Top 16 List of 2015 Sappington Family Doings

It was a lovely holiday season, although we missed seeing several of our family members.  Kelly and Gary came for a short – but pleasant – visit and, of course, we had Stacy, Rick and Taisley.  Our two days together included a trip out in the unusual winter cold to see Christmas lights, Christmas Eve dinner – with turkey and all the trimmings, including ribbon salad (in the traditional red, white and green color scheme this time).  On Christmas Day – after all the gifts were opened and we had Skyped or Face Timed with just about everyone (except Elder Simeon) we went to see “Joy,” a quirky little movie about … well, you’ll have to see it yourself.   Ten minutes before the movie ended I received the anticipated call from Atlanta, GA … so hurried home so we could talk to Simeon by Skype.  Then, after all the leftovers were warmed up and consumed, we got out the Phase 10 cards and played in two teams for a couple of hours of raucous noise and laughter. On Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), Kelly and I took a turn around town to check out sales and to pick up a few items Santa did not bring before she and Gary headed for home.

Around the dinner table we came up with our 2015 Top Ten List of what has happened in the Sappington family during the past twelve months.  It actually turned out to be a Top 16 list, so here it is – in no particular order – although we think #1 really should be at the top of our Top Ten list!  Have we left anything out?

1.              Taisley is adopted by Rick and is now officially a Welch!!

2.              A definite #2 (even might be a tie for #1) … Tiffany and Bob were notified in November of the birth of fraternal twins boys – their 2-year-old Abby’s bio-brothers born at 27 weeks gestation – and asked by the social worker if they would add them to their family.  Their answer was yes … but only on the condition, they are adopted, rather than fostered.  They now are the 45-year-old parents of 7 + Ayami (Todd’s 16-year-old daughter) in a household which also includes two dogs and 5 cats!!!

3.              Rick returns to the fire truck after a year of recovery from a foot injury.

4.              Mom and Dad, Kelly and Gary enjoy a week of Rotary service in Mexico.

5.              Lilly is baptized.

6.              Kaler is an Eagle Scout.

7.              Grandma Doris moves (very much against her will) to St. George.

8.              Kelly is employed … and employed again.

9.              BD Catering is up and cooking.

10.          Kendi tours Europe.

11.          Michael has a run in with a 16” saw blade

12.          Kaler and Taisley maintain their 4.0 gpa while continuing to perfect their musical skills … she on the violin / he on the trumpet.

13.          Danielle graduates from Dixie State University and finds a great job with benefits.

14.          Jaeson survives the crash of his bullet bike but with painful injuries requiring surgery.

15.          Grandpa Ed turns 75 on New Years Eve … and, after three years of being home, Santa finally gave him our mission book – 211 pages of pictures and blog posts chronicling our 18-months in Guyana, South America (thanks to Kaytee for all her hard work)

16.          Tyson marries Tanya, Todd marries Naoko and two new Sappington's come into the world … Troy and Linda's baby girl Liana born last December 22 (almost 2015) and Todd and Naoko‘s baby boy, Todd Sappington, Jr. (“TJ”) born Tuesday, December 29, 2015. 

Happy New Year to one and all! May this be the best year yet ... for all of us.