Chapter 8: Santa Maria, California (1968-1970)

When Nana was in high school, her family moved again! At first she was upset with her parents for moving, but she quickly forgave them when she saