Another wonderfully full
year for our family, fortunately now in a home that fits! We moved to another
rental in the same village early this Summer. Here’s a rundown of the Carter
clan and many of our fun adventures.
Easton, 12, 7th grade – Froze at Scout
Klondike Derby and Summer Camp in Kandersteg, Switzerland. Swim and guitar
lessons, Model United Nations club, volunteered at Stuttgart breakfast kitchen
for his school Action & Service project, baking treats, student council rep
presentation on empathy and bullying. Enjoys trying dance moves and special
handshakes, Studio C skits, video games, dabbling on the piano and dog sitting.
Learning to navigate city bus system.
McKay, 10, 5th grade – Strategic athlete at recess and track
and soccer seasons. Coming into his own academically, enjoys playing the piano,
baking treats, tried wrestling camp, MathQuest club, elected Student Council
representative 4th year in a row, school play club, and Cub Scouts.
Travel adventure with dad to Lake Bled, Slovenia. Learning his leadership
potential with great mentors at Int’l School of Stuttgart!
Morgan, 8, 2nd grade – Braved first grade in
German school. Loves to do art, face painting, cooking club, animal family playing
with friends, read with Mom or Dad. Chose to be baptized and joined Activity
Day Girls. Starting piano lessons, loved ballet class this summer. Thriving
back at int’l school.
Jake, 5, German kindergarten – Peanut butter or Nutella-eating early
riser, loves his American best friends at Kindi [Sigh]. Loves to sing Pirates of Penzance and Hamilton. Enjoyed first soccer season! Everyone
he meets, young or old, is potentially his new best friend!
Aliza, 2 – Vocal early riser, mommy and me Musikgarten class, loves
Nursery and especially her leader Josie. Jake’s best playmate and stuffed
animal hoarder.
Tracie, almost 40! – January through the end of July were
a blur facilitating Morgan’s integration into German first grade and staying afloat
with the rest of our life. Great experience that stretched this mom of five too
thin! Love hosting German class twice a week. Teach Relief Society 1-2x/month
(women’s Sunday school class). Coached Jake and McKay’s soccer teams with Ryan.
First Disney park experience. Loved visits from Nick & Christine Bare, Gina
Waddoups, and Eric & Tamsyn Carter’s family!!!
Ryan – Planned and led our family on great travel adventures to southern
Spain, regions around Paris, a two-week RV trip through England and now
Christmas markets. Also led Tracie’s brother Nick and wife Christine on a
whirlwind trip around Italy and a buddy on a hike through Interlaken
Switzerland. Heading into third year of a five-year contract as site lead with
CSRA. Enjoying the satisfaction of building a solid, functioning team
atmosphere at work. Serving as Sunday School president and enjoys facilitating
the new Teacher Council discussions each month.
Cancer took Ryan’s
younger brother, Greg, early this past year after a valiant two-year battle. We
can not comprehend the depth of loss felt by his parents and dear husband,
Nathan. Mourning Greg, it has been heartening to reflect on this year’s
highlights and be deeply appreciative of our many blessings.
We wish you health and
happiness this season. May the peace, joy and love found in following our
Savior’s light bless your home and heart.
