The Top 10 of 2017

The 10-year tradition continues. Here are the Top 10 of 2017 in relative chronological order:

1. The HCHS Black History Program
Every year, Jackson's school puts on a massive Black History Month Celebration. It's a performance that includes 100% of his students contributing in one way or another - dance, drama, step, spoken word, stage crew, art, etc. The theme this year was "Black is Beautiful" and focused on the cultural movement of the 1960's and 70's that redefined beauty in the African-American community and in society generally. The program received a standing ovation to an audience of about 500 parents and community members.

2. Grandma Cozy and Grandpa Mack in NC
We were blessed to have a visit from Grandma Cozy in April and then a visit from both Grandma Cozy and Grandpa Mack in September. April's visit from my mom was a generous babysitting gift to Celeste and I so that we could go to Jamaica for our 10-year anniversary. Cozy and Vali spent a full week together going to museums, playing with friends, and eating treats. It was an especially kind thing for my mom to do considering that she was by herself for both Easter and her birthday. At least Vali was kind enough to sing happy birthday and eat her grandma's birthday ice cream.

Cozy brought Grandpa Mack back to North Carolina with her in September when the two of them decided to visit with the convenient timing of a Utah State game just down the road at Wake Forest University. It was a miserable game to watch, but it afforded Vali some great quality time with her grandparents.

3. Jamaica, mon.
This year Celeste and I celebrated our 10-year Anniversary. That's right. It's been ten years since I pulled off one of the greatest courtship heists in history. With so many callers waiting at her door, I somehow outsmarted the competition and convinced the bell of the ball to roll the dice on me, and I have been grateful every day for that.

To commemorate 10 years, we decided to add stamps to our passports and explore a new country, culture, and adventure in Jamaica. We booked an Oceanview suite at Couples Swept Away, an all-inclusive adults-only resort that sits smack dab in the middle of 7-Mile Beach, a stunning assembly of cliff, cave, white sand, and turquoise water on Jamaica's west coast.

7-Mile Beach, Jamaica

The resort was amazing, which can't be said of every all-inclusive resort. We experienced one of the best in Mexico, but one of the more mediocre in the Dominican Republic. Couples Swept Away (https://couples.com/resorts/swept-away) ranked at or very near the top of nicest places we've ever stayed. The suite had an ocean view, the food was always good and sometimes excellent depending on the restaurant, and the amenities were endless. They had everything from snorkeling, clay-court tennis, sunset cruises, cave explorations, wakeboarding, beach volleyball, golf, and so on. All of it was included, and all of it was amazing.

We also got off campus a little bit and did some extracurricular activities. We took a boat tour of the Black River and saw several live crocodiles, dozens of beautiful white egrets, and thousands of mangrove trees with their unique chutes that dive straight into the water. After the boat tour we headed north into the heart of St. Elizabeth Parish to YS Falls, a beautiful destination with gorgeous natural waterfalls with crystal pools that you can wade in or swing into from a suspended rope. We did both and had an unforgettable time.

Black River, Jamaica. Look closely for the croc.

YS Falls, Jamaica

Perhaps best of all were the peaceful walks along the beach that Celeste and I took at sunset, or the hours we spent reading side-by-side to the sounds of waves crashing and Bob Marley wailing in the distance. Ten years is far too short a time to spend with such good company. Good thing this is only the beginning.

4. Breaking Ground for HCHS
In May hundreds of people gathered for ground to be broken for Henderson Collegiate High School's permanent location. The school will share a campus with the current Middle School and will include state of the art facilities that will finally equip Jackson's students with a building that matches the extraordinary students and teachers who attend his school. The event included remarks from the founders of the organization, Mr. Olsen, the founder of the school, and several prominent members of the community. While the speakers did not coordinate topics, over and over again it was mentioned how this school is being built as a beacon of hope for our community and a symbol of change. It cannot be overstated the impact that Jackson and his team are having on the lives of the students they lead and the trickle down affect this has on their families and communities. Moments like this help to put in perspective the value of the sacrifices we make as a family to support each other in hard work worth doing.

The co-founders, Jackson, and founding students and staff break ground 

This little lady is proud of her Daddy

5. The Keith Burnam, Jr. Award for Outstanding Overall Contribution
Henderson Collegiate has grown into a powerhouse school and a household name in North Carolina. We have now earned A+ honors from the state 3 years in a row, and are in the top 3% of all publicly funded schools in the state (traditional and charter). The accolades for our organization keep piling up, and we keep growing in size. Our full staff is now more than 100 strong when you account for all three campuses (elementary, middle, and high schools).

I share all this as context for what was certainly one of the biggest moments of our year. In June, at the conclusion of the last school year, Celeste was awarded the Keith Burnam, Jr. Award for Outstanding Overall Contribution to the Organization. This award is the highest honor given by our organization and a step higher than Teacher of the Year in prestige and honor. At the ceremony, several of Celeste's co-workers and teachers that she coaches stood and honored her and reminded everyone why she is such a special talent as a coach and as a Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. The accolades went beyond how nice, caring, and wonderful she is as a person, but also focused on her incredible talent for making Rookie teachers good, good teachers great, and great teachers truly extraordinary - something she is only able to do because she herself was an extraordinary teacher, and because she is firm, direct, and has the highest expectations for everyone she works with.

