At the close of our bicentennial year we once again thank our dear Lord for our blessings. Lee and Linda are in their cozy nest in Telluride, but alas — no snow for the resorters and the ice on the lakes is not frozen solid enough to skate! The kids bought a bus and are rebuilding it into a recreational vehicle. Soon they will take time to travel and see more beautiful country and friends. It’s Linda’s second year working for a dentist and Lee’s company, Maranatha Builders, has been busy.

Chris spent last summer in Telluride where he accepted the Lord: He worked in construction with Lee and added car-pentry to his other skills. He turned 16 last month and gained another inch. He’s 6 feet tall now. He loves to drive and is very accomplished in a month’s time. You must come and see his museum as he has added to his memorabilia collection. Dad and Mom stopped off in Colorado while Chris was there collecting antioues this summer. They certainly enjoyed the lovely folks and the neaceful countryside there!

Mom worked very hard in Governor Reagan’s business office from December through the June Primary. She read his incoming mail and really felt the pulse of America. Then Mom worked for O’Connor Creative Services during the summer • where they made Governor Reagan’s radio shows. She then was the California Delegation Hospitality Suite Chairma’n at the Republican National Convention, as well as an Alternate-Delegate. Our Dana joined the Reagan Youth group and surprised us in Kansas City, Mo. Her professor had allowed her to leave her summer school class to attend her second National Republican Convention. This time with Mom and Dad.

Dana also directed a terrific show with junior and high school; students in Redlands during the summer. She writes well. She will receive her B.A. in January. The family was thrilled to see her as a choir member in the University of Redlands 1976 Feast of Lights. The beautiful reflections were truly inspirational as the singers lit candles and sang those glorious words of old. Along with graduation will come new challenges for her.

Now it’s time to reflect on Dad. He kept his promise to slow down a bit in ’76. His office has engulfed a large portion of our home and he recently built a brick patio. His designs include the Emporium Capwell Store in San Francisco, Ouinn’$ Nutrition Centers in Los Angeles, two jewelry stores in the Stanford Shopping Center amongst others. His most important job, according to his wife, was helping her complete her Master’s Project.

Yep, this semester she finished her Research class and Master’s Project in Educational Media. Mom’s hanny about her slide and sound presentation on the history of California from Exploration through the Gold Rush. She’s been substitute teaching all year in junior .and senior high sahools. The kids really appreciate media productions. Speaking of Productions, Mom and Dad sure enjoyed too brief visit to Indiana. They spent their time in Lorene and Lowell’s retreat and loved it. Dad designed a nifty home for them amongst the trees. They hope to return in ’77!

Well, so much for 1976 reflections. Hope to see all our family and friends in 1977. Come visit us. HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Van Schaacks, Jim, Joyce, Dana & Chris