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Greetings from Glen Tara (which according to our Scottish friends means the “valley of peace”). We hope this Christmas letter finds each of you safe and surrounded by love.Although times have been rough, they’ve also brought light to the importance of friends and family, especially, the ease of being with them that was once taken for granted.
Last winter our family skied, snowshoed, and enjoyed time near home. We planned a summer trip to Italy and looked forward to a visit from our good friends in Scotland. Then, like everyone else, our lives changed. School was released a week before spring break last March and we only returned to in person learning two weeks before Thanksgiving. Who knew? (By the way, Clara graduated 8th grade (photos in website) and is now a freshman at the high school.) Although we were initially home bound, I was able to celebrate my birthday hiking with girlfriends, then later skinning up Sunlight Mountain with Troy and skiing down in fresh powder. We felt fortunate to be able to participate in outdoor activities close to home. During spring break our family drove to south western Utah and camped on Hurricane Mesa, a desert plateau near Zion. It was cold and rainy at first, but the scenery was spectacular, and it felt like we had the world to ourselves. Rain or sunshine, we enjoyed hikes and bike rides. Clara and I headed home to prepare for online learning, and Troy stayed another week to continue biking. Back on the ranch, I redesigned our bedroom to make it into my office and a place to “teach.” Clara set up an extensive art room downstairs — one we still use often. PE class was held daily at Gates Park where Clara did soccer drills executed by Troy. By May we cancelled summer trips and knew a visit from Scotland would dissolve. It was clear the Corona Virus would be around a while. Before COVID 19 hit, though, Troy was able to attend his annual fly-fishing trip in Mexico. Then, early March he drove to Kentucky for an annual guys weekend. While driving back from Kentucky, Troy explored Mulberry Gap in Georgia for another week where he discovered new bike rides and slept in the back of his newly modified truck. Although bike races were cancelled, he was still adamant to improve his skills and stay in shape. In early June, I enjoyed a girls backpacking weekend and, again, appreciated the ease to be away from people, exercise, and soak in beautiful mountain views. In fact, because we were home most of the summer, I did more hiking around our area than I have since moving here. I discovered places I’d never been and loved the abundant wild flowers and alpine lakes. Ziggy was usually my hiking partner, but Clara joined me a few times, too. June also took us to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Our nephew, Nick, got married to Jess near their home in Montana and we decided to attend — driving and taking in new sites, camping all the while. It was wonderful! We were able to spend some time with brother Jon (campfire, rafting/fishing, and the wedding) and complete some great hikes. Of course, the highlight was Nick and Jess’s amazing outdoor wedding. After a quick visit with friend, John, in Missoula, we drove to Wyoming and shared the Tetons with Clara. The day after Jackson Hole, we went on a cold (32 degrees) rainy horse back ride and loved every minute. That road trip was a mental blessing for us all. July and August we rafted a few times with family and friends. I also celebrated a quick girls weekend to Grand Lake where I was promised to see Moose and did — one that visited the cabin we stayed at and more on our hikes. During that same weekend, Clara and Troy brought home the newest Lange member, a bunny named Mopsy who lives in Clara’s bedroom closet. August brought hot dry weather and a fire that was way too close to home (Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Springs Canyon). Thanks to firefighters, the fire never went beyond Look Out Mountain and our valley was spared. Our hearts go out to all the folks affected by the California, Oregon, and Washington fires. Grand Lake also had a raging fire and the beauty I observed a month prior burned, along with many homes. This summer, Spring Valley was often covered in haze from fires near and far. We found ourselves camping in Moab or the desert several more weekends in September and October. My sister and Johnny lived in Moab until October and we were able to visit them a few times, sharing hikes, meals, and a few float trips. A highlight in October was a visit from Texan friends who came to escape the city and enjoy mountain hikes and Moab. It was a wonderful week for all. Family and friends, camping, and other outdoor activities have allowed us to survive during a difficult year. We miss hugs and sitting in one another’s homes while enjoying conversation and dinners. I miss teaching students in person (although we’ve been back for few weeks...it’s still tough). Clara misses soccer practice and games. Troy misses bike races and having the house to himself when we’re doing online learning/work. Yet, we’re extremely fortunate to be healthy and have each other. So, this Christmas and New year, our wish for everyone is good HEALTH, hope for a kinder more loving 2021, and an appreciation for family and friends in your lives. Merry Christmas! We love you all! Troy, Becky, and Clara (Zig, Kitty, and Mopsy too) Looking for Photos Click Here
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 December 2019
