This year has been one for the books—filled with blessings, growth, and plenty of adventures. Of course, life came with its challenges, but we’ve leaned on Jesus Christ for strength and healing. His atonement continues to bring us comfort, joy, and purpose. As we reflect on the past year, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support of our family and friends. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to.
Taran, Lisa, and Their Three Energetic Kids
Taran is still serving faithfully as Elders Quorum President and working hard at Avetta, navigating corporate restructuring like a pro. Lisa balances teaching Relief Society with homeschooling their oldest. Their second son is thriving at preschool (the same one their oldest attended), and their Wednesdays at our house are full of fun and adventures. The youngest, their spunky daughter, keeps everyone laughing with her hilarious antics.
Timo, Megan, and Their Little Marine Biologist in Training
The Florida crew has had an exciting year. Timo, recently released from his Elders Quorum Presidency, works remotely for Exact Sciences and makes trips to Wisconsin when needed. Megan is balancing her role in the Primary Presidency with pursuing her master’s in dolphin research, teaching labs, and presenting at a marine mammal conference in Australia. Their clever preschooler is in love with My Little Pony and keeps everyone entertained.
Emily and Sam: Building Dreams, One Brick at a Time
Emily and Sam recently bought a house near Tim’s mom and are gradually moving in. Their new piano is already adding a fun touch. Emily is busy on the Relief Society Activities Committee while Sam serves as a bishopric secretary. Both are working full-time: Emily splits her time between CIT and occasional shifts at a bridal shop, while Sam does marketing for FamilySearch and juggles side gigs. Big backyard dreams include a garden and chickens someday!
Izak: The Renaissance Man
Izak continues to rock life, working on Orem City’s media team (check out their Instagram!). He also teaches the youth Sunday School class at church, and they love him. Between BYU classes, intramural sports, BYU games, and performing music under "IZAK" (check him out on streaming platforms!), he’s always on the go. Past Lives is a family favorite!
Micah and Cherish: Back to the Books
After a summer of solar sales, Micah and Cherish are back in Utah and full-time students at BYU. Micah TAs a stats class, and Cherish has been working for Lindon City Recreation. They also help with BYU events, and Micah’s Ultimate Frisbee intramural team even clinched a championship this year!
Zane: From Scotland to Home Sweet Home
Zane returned from his mission in Scotland and Ireland in October, bringing home incredible stories and experiences. He’s working full-time in restoration deconstruction while preparing to start BYU in January. He’s saving up for tuition, driving a newly purchased car, and making temple attendance a priority. He’s already been on a date and is adjusting to post-mission life with grace.
Gwen: Senior Year Extraordinaire
Gwen’s senior year is a whirlwind of activity! She’s juggling library work, ASL Honor Society co-presidency, Chamber Choir, and church class presidency. She’s also been nominated for the CTE Presidential Scholar Award—fingers crossed! Gwen’s downtime includes concerts (Niall Horan, Nothing But Thieves, Seventeen), musicals, and hanging out with friends. College applications are on her to-do list, but she’s savoring every moment of her busy high school life.
Tim and Rachelle: A Year of Service and Adventure
Tim’s year has included choir tours to the Philippines, Florida, and Georgia—memorable and enriching experiences. He continues his work as a QA Manager at FamilySearch, while Rachelle took on a new role as Relief Society President, organizing funeral luncheons, ministering to others, and appreciating her amazing team. Together, they’ve enjoyed hiking, snowshoeing, pickleball, and even a Las Vegas getaway for a work conference. Rachelle also started weightlifting and transferred old family memories at the Family History Center—a labor of love.
Family Highlights
Our family reunion in St. George was a blast, featuring Sand Hollow adventures, pool time, kayaking, pickleball, and even a trip to see Anastasia at Tuacahn. While we missed Timo’s family and Zane, the time together was precious. Holidays were filled with pickleball matches, Parade of Homes tours, hikes, and Thanksgiving Point outings.
We’ve been richly blessed this year and are so grateful for each of you. Wishing you peace, joy, and abundant blessings as we move into 2025.
With love,
Tim, Rachelle, and the Family
This post was aided by chatgpt
Pictures from this past year:
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| Taran and Lisa |
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| Izak at one of his concerts |
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| Gwen and Emily traveling with friends to LA to see 17 |
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| Sam and Emily in front of their house |
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| Taran and Lisa's family |
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| Izak and one of his intramural flag football teams |
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| Micah and his championship Ultimate Frisbee team (intramurals) |
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| Eden 1st birthday |
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| Rachelle with Timo and Autumn at the zoo while Megan was in Australia |
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| At the beach |
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| At the Grand America for the choir gratitude dinner |
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| Sam's first BYU football game |
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| Gwen supporting her friend in band |
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| Some of us at the reunion in St. George |
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| Gwen's group for Sadies |
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| Isaac & Gwen repping the 70s at Sadies |
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| Birthday lunch with Adrian |
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| Welcome Home Zane!!! |
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| BYU Football game with the Wykstras-Oklahoma State Game! |
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| Gwen and friends at the Haunted Lift at Sundance |
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| Gwen and friends after a choir concert |
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| Skeleton Theme Day |
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| Skeleton Theme Day |
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| Gwen's 18th birthday |
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| Gwen's 18th birthday |
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| Tim and Rachelle hike |
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| Gwen and friends HOCO 2024 |
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| Tim on choir tour in Georgia |
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| Izak performs at Orem Fest |
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| Autumn and Rachelle first visit in 2024 |
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| Beach with Timo, Autumn and Megan in August |
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| Hike in Southern Utah, Snow Canyon |
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| Gwen kayaking |
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| Red Cliffs Temple with cousins |
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| Fun at Sand Hollow |
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| Sand Hollow |
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| Sand Hollow |
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| Tim and a Golden Eagle Timp Cave Presentation |
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| Stewart Falls Hike |
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| Pickle Ball on Holidays |
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| Hiking with MCKay and Sue Anne and Hans |
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| Family and Friends who came to see Izak at Orem Fest |
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| Izak and Tim helped coach Adrian's teeball team with Taran |
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| Pickleball |
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| The Venetian in Las Vegas she actually sang to us |
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| Thanksgiving Point Gardens Tulip Festival |
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| Manti Temple Open House with extended family, we went to many open houses this year! |
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| Timmer visits the boys intramural basketball game |
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| Timmer in the Philippines on choir tour |
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| Snowshoeing |
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| Izak plays the Velour with Taran and Calvin |
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| Timmer had a sinus surgery the beginning of 2024 |
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| Pie Night at Grandma's |
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| Sushi |
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| Family Temple Trip |
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| A favorite cousin leaves on a mission |
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| Wearing their Tartan ties! |
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| Friends at Zane's homecoming |
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| Visiting Granny |
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| Zane enjoyed returning to the temple after his mission |
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| Grandma and Zane |
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| Zane and Teresa |
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| Granny and Zane |
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Gwen made her prom dress, vintage Vogue
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| Gwen decorated some cool cakes this year! |
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| Megan, Autumn and Timo coming for Christmas was the best! |
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