2017 Christmas Letter

2017 Olsen Family  SAMPLING THE SEASONS:
(Did you notice the Eclipse Stamp? Did you breath on it?)

Another whirlwind year, and it seems this one was particularly eventful, not in all great ways.  Regardless of our ability to grasp the totality of what is happening, we trust in the One who holds it all in His hands and knows our comings and goings before we can even begin to imagine…

WINTER:

Leverich Girls

• Family Ski trip in Utah to start off the year. 
• Carolyn lost her oldest brother Gary.
• Family & Friends joined us for a celebration of Life for Grandma Peggy in February and April Paddle Out
• Angela and Lydia (Sister in Law & niece) came for a visit 

SPRING:

La Jolla Getaway

• Nathan's Engineering Team places in regional competition & earns a place at State Competition
• Carolyn and Ric always make a point to spend anniversary time away.  Our favorite getaway is La Jolla. 

SUMMER:

• Carolyn's 50th celebration swing dancing!
• Visit from Sage & Stella (niece & nephew from CO)
• Nathan helped with Skate camp with Youth Group.
• Tina & Eladio's wedding- dear friends from Harbor Trinity days. 
• Our congregation hosted almost 600 kids for a week to teach community engagement.
• Nathan and Ric went on a 120 mile hike through the Philmont Scout Ranch and Kit Carson National Forrest.



Keziah w/ Broesamle Girls @ the Gathering

• Annual camping trip with the Hellriegels in Crystal Cove

FALL:

• Keziah (17) became a senior (International Baccalaureate program)  and Nathan (15) is now a sophomore (Engineering and Technology Program) at Foothill HS.  Both also serve in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Leadership on campus.
• College Applications, Visits and Scholarship applications for Keziah
• Keziah began driving lessons (licence by Winter?)
• Fall Fires were the worst in years (1st time ever on the edge of evacuation) and winds (lost 2 trees)
• The Boys were inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution through several ancestors
• Ric travelled to Orange TX to set up hurricane relief partnerships from Orange CA.
• 500th Anniversary of the Reformations at Christ Cathedral (Orange).
• Met some long lost cousins (Terence & Patti Smith)
• Keziah led worship solo during services
• City of Orange Tree Lighting

ONGOING:

• Lots of Scout Campouts and Training Hikes for the Boys
• Lots of Cross Country and  Track Meets (both throw shot put and discus)
• Lots of beach days
• Carolyn and Ric are in a long term spiritual direction program from Souleader Ministries called  SHIFT, which includes weekends at Forest Home.   We attended 2 sessions this year.
• NATHAN'S PHOTO/VIDEO Site: