JARED

The littlest grandson is no longer little. He is acing first grade so well that he has been taking several 2nd grade classes to keep him challenged - along with mom's ongoing tutoring. His parents Debbie & Richard are doing well in Hilo - and now get to regularly see Grandma Eudie and Grandpa John who moved to the Big Island of Hawaii this year.

KAYLEE

Kaylee had two big events this year. In May she was elected Princess for the school's May Day program and performed a beautiful hula before the gathered student body and parents - including proud and beaming me. Later she made her first communion.

ROXY

What can we say about Roxanne. Between school (8th grade - many advanced courses), soccer,  summer sports camp, and the whole gamut of teenage activities her social schedule has been very full. I try to catch her on her way by every now and then to get a hug - a singularly wonderful experience.

ALLISON
Allison turned 15 this year. Had she done so last year, she would be out driving on her own by now. The state changed the law this year so now she has another year to wait for her 'wheels'. I may be prejudiced but have no doubt she is responsible enough to drive. She has also become a breadwinner as a basketball timer, soccer referee, baby sitting, and bunch of other things - while still acing her classes at school.

KIM
 Kim certainly had a big year. She graduated as a valedictorian from Hilo High School, moved with her mother from the Big Island of Hawaii to South Lake Tahoe (actually Stateline) Nevada, and now is immersed in her freshman year at Grinnell College in Iowa. Talk about changes - from sea level to 6000 ft., from tropics to ski slopes. Both mother and daughter in different parts of the mainland claim to be enjoying their first experience with snow.  Well, Cheryl was 9 years old when we left Maine but her memories have no doubt grown vague. If you don't think I feel old - with my granddaughter away to college.