Celeste receiving the Keith Burnam, Jr. Award from school co-founders Eric & Carice Sanchez

6. Summer in Utah
Utah summers are magical - the days are warm, the nights are cool. The mountains are close enough for day hikes and adventure. But nothing compares to the magic of COUSINS! I love that Valencia has finally reached the age where she recognizes and loves how cousins are built in friends, no matter how often you see each other. This year we spent a week with the Britts in Utah Valley and a week at an Olsen Family Reunion in Eden, Utah.

With the Britts we enjoyed Fourth of July with a parade, fireworks, family and food. We also were able to go to Park City and mountain bike for a day with the adults. This was one of my favorite activities - the view was incredible, the mountain biking was at just the level to push my skill but not feel threatened. Jackson rode with the men (who probably finished a full hour ahead of us) and I rode most of the way with two of my sisters - Sarah, and Bonnie - who was six months pregnant. We laughed, we cried, Bonnie peed on the side of the trail. It was incredible.

The sister to my left was 6 months pregnant and has done two home births.
The sister to my right has run a full marathon 4 months pregnant.
I'm the schmuck in the middle. 

Grandma makes every night a party!

Britt Girl Gum Tree

Often when we visit family, several family members are in their normal life routine - work, school, you know... life. This Olsen Family Reunion was incredible because  everyone who was there out their normal life on hold and was able to fully engage with family. We played tennis, swam, spent a day at the lake, played games, and spent time just catching up. It was fun to see Josie and Kristen pregnant and for Valencia to bond with so many aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins that she rarely sees.

My favorite part of the trip was jet skiing during our lake day. I loved feeling the spray of the water and the nervous energy that comes from just the right level of thrill. I love the memory of Josie and I on that jet ski nervous laughing together as we skidded through the water.



7. "Ben-shuhs" (Adventures)
We are so grateful that Valencia loves the outdoors. Even before she turned 3, she referred to hikes and escapades in the woods as "ben-shuhs" and would get downright giddy if we told her we were going on one. As a family, we have made it our goal to visit every National Park in the country - all 58 of them. It's a tall order considering that there are several parks outside of the continental U.S., including the Virgin Islands, but we're up to the challenge and so is Valencia. She has a Junior Ranger Passport for every park she visits and we have a tradition of collecting a pin from the park that we then attach to her backpack - something she has become very invested in.

In 2017 we visited two National Parks (Canyonlands and Congaree), a National Monument (Colorado National Monument) and three impressive state parks in North Carolina: Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain, and Medoc Mountain.

Colorado National Monument. Grand Junction, CO.

Hanging Rock State Park, NC

Pilot Mountain State Park, NC

The most memorable "ben-shuh" of the year was to Canyonlands National Park. It was epic for many reasons, but one was the simple logistics of getting there. We woke up at 3:30am in Fruita, Colorado at the home of our friends the Shidelers. Celeste and I were quietly packing up the car when Valencia, who had been sleeping in the other room, popped her head up and looked over at us. With a huge smile on her face, she asked, "Ah we goin on a ben-shuh?" I responded that we were and she literally shook with excitement.

We drove through the dark desert for two hours. We thought Valencia, having woken up at a ridiculous hour, would have spent that time sleeping or crying. Instead she just hummed to herself, asked us random questions, and occasionally sang along to the song that made our Adventure Playlist.

We got to our destination - the iconic Mesa Arch - just minutes before the sun rose. We strapped Valencia to my back as we usually do and literally ran to the overlook. Luckily the sun hadn't peeked its head out just yet, but the bad news was that there was a throng of people there, all eager to catch the magic moment of sunrise on a desert so beautiful it had to be preserved. We muscled our way to the front and walked away with some truly unforgettable pictures.

Because it was the middle of summer, the sun beat us down pretty fast (especially Valencia), but not before we took in some truly inspiring vistas on trails that Celeste and I both agreed were the most amazing hikes we've ever taken.

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

Finding shelter from the desert sun.

Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail, Canyonlands National Park

8. Valencia in All Her Glory
Having a three year old is a blast. It is exhausting, but it's also amazing. It's like you've constantly got this little side kick at your side who is both incredibly observant, articulate, and hilarious as well as illogical with little self control. She can literally be the sweetest person in the world one minute and the next fully face planted on the ground in a tear streamed tantrum. But what she lacks in self control she makes up for in kindness, silliness and her sincere desire to show love. She is constantly asking what's next and is always ready for adventure.

Some highlights from this year: Turning 3 and becoming obsessed with parties and friends. Getting a big girl bed and finally being brave enough to climb out of bed on her own to come and find us. Her genetically inherited obsession with treats and her treat bucket. Literally any time she gets a treat, instead of asking to eat it, she asks to put it in her bucket, and then she eats one after she finishes all of her dinner. Being a helper any time we are working - from sorting socks to vacuuming, to cooking, to helping dad mow the lawn, she's got our backs.

