April Letters

 April 5, 2026

Hi Lincoln, 

We've missed you today.  We decided to forgo the traditional Easter egg hunt and instead challenged each of your siblings to come up with some way to bear their testimony of Christ.  Ned and Gwen took the challenge to create an Easter empty tomb scene out of clay and then tell the story of it Easter morning, similar to the nativity scene we would discuss on Christmas morning. West shared his testimony of what Christ did in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Nyle shared his testimony of Christ overcoming physical and spiritual death.  Dad and I each shared our testimonies of the risen Savior as well.  It was a nice Easter.   Then, of course, there were all the great talks for Conference.  We felt spiritually nourished today and look forward to poring over the addresses in the coming weeks/months.  

Some of the highlights of this week:

Dad enjoyed himself in Palm Springs, but we were excited to welcome him home on Wednesday.  Then he enjoyed playing golf for most of the day on Saturday. 

 Nyle had two soccer games and played really well, but their team is just in a rough spot.  At least he's enjoying himself.  Ned and Gwen were a bit sick, but they trudged along to school each day anyway.  

Being sick didn't keep Ned from playing tennis, as he and Dad played quite a bit this weekend.  

Gwen has some exciting news that I'll let her share with you tomorrow.  

I've been doing well with work- we start SBAC testing this coming week, with the Science tests beginning first.  I'm nervous, but we'll be ok.  

Today, the boys were commenting that they missed having you around to play sports. They said you were always really good and actually tried.  

We love you and can't wait to talk to you. 

~Mom and Dad

April 12, 

Hi Lincoln,

How are things going with your new comp?  I can't wait to hear about it tomorrow!  

We are doing well.  We've been keeping busy with school, sports, work etc.  

Nyle had two soccer games this week, and Gwen has been working closely with her counselor to explore the option of graduating early.  She's also been going to tennis intramurals.  Ned has had soccer intramurals once a week on Wednesday.  Gwen has been picking him up from that. 

 West and Nyle have been working hard at school, as it is SBAC testing week.  I think they'll do great, as they always do.  

This weekend, Dad and I did a lot of baking before it gets too hot (breads and granola).  We also went to the temple and fed the missionaries last night.  It was a great day.  

Today, church was Fast and Testimony Meeting.  I felt inspired by your ward and got up to bear my testimony.  I think it's pretty cool that so many people want to bear their testimonies there.  I have a sure testimony of our Savior and know I should do better about sharing it more often.  

After church, the boys watched the Masters, and then we went to play baseball at Tuscany Park while Gwen went to Preach My Gospel.  

Also, Dad has some exciting news about Jeremy (his coworker).  I'll let him share it with you tomorrow.  

Had some somewhat scary news from Grandma and Grandpa Hills this weekend, but don't worry, it sounds like things are under control now.  Grandpa has been having some bad back pain and losing lots of sleep (both he and grandma).  He was able to get into the hospital and get some help, so it looks like things will be ok.  They should be moving up to Utah really soon, and it will be a good thing for them. Aunt Jodi and Dallas are anxious to have them close so they can take care of them.  

We're just getting ready to sit down to dessert now.  It was a good week.  We can't wait to hear how you've been doing.  We sure love you!  

March Letters

March 1, 2026 

Hi Lincoln,

I'm excited to talk to you and learn how your new area is going!  We've been doing well here, the weather took a dramatic turn for warmer weather this week.  The previous week we experienced lows around 30 F and highs around 45 F.  This week we've had the windows open to cool us down at night with highs in the upper 80s during the day. Whew! 

This week, work for me was busy with Apex FunRun.  West is a champ and ran 71 laps!  Gwen's choir class has been busy with Festival. We enjoyed watching her perform yesterday.  Dad also got me to go on a bike ride around the River Mountains Loop Trail again.  It'll be a while before we do it again, as we learned that the first part of the trail is in bad shape and put our bikes through quite a bit of abuse.  

Nyle has been busy with soccer practice and tells us that he has a soccer game on Tuesday, though we have no details other than that.  

Ned has been making regular visits to the gym and keeping up on all the homework that SECTA gives out.  

We're excited for March and the Easter season.  We love how everyone is working to make it more of a big deal.  I sure love this Season--the weather is amazing and we get to focus on the Savior and His role! 

We love you and are so proud of you. We pray for your constantly!  

Love, 

Mom and Dad​

March 8, 2026

Hi Lincoln, 

So many people have been asking about you.  I was excited to tell them about your new area and ward.  We're excited to hear more about your week tomorrow.  

Last week was a good one. 

Nyle had two soccer games, Nyle and West went to Benny's birthday party late-over on Friday night and all four kids played at UNLV for Jr. Festival on Saturday.  

Gwen and headed over to UNLV to judge and volunteer at 8 in the morning on Saturday.  Then Dad, Grandma Hills, and the three boys joined us for their performances.  

Gwen and Ned performed in Doc Rando Hall in a recital format.  They all did so well!  

Then Grandma came over for hamburgers before heading home. 

Today church was great.  The speakers were some new members of the ward, the Clark family.  They are a young family.  Sister Clark is the student council advisor at Basic and teaches Anatomy.  Brother Clark works for the Las Vegas Fire Department.  Their talks were so good because they focused on the Atonement of Christ.  Good stuff!  Dad requested their talks for us to be able to review.  After dinner today, Gwen and I went to choir practice, then Gwen came home and made apple pies (they smell so good!)

