Hello!
So
last year we sent out one of these Christmas Letters. Apparently someone read
the letter, and enjoyed what was intended as torment. So, back by popular
demand, here goes nothing:
This year
was a challenge to see how full a schedule could be, and how much we could
change.
Matt and I
are still very much involved with scouting. We went to summer camp again this
year, and it seemed like the same thing over again, only this time we knew a
tad more of what we were doing. We started this tradition where our troop
invites the staff into our site on Wednesday night at camp, and we have a
bonfire, sing songs, and have this awesome scouting fellowship night. It’s a
unique part of scouting that I’ve found very enjoyable.
We also
took our first real “vacation” for seven days on the Delmarva Peninsula (which
I maintain isn’t real) in Bethany
Beach, Delaware. It was nice to get away from the nonsense of life for a week,
take close to 1,000 pictures, and marvel at the ocean. It was my and Matt’s
first time seeing the ocean, and it was something I won’t soon forget. We plan
on going again eventually.
What
little remained of the summer was spent in the form of weekends at my Grandma
and Pappy’s camp. I made pizza mountain pies nonetheless, and Matt had his turn
at taking a whack at the art form of golf cart driving. There’s nothing better
than spending a Friday night around a campfire with your family and some new
friends. Between the many runs to the store and golf cart parades, we’ve
probably put a good hundred miles on that golf cart.
Summer
gave way to fall, and Matt entered the 8th grade, and I entered the
10th.
Matt is
involved with the marching and concert bands. He plays the saxophone like
nobody’s business, and was even chosen to participate in an honors band. Matt marched
in Pittsburgh’s Celebrate the Season Parade, and he is going to Disney this
March on a seven day adventure with the marching band.
I have
been involved with the high school chorus and Guys Ensemble. I’ve also delved
into the world of announcing with the Carlynton Marching Band. I’m still
involved with the WYEP project, and love every minute of it.
My
grandmother, Baba Popichak, celebrated her birthday in November. She had a good
laugh at the rest of us when her team, the Pirates, started a winning streak
this summer that ALMOST got them above .500. She still has a fantastic memory
that is far better than the rest of ours, and she and I have talked aimlessly
for hours over at her house.
My
father celebrated 15 years as a priest at Slickville along with our parish
family. We had a breakfast in his honor, and earlier in the year we had the
pleasure to welcome Bishop Daniel and a few seminarians out to our humble
parish.
As
for my mother, she took a new job in Crafton working at a company called
Chartwell. She said that it’s strange to have coworkers after working at home
for 15 years, but she loves it all the same.
Rotor
the Killer Weiner Dog is easily confused. As of late, he’s continued his
tradition of running around chasing an inflatable ball, and this year we’re
quite convinced that he will knock over the Christmas tree one of these days.
So here’s
to hoping we can make 2013 even busier, and better. That is, unless the world
ends before you get this letter. I’m sorry if you don’t get it, but then again
I won’t know if you didn’t. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
The Popichak Family
(Written by me, Alexander Popichak)
