Wrights in AK: December 2012

Happy Christmas! We hope your family is healthy, happy and looking forward to 2013. Here's a quick synopsis of what's happened in 2012:

Roger: Spent most of this year in Europe working for Southern Air, which underwent a massive reorganization when the CEO and investment board decided to gut the company and sell off its routes. It declared bankruptcy last summer, resulting in 70 percent of the workforce being laid off. Roger was pink slipped Oct. 1. While a huge blow to our income, it has been a blessing since his job was increasingly stressful and political. Roger started with the Alaska Dept. of Corrections last month...a career change we never saw coming. The schedule is week-on, week-off, with great benefits. For the second time in 20 years, Roger actually lives at home!

Me: I finished my master's degree last summer! I'm teaching seventh grade math and advanced language arts, as well as K-8 P.E. Mary Grace is in my LA class, and it's been fun to reacquaint myself with her fellow students. Our school is about ready to move into our brand-new K-5 addition, which was built right next to our gym, and will replace our decrepit portables. Later this year, the middle school addition will be built. It'll be nice not to have to endure the weather every time we change classes.

Luke: He turned 16 this year and hit the road in his own car. His hockey team finished strong last year taking the Regions III championship for the second year in a row. This year, Luke is a captain, working hard to keep up morale and enduring a grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it season. He's taking all IB/AP classes, including AP physics - and managed a 4.0 this semester. Last summer, he worked two jobs at Carr's grocery store and as a host at Local's pizzeria.

Mary Grace: She said good bye to her Girl Scout troop leader last summer with a farewell kayaking trip to Valdez, although she's still working toward her Silver award and active in a new troop. Grace got braces last summer, played soccer and starts volleyball in Jan. She participated in theatre camp and just turned 13. Her class went beaver trapping (along with Roger) and spent a week at Kennicott copper mine for a unit on mining.

Nate: is a big first grader now! He is soaking up school like a sponge, playing hockey in the winter and soccer in the summer. He's convinced the Big Nate books are written about his life (Nate Wright is the main character) and is the Angry Birds champion in our house.

We're looking forward to 2013, with an upcoming trip to the east coast in June-July. Do drop us a line at rewrighter@gmail.com and let us know what's happening at your house!