Dearest Family and Friends, Cold temps have arrived, snow is quietly falling, and we are looking forward to the holidays once again. Troy, Clara, and I missed reaching out last Christmas as we were in Wisconsin saying good-bye to mom (our social, fun-loving mom, who made every holiday special) — we miss you. While the past two years have been emotional, our appreciation of family and friends is greater than ever. We’ve experienced new adventures, returned to favorite places and activities, and simply “hung on” the past two years. Included in this Christmas letter is our website (langefamily.me) that connects you to the Lange’s 2018 and 2019 photo albums, highlighting some of the wonderful opportunities we have had. In the realm of work, I continue to teach special education at Glenwood Springs High School and am extremely fortunate to support students and mentor new staff. Troy “retired” last June, but is busier than ever before, consulting and training new teachers. Clara is approaching her 14th birthday in January 2020 and is in 8th grade, doing very well. No surprise that she is both social and athletic! The past two years she has played soccer, volleyball, basketball and ran track, in addition to managing the boy’s basketball team. In fact, Clara has taken on a focus to play soccer at the college level. While she is in the beginning stages of looking at her options, UW-Madison is at the top of her list! She also continues to sing in a choir at school. Life certainly isn’t dull! We continue to ski often (at local Sunlight Mountain Resort), camp, bike, and hike in Moab every spring and fall. We get on the rivers, rafting or paddling, as much as possible during summer months. We also continue to host Thanksgiving and feel fortunate to share our home with family and friends. The BIG trips of 2018 were returning to Guatemala with Clara and two other families (met when we all lived in Guatemala) and Troy’s three-week adventure taking his dory down the Grand Canyon. Other 2018 summer highlights included a Lange Family Reunion in Missoula, seeing the Pack play at Lambeau, and a trip back to WI for Clara to attend a YMCA Camp Minikani, while Troy and I connected with family and visited LaCrosse (we both attended college there at different times). This past summer included a trip to Puerto Penasco, Mexico with the same two families from Guatemala (thanks to Jared and John sharing their condo) and my solo trip to Scotland. Clara stayed in CO rehearsing her part for a musical and Troy biked. This past fall Troy began training and participating in mountain bike races. I admire his skill and persistence! He also continues to go to Punta Allen, Mexico (Caribbean) for an annual fly fishing trip — his favorite every year! In addition to all of these wonderful adventures, we also visited Destin, FL last spring and again this fall with family. Obviously, this Lange family loves the mountains and rivers, but we’ve also grown to love white sandy beaches and the endless ocean (maybe that’s because our daughter is an Aquarius and loves the water?)! And of course, Ziggy continues to bring us joy and adventure! As much as we have traveled, home continues to be a special place full of beauty, soul, and an amazing headquarters to adventure! Yup! Life keeps moving forward at a fast pace and sometimes it feels as though we may fall off. Just when that happens, though, there’s a hike in the mountains, a bike ride on slick rock, elk in the field bugling, a rafting trip, an incredible sunrise or sunset, and family and friends love to remind you how extraordinary this thing called LIFE is. May each of you experience much love and kindness in 2020! Happy Holidays! Troy, Clara, and Becky  January 5, 2018
Greetings Friends, Our family attended a local Vaudeville show, where they spoofed a Christmas letter that only bragged about their great lives, not once mentioning the daily challenges we all face at times. Yet, each December I review photos and memories created with family and friends and honestly feel very fortunate. It’s not the bragging rights associated with vacations or things, but the people we spend them with that make these events special. During times of trial or laughter, it’s the people we share our lives with that helps us hold on to and experience life. How fortunate we are to learn everyday and experience new and old relationships. PEOPLE - family and friends make our world go round. That being said, we lost some of those incredible people this year: Mike Switalla (My dear friend, Nin’s husband, and a good friend to me), Claude Brandt (Married to cousin Loraine (Frank) and introduced me to tele skiing 22 yrs. ago. His love for life & huge smile a role model), and my Uncle Don Kildow (another big grin and role model we’ll miss tremendously). Although their absences leave a void, how fortunate we were to share time with each of them, whether biking, fishing, skiing, camping, or celebrating a holiday. Cheers to these three incredible men! LIFE is what I’m focussing on this Christmas. So, we invite you to flip through our Year in Review 2017 (langefamily.me) filled with photos of the people we share our lives. In January, we went to Powder Mountain, UT, to celebrate relative Joel Frank’s birthday. It snowed the whole day we skied, bringing smiles to all the Frank’s that were there! Last winter/spring I traveled back to see mom in WI every two months, often brining Clara with me. In April, Clara came back to see her grandma and discovered (surprise!) she was also going to see the Broadway musical Hamilton, thanks to good friends, Jerre, Mike, Emma, and John Stutzman. Her tears of joy and gratitude, in addition to time with grandma, made that trip to WI extra special. Back in CO, we did a lot of skiing and watching Clara play indoor soccer. We also had a visit from Uncle Don and Aunt Nina Solberg, who were always willing to hear Clara sing another Hamilton song (you can also hear her on our website under videos). June brought summer vacation and an elementary school graduation for Clara. I think Troy and I are still a little shell