerts so far and they were both really cool.

Evelyn thinks Chinese is kind of awful. She is in 7-th grade and started learning the cello. It’s definitely her favorite class.

Hazel thinks waiting in line at Disneyland is kind of awful. We went to Disneyland on Thanksgiving. It was the first time we’ve gone and Hazel enjoyed everything except the lines.

Martin thinks chores are kind of awful. He likes making gingerbread houses, but says he doesn’t know how to make them yet.

Love,
The Andrus Family
Ivan, Rachel, Avery, Evelyn, Hazel, and Martin