Catching Up - Part Three - Megan

First of all Congratulations to Megan's dear sweet friend Sammy, who has offically battled cancer and won. We are excited that she is in remission and doing well. Megan loves the fact that she will be back at school this year. Megan has been an amazing support and friend through everything. We have all learned alot from Sammy's strength.

Last spring she wrapped up her sophomore year playing softball for the school. They needed a catcher and she stepped up. It was fun to watch her play as always. She obviously loves the game if you get a grin this big when you get on base.

The High School band spent 5 days over Memorial day weekend in Disneyland. Megan had a blast spending time with her friends in the band and playing center court in a Memorial day concert. I must admit that I on several occassions I have mentioned how jealous I am of her many travels. However, it is exciting to see her live life to the fullest every minute of every day.

Megan with her Favorite Character. We often joke that we should put a life size Mater on her bedroom wall.

Afterer Disneyland she feverishly wrapped up her sophomore year. Constant excitement in the air as she studies for finals, planned activities with friends, and got ready for her summer adventures. Here is her group of friends at the "Mormon Prom."

The week after school was out she headed off for a week at EFY in Tacoma with her friend Whitney and with Sam. Of course she loved every minute of it and had a blast. She returned home for less than a day, just long enough to do her laundry and then was out the door to her cousins house in Pennsylvania. She spent a wonderful week with her cousins and was shown a great time. Thanks Jeanne and Roger for giving them such a great experience.

She loved her time in New York and DC and really enjoyed Hershey park and the church sites along with the pageant.

After months of nagging on my part I guess she decided that a street vendor in NY seemed like the perfect place to buy her first purse.

After returning home it was once again time for a quick turn around to get ready for a week at Girls Camp. She was a little tired when she headed out the door but as usual had a great time at girls camp. After camp she did return home and take a week to catch her breath and get a few other things done. And then it was time to get ready for TREK.

As I mentioned with Sam, what an amazing experience. They heat in easter washington was terrible the bugs and conditions gross but she loved it and learned and grew a lot. I love this picture of her brother giving her a little boost at the end the "womens pull." She enjoyed her trek family and the experience a lot.

The trek ended her adventures away from home for the summer and she managed to squeeze in a few more weeks of fun here at home before she had to start preparing for school and swim. Of course as always the lake is a popular place to hang out with friends and family. Tubing is one of her greatest adventures. She had a fun time being at the lake with all of her Hickman Cousins.

Catching Up - Part Three - Megan Continued...

Here is the picture I made reference to of Sam and Megan at Trek. Sorry I could not get it to load onto the other post. :)

A short clip of Megan's band at their last performance. Megan is in the front row of the clarinets, third head in. This year in band she is playing the Bari-Sax. She is very excited.

Catching Up - Part Two - Sam

Yes, we are still here. It is amazing how time gets away from you. Anyhow here are a few of the things that Sam has been up to (besides making his Mom laugh and bugging his sisters) Five months ago this week he had Elbow reconstruction surgery. It wasn't easy but all things considered it went well. He now has about 95% use of his elbow and the surgery was a success. Thanks, to everyone for your love and support and prayers. He missed less school then anticipated and rehab was easier than expected. He had a great freshman year of highschool in spite of having elbow surgery, oral surgery, and getting his braces put on.

After being cooped up for a while and not participating in very many activities he was very happy when he got the OK to start doing things again. Of course getting out on the wakeboard was at the top of his list.

Both Sam and Megan did a great job cheering on Mollie and her team throughout the all star tournament. After every win they would add a new item to their outfits. Much too Mollie's amazement all of the 10 year olds on the team loved Sam and Megan.

The last week of June Sam's cousin Ryan came for a visit and they had a blast. Sam only gets to see Ryan about once a year but they manage to cram in a lot of fun in a few short days.

Of course what fifteen year old boy wouldn't love anything that involves fire.

Sam went on the teachers quorum scout high adventure for a week and had lots of stories to tell. He loved the rock climbing and white water rafting. He wasn't thrilled with all of the hiking but I think a view like this would make it all worth it.
On August 1st he celebrated his 15th birthday (yes I know there are only 9 candles, what can I say). A few days after his birthday we went to the lake with two of his good friends and had a fun day. He loved having the guys to hang out with and I managed to get 15 candles on the 2nd cake. I don't have any pictures but Sam also went to EFY for a week down in Tacoma and had a wonderful time. I loved talking to him after he got home. It was great to hear about all the fun he had, the people he met, and the things he learned. He is already talking about next year. Next it was off to TREK. It is amazing to me that they take so little on trek and do just fine. He wore the clothes you see, had a five gallon bucket of various supplies and a sleeping bag. Despite the hot weather and all the walking he enjoyed it and even had some time to goof of with his friends and smile.

Finally as summer grew to a close Sam loved innertubing with various family members and friends over the summer. I love taking the pictures it is so great to hear all of the laughter. After one last weekend at the lake for the Hickman reunion Sam was anxious to get back to football and is somewhat excited for school and seminary!