Christopher's Award

This evening (5/25/11) JFK Jr. High in West Valley, Utah, held their annual awards ceremony and Christopher Freeman was among the honorees. Here he is (in white shirt) on the stage.

Here is Chris with his proud teacher

Chris holds his certificate for demonstrating Outstanding Citizenship during the school year

Now, this is not just any Citizenship award; it is the President's Education Citizenship Award. Which President? How about President Obama?! That's right, The President of the United States--see his name near Chris's left hand. The President sent his apologies for not being here in person. He was tied up in London.

It was a fun ceremony where dozens of 7th, 8th and 9th graders, like Chris were honored. The school's principal conducted. At one point he congratulated all of many honorees and told them their potential was unlimited. "In this country, who knows, one of you might grow up one day to be a Navy Seal Team 6".

After the ceremony Chris's family happily posed with him.

From left - James, Melissa, Kelly (the proud Mom), Chris and Stephanie

(Now, if you're doubting the validity of this President's certificate, no worries. It was verified by the team that inspected his Hawaii birth certificate)

Coach-Pitch

This Saturday, May 21 was a glorious spring day. Well, it barely reached the 60ies but there was no rain, making it different from the last several days. And we celebrated the day watching David's Little League game. His division is called "Coach-Pitch," a learning division just a step above T-Ball. Below is David in his yellow shirt and tan hat. In wise fashion, every inning the boys were rotated to different positions. This was his chance to be pitcher, well, standing behind the coach who is actually pitching to the batters.

Next, he played catcher. Note, he is in the act of throwing the ball back to the pitcher. He had told his coach, "I am a good thrower". And he is.

Of course, getting to bat was the biggest thrill. These boys are learning how to stand in the box, how to swing the bat, and what to do if by a small miracle they hit the ball into fair territory. Which David did a couple of times. In this photo, taken by Gramma from our sideline camp chairs, you can see the ball frozen a few feet in front of the swinging David.

Here is David as a base runner. In this exciting at-bat he hit a hard grounder and ran fast to 1st base, carrying his bat the entire distance with him. The game was filled with excitement and laughter (by the parents) as the young ones learned lessons. For instance, one boy had not yet learned to run from one base to the next. He was standing on second and his coach and team mates hollered to him to run. Trying to be obedient, he took off into left field, with his coach in pursuit.

Among the crowd this day was David's Dad and younger brother.

After the game David ran over to Gramma to thank her for coming. In his hand he held the snack provided to each team member after a game. "And we get to eat!" David told his Grandmother proudly. Life hardly gets any better than this.

April..er...May Showers

There is an expression sometimes used in Hawaii for something that is continuing. It is "still, yet". The rain here in Provo, Utah began raining yesterday. It rained all last night and this morning "still, yet". This is the view through our living room window.

Bigfoot is well insulated and our heating system works well, which is good. The local TV weather folks predict rain "still, yet" for another week with temps Becca refers to as "chilly, willy". The highs will get into the 50ies, with lows at night in the low 40ies.

Although the weather is chilly, willy, the hugs of grandchildren are warm. We are glad to be close to them for a while. We look forward to a John and Marilyn Connelly Clan Reunion at Amanda and Eric's home in Rigby, Idaho in late June, where it should be spring there, although Manda makes no promises. But there will be plenty of grandchildren!

Kelly's Day

Today, May 6, 2011, Kelly invited us to the University of Utah, College of Education Convocation. She was among those honored in Kingsbury Hall, as they received their Master of Education degree. Kelly's emphasis is Special Education. This is her walking in to the familiar tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" Since we arrived several hours before the ceremony, we had seats on the aisle.

Rycharn, seated in front of us, was also taking photos.

Christopher and Stephanie proudly watch their Mom "walk" in with the other honorees.

All of the Freeman family were in attendance. Kelly felt strongly that her degree was possible only because the entire family supported her.

Rycharn took a day off from work. He felt comfortable that KSL's evening news would make it without him.

Becca was thrilled to share a moment with "Kelly Ann; she's my sister"

Kel poses with a couple of fellow graduates. Leis were well represented, among the Polynesians as well as many happy haoles.

The centerpiece of the graduation party was a huge sub sandwich.

The party was at Jon and Cathy's house. Our hostess is in the bg

Papa and Rycharn visit. In bg is Heidi, the major architect of the sub.

The Auswanderers were proud to share the day with the Utah families honoring Kelly Ann for her impressive achievement. Kel reminded us that she was the first of our children to earn her Masters Degree. You go girl!

Heidi's Pizza

Among Heidi's many talents is making delicious home made pizza. The other night the Auswanderers were invited to have dinner at her house. Becca and I were drawn to the kitchen by the aroma of the freshly cooked pizza.

Now, she doesn't make just one kind of pizza. The night we were there she had three different kinds, including one with kielbasa which Gramma contributed, plus bread sticks. Pizza Hut eat your heart out.