Happy Holidays from Da Spoelstras!
Anna
4th grader, Dancer, Artist, Writer
Anna
Anna has been glad to be back in school with her friends this year. This December, she turned double digitals and received both her vaccination shots, with no side effects. She hates photos, but she was brave and didn’t even flinch an inch.
She loves drawing, is always doodling, and is always up for an outdoor adventure. Besides playing Genshin Impact and Animal Crossing, she spends her time dancing and hopes to join the dance company next year.
She’s also a master lego builder, building both the Disney Castle and the Hogwarts Castle this year all by herself.
When asked her most memorable moment of the year, she was “getting her last Covid shot because she’s fully vaccinated and can have a sleepover now.”
Ella
8th grader, Company Dancer, Writer
Ella
When asked what her favorite part of 2021 was, Ella replied, “The summer. Hanging out with my friends at the pool and not going to school.”
This year, Ella has been working extremely hard — keeping up with a crazy school schedule, taking a 10th-grade Geometry class, and dancing five days a week. The homework load increased 1000% from online school last year, which has been a challenge for us all, but Ella has shown maturity beyond her years managing her time. We’re proud of her.
She’s also enjoyed volunteering as an assistant dance teacher with Miss Mary to the preschool crowd.
Sarah
Chauffer, PTA Vice President, Business Owner, Retired Tap Dancer
Sarah
Sarah has been hustling to get Moonshine Design started. In January after getting restructured out of Sashco, she took her part-time side hustle and transformed it into a full-time freelance design business. It was balls to the walls busy until the end of October but things seem to be settling down. She’s on the hunt for a couple of new clients in January so if you know of anyone who needs design help from brochures to websites give her a holler.
She’s also enjoyed the connections she’s formed in her various marketing coaching groups with Ilise Benun.
Outside of work, Sarah spent the summer hanging out by the pool with the kids and treading water (literally.) She also splurged and got herself a Hydrow Rowing machine so she can shed those extra pandemic pounds she somehow acquired this year.
When asked what her most memorable moment of the year was she answered, “Definitely our trip back to South Dakota and staying in Custer State Park. We went on a long hike around the X trail. Roasted marshmallows over the campfire with the kids and my nephew, and drove up to Custer Peak which is a narrow gravel road with dropoffs on both sides!”
Andy
Chemist, Bread Baker, Pizza Maker, DIY’er
Andy
Andy has been spending his time this year avoiding social media debates and major home projects but did manage to find the time to make a lot of bread, pizza, and even donuts. He enjoyed trips with the family to Estes Park and Custer State Park, where you can get away and get out into nature. Like many of us, he found that changing scenery in 2021 was a great way to recharge.
Andy finished his 24th year at Sashco and is looking forward to all the challenges of year 25. The company is growing and moving to a new building in 2022, which should be an exciting change.
When asked about his most memorable moment this year, Andy shouted, “Panning for gold with Rattlesnake Randy!” And yes, you get to keep the gold! It was a fun way to pretend for a day that he was a claim jumper but then realized he would not survive in that line of work.
Andy also really enjoyed seeing the girls and Sarah dance this year. They are talented, caring, and continue to grow. Best wishes to everyone and a safe and healthy 2022!
Ella’s Top 10 Holiday Classics
It’s almost that time of year! Curling up by a fireplace, making hot cocoa, and listening to holiday music are all things on my to-do list. Tunes like Sleigh Ride and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree are age-old classics that never get old as the season comes and goes. Last Christmas is one of my favorites, my family and I always listen to it on the car radio on the way to Nana’s house. I’ve put together a playlist of my top ten holiday songs that get stuck in my head every year, and if you want to check it out.