We're doing well.  Life is crazy, and sometimes it gets a little heavy, but Sundays and renewing covenants with the Savior are exactly what help us keep going each day.  I believe we have arrived at the moment President Nelson prophesied of when we would not be able to survive spiritually without the Holy Ghost.  

We love you and are so proud of you!

~Mom and Dad

Our trumpet vine is beginning to erupt outside the kitchen window

Sunday bike stunts

March 16, 2026

Hi Lincoln, 

I love looking at the photos/videos you send on your google drive.  You look like you are doing so well!  

We had a fast and busy week.  Nyle had two soccer games, Gwen had a concert on Tuesday and then Chamber choir auditions on Thursday.  Then Friday, dad and I went to the temple, hurried home and packed for our trip to Mesa the next day.  

Saturday, we woke early and were on the road by 5:00 to head down to Mesa.  When we arrived, work had just started going on orange picking and juicing.  Dad and the boys got to work on helping with clearing out the trees, while Gwen and I helped Aunt Janae juice all those oranges.  We finished around 2:00, cleaned up, then enjoyed the beautiful weather and pool.  The fragrance in the neighborhood was out of this world.  The citrus trees were all in bloom and there is no smell quite so heavenly as citrus blossoms!  Then, of course, there was the smell of orange juice.  Combined with the weather and the company, it was truly a slice of paradise!

Uncle Darrin treated Dad, Ned, and West to a ride in his Aston Martin.  He told the boys that if they served an honorable mission, he would let them drive it when they returned.  The same promise probably holds for you, too;).  

We went to church on Sunday and really enjoyed the meeting. We listened to a return address from Tana's best friend, who just returned from her mission in Minnesota.  It was very inspiring. Dad and I have been struck lately by how many people are really testifying of Christ.   Much more than we remember in the past.  It seems as though a divide is really happening, and those who know about the Savior really know! It's exciting.  And then we go out into the world, and we see so much darkness as well.  I guess that's how it was prophesied to be.  

Love you so much!

March 22, 2026

Hi Lincoln, 

How are things in the Capital?  We've had an enjoyable week off from school with Spring Break.  It's been unseasonably warm, but it's ok.  We've still had a good time.  

We did some shopping and set Ned up with a checking account, all set for him to be able to get a job, hopefully this Summer.  On Wednesday, we celebrated West's birthday with some friends and ice blocking.  A few weeks ago, we were talking about ice blocking, and West commented that he didn't remember going and wanted to go.  So, we filled some ice cream buckets with water and placed them in the freezer.  We set out for Mission Hills park with our ice blocks and some pizzas, but discovered that the hills we once rode down were now rocky.  So, we drove out to BC's Hemenway Park and slid down those hills instead.  It was nice and warm, so the ice melted well for some good sliding.  

Thursday, we celebrated Pi Day.  We were a little behind because we were in AZ on the actual Pi Day, but we didn't want to miss out. 

We also managed to get in a temple visit and some tennis.  It was a nice break, and now we're ready to go back to school for 8 more weeks.  It'll be a busy 8 weeks.  

We're very excited about Easter this year.  We have our Walk with Christ this Thursday, then Holy Week next week, and Easter during Conference weekend.  There is much to look forward to.

We love and pray for you always!  We are so proud of you and love to hear about all you're doing and learning.  

Love, 

Mom and Dad  

Gwen came as I needed another driver and enjoyed reading Jane Eyre in the shade

Birthday party with the Jerez's and Robinson's

Gwen adding some finishing touches to her Key Lime.  I made banana cream

Quiche for dinner

Cooling off, since the pool is still closed

Two on Two- Sunday afternoon

March 29, 2026

Hi Lincoln, 

How is Guatemala City and our favorite missionary doing?  We've had a good week.  

This week was busy!  Some highlights:

• Nyle had a soccer game on Wednesday and Friday.  Dad and I went to watch him on Friday, then took him out to In 'N Out and Nielsen's to reward him for his Superior with Honors score at Jr. Festival. 
• Thursday night was our Walk with Jesus at the chapel.  It was put on by the three wards that meet in our building (Pueblo, Fairview, and Calico Ridge) It was so well done! I can't believe how well our building was transformed.  I've included a few pictures of it.  What really surprised me was how overwhelmed I was with the spirit almost immediately.  I was not expecting it, but it was so beautiful!
• Friday night, after bringing Nyle home, Jodi and Chris came over so we could take them to the airport.  They flew out to Bermuda for a spring break trip. 
• Saturday, Grandma, Grandpa Shamo and Aunt Tammi came over along with the missionaries for dinner and then to practice a musical number for Palm Sunday. 
• Sunday, we went to a special Palm Sunday meeting at our ward that was full of just musical numbers.  It was so beautiful!  Then we dropped Dad off at his work so he could head down to Palm Springs and we headed out to BC to perform a musical number there.  Ned played Cello, I on piano and Grandma and Aunt Tammi sang Rob Gardner's Savior, Redeemer of My Soul.   Then we enjoyed lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's.  It was a great day and we are so looking forward to General Conference, Easter, and the Solemn Assembly this weekend. 

We love you and hope you stay safe this special week.  Can't wait to talk to you tomorrow!  

~Mom and Dad