Letter 7.3.16

Summer heat has finally come to Northern Utah.  We've been enjoying the heat and the activities of Summer.  This last week we took the family and some of Adam's friends out on the boat.  They had a great time but I couldn't help but noticing that just like the two of you, Adam is now coming into his own.  He has friends that are good boys and will be good for him to hang with as he goes through his High School experience.  They are different, a couple of the strongest personalities are in the marching band and proud of it.  It is so fun to see who he is choosing for friends.

Last Saturday was Grandma Follett's funeral and on the drive Sariah told us she wanted to listen to Big River.  Samantha objected and Sariah overruled (you can see it).  So, to and from the funeral we listened to Big River.  As we were driving into Preston, I noticed that Adam was singing along with everyone else.  In fact, he wasn't bashful at all about it.  That started my week-long observation of Adam.  He's a different kid without the two of you here.  He has more to say about what he wants to do and about what he thinks we should be doing.  He's more familiar with us.  In fact, there is a lot to like about the "new" Adam.  He is a renaissance man.

I think you'd be proud of, and happy for him.  The two of you being gone has done him wonders.  I'm really pretty excited to see him continue to develop.  He has decided that he his done with piano lessons, at least being taught by a piano teacher, so Mom is teaching him.  He seems happy about that.

Another dynamic that is hugely different is that the remaining kids all love and prefer their Mom.  Not saying that you didn't, and not commenting on whether that's the right way to have things, but it's interesting to see that play out.

Gibbons Family News:

Me - digging a new drain system since the last round of flooding.  Focusing on the two windows by the garage and the East side of the house.  Helping mom plant trees and shrubs.  If you see me around the house, I'm likely on the end of shovel moving dirt.

Mom - laser-focused on finishing the yard.  Continuing to direct the planting and landscaping in the yard.  It looks awesome.

Sydney - Now writing songs and lyric for her own music.  Spent lots of time on the piano and guitar this past week.

Adam - you got the update above.

Samantha - just finished swimming lessons and did well.  She has quite the opinions forming in her little mind.

Sariah - Always wanting to direct the show and now that Jacob is gone, she is large and in charge.  Fun, fun personality, although her strong personality bring her in regular conflict with Samantha.