What else can I say, we can't get enough of our Vali girl!

9. Fall in Utah
This year our school adopted a unique year-round calendar that spreads vacations out across the school year rather than keeping one big one in the summer. It means shorter summers, but it also means a 2-week Fall Break which we had never had before. We took full advantage of it and flew home to visit family in Utah.

Our timing was perfect. The weather was crisp but not cold, and the mountains were adorned by every shade of autumn one could ask for. I've always said that there is nothing quite like Logan Canyon in the fall, and I stand by that statement.

While in Utah, we did the usual list of activities that mostly included hanging out with family, catching up with old friends, and enjoying the outdoors. This year we also happened to be in town for a home game at Romney Stadium, where sadly we watched Utah State give up a 4th quarter lead to the visiting Wyoming Cowboys. I lost my voice and I broke my heart cheering for my Aggies. Some things never change.

At the park with cousins. She didn't enjoy it one bit.

Valencia was a BIG fan of Big Blue, the Aggies' mascot.

Just hours before we headed to the football game, Celeste got a phone call from her mother saying that he sister, Bonnie, had gone into labor with her 3rd child. Celeste, being the amazing person that she is, snapped into action and jumped in the car to be at the side of her sister in her time of need. A two-hour drive later, Celeste arrived just in time to be assist in the aftermath of a home birth. She watched her two nieces to give her sister and her husband some time alone with the baby. She cooked, she cleaned, she basically did everything an actual angel would do had they been sent to earth. It meant the world to her sister and it meant the world to Celeste. Being so far away from family isn't easy, but it is made easier when we can be there for each other in moments like this one.


10. Christmas in the Carolinas
Because of our recent fall trip to Utah, we decided to stay home for Christmas this year. It was a tough decision, but the right one. Not only had we already been to Utah twice in 2017, but we are also saving every penny we can to go toward another fertility procedure in the coming year. Thus, we stayed in the South for Christmas, and it was actually quite lovely.

We started our break by driving to Charleston, South Carolina. Not only is Charleston a beautiful and charming Southern city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, but it is also a place I called home for about 18 months as a Mormon missionary. As such it is a place that is special to us for sentimental reasons, on top of everything else that makes it unique and wonderful.

Our first stop was Magnolia Hall Plantation, home to the famous and wealthy Drayton family and site of some of the most beautiful gardens in the South. There's a large mansion, a horticulture maze, and several small lakes and ponds with ornate bridges and alligators. It all sits on the banks of the Ashley River, one of two rivers that makes up the Charleston Peninsula.

While in Charleston, we went strolling down King Street, shopping in the famous City Market, home to hundreds of local merchants and artists and the former home to the largest slave market in the South. We went to Waterfront and Battery Parks, the famous Rainbow Row, Folly Beach, and sat in the pews of St. Michael's cathedral. We also went to the James Island Christmas Festival of Lights which was probably Valencia's highlight of the trip.

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

Rainbow Row

Folly Beach, SC

James Island Christmas Festival of Lights

One the way home we stopped in Congaree National Park and did a hike that took us along beautiful swamps, rivers, and trails with enormous Bald Cypress trees that sometimes sprang up right out of the swamp itself. It was a beautiful hike and Valencia had a great time racing us on the trail.

Junior Ranger Vali, scouting out the trails before departure.

The rest of the break we spent at home in Henderson. We went ice-skating, decorated gingerbread houses, went to the new Star Wars, and just spent quality time together as a family - something that we don't do enough of when school and life are in session. These last few weeks have been a true blessing on the Olsen home.


HONORABLE MENTION

1. UNC wins the National Championship!!!
2. Morning Mile - Celeste is the most disciplined person I know. She now runs a mile every morning without fail - even when the temperatures drop below 30.
3. New Cousins - We welcomed several new cousins into the family this year - first came Sylvia, then Jack, then Brooks, and lastly Rowan. Valencia can't wait to actually meet them!
4. Jackson's Hair - He grew it out for about 11 months. Then, when it was time to chop it off, he cut it into a mullet for a day (yes, a school day).

5. Museum - Valencia's self-proclaimed favorite place is the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. We got a season pass and have spent many a weekend there, much to her satisfaction. There is a butterfly house, lots of animals, dinosaurs, and a treehouse village that is every kid's dream.

6. The Dissertation - Jackson started writing his dissertation for his doctoral program in August. His topic is around teacher retention. If all goes well, he will graduate in December 2018 or May 2019.

7. Steve Martin & Bluegrass Festival - We attended the International Blue Grass Festival in Raleigh, NC and got to see Steve Martin play with he Steep Canyon Rangers. It's our second time seeing them perform, and it's always 1 part amazing music, 1 part stand-up comedy show. So fun!

8. DACA Protests - In September, Jackson and a handful of other staff members took a large group of students to the White House to protest the president's decision to discontinue DACA, a program that helps the children of undocumented parents stay and work legally in the United States. The program directly affects a number of our students at Henderson Collegiate.