shocked that our toddler is now in middle school! Thankfully, Clara loves school and all the social activities it brings (choir, PE, piano lessons, soccer, film class, and the Otter Club, formed by Clara and her friends). June also brought a visit from Trish, Troy’s sister, and we accomplished a beautiful snowy hike to Cathedral Lake. The end of June, Clara experienced her first backpacking trip and made her parents proud! She completed a number of snow field crossings and hiked in areas with a sheer 1,000 ft. drop without complaint. July was busy with family visits and vacation. Jerie, Troy’s other sister, and her daughter, Lauren, visited with friends. My sister’s son, Eric, and her daughter, Kirsten, also visited during this time. Hot Springs pool, hiking at Maroon Bells, rafting, and fun at home all ensued. Troy, Clara and I went to Florida the end of July, spending two days at Universal before driving to Destin, FL, for some beach time. Friends we met in Guatemala also joined us. Clara and I ended July with Loraine in Salt Lake, UT. Again, fortunate to share memories and make more with special people. August, for Clara and I, was mostly spent in Wisconsin. We stayed with Vic (my sister) and Bruce Morris at their house on a lake in northern, WI. Alyce (Clara’s auntie from Zimbabwe) also joined us at the lake for kayaking and fishing. Then, Clara headed to Camp Minikani for two weeks while I hung out daily with my mom. That was time I treasured! Mom didn’t have a lot to say, but being near her and holding her hand did my heart wonders. It’s always tough to say good bye, but I appreciate every moment I get with this special woman when I’m in WI! During this time I was also able to catch up with family and friends. A few days after Clara and I returned from WI, Troy left for a three week rating trip through the Grand Canyon, with Johnny, my sister’s boyfriend, Karen, and our nephew, Eric. Troy rowed his dory, Desconesido, through huge rapids and held his own. We were all happy to have him back home safe and sound. Next time, I’ll be going along! Over Thanksgiving we were able to share our home with a number of Franks. This Christmas, we shared the holiday with the Rudisill’s and Brices, more family time to love, laugh, and learn. Our hope for each of you in 2018 is a year filled with laughter, love, and continued learning. We also hope PEACE dominates hate and family will always be near to remember and create memories with you. Sending our love! Happy New Year, The Lange’s Our neighbor’s girls are painting Christmas gifts with Clara, Christmas music fills the house, and Troy, with the help of a neighbors dad, is getting the plow welded on to our new (used) plow truck. Snow is on the way. Another year of seasons, another year to be thankful. We hope this letter finds everyone enjoying the holidays and your hearts filled with peace.
2016 has been a year of COLOR for us. The color of red rock viewed from hikes in Moab (Utah), Sedona (AZ) Garden of the Gods (CO Springs), and Mushroom Rock (Carbondale, CO). The color of rainbows over Spring Valley and from the top of Pikes Peak (14,000). The color of grief when we lost beloved friend, Stew, in February and presently experience Mom/Doris slipping away from us. The American colors while attending the Women’s World Cup ski races in Beaver Creek to cheer for Lindsey. The color of clear blue water while floating on the Colorado or Roaring Fork Rivers and the Yellowstone in Montana. The color of travel, whether at Universal (FL), Punta Allen, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wisconsin, or New York City. The color of autumn while observing green turn to vibrant yellows and orange.The color of gorgeous pink sunsets from home. The color of love while spending time with family and friends! Clara is now a fifth grader who continues to love school, soccer, singing and dance. This year, however, she has turned her talents to primarily soccer and singing with the Bel Canto choir. She also completed the Harry Potter books and movies and is now the proud owner of a wizard wand. Fortunately, she still loves to camp, float on the river, fly fish, and ski, since her parents still love being outdoors, too! If you view our website (langefamily.me) you’ll see a number of photos of Brittany, a twenty-seven year old who has lived with us the last year and a half and dubbed us her CO family. Brittany also works with me at the high school. Clara fondly calls her “sis”. In between our travels in 2016, we were fortunate to visit and share our home with many family and friends. We also had mom live with us a few weeks in August. My working full time, mom’s quick decline in memory and walking, and waking through out the night brought this exhausted daughter to the realization I needed to say “good bye”. Knowing it would be mom’s last visit to Colorado made for a very emotional parting. We were fortunate to visit her in WI, however, every day the week of Thanksgiving. As always, we’re sending a standing invite to warm your toes by our indoor or outdoor fire, play a game of horse shoes or dominoes, ski or float, and share a laugh or two with us in Glenwood Springs. We have a lot of “color” to share. Check out the Year In Reivew photos! Love to all and a very Merry Christmas! Troy, Becky, and Clara
Hi! My name is Clara. I am 9 years old. Welcome to our new website and blog. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Check out our awesome photos from 2015! Love, Clara  Today my sis did not have to work so my sis, gradma, mom,and me decided to decorate the cookies. Then we has a sleep over in the living room enjoying a hot fire and Chrismas Tree while playing a game. Clara  |
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December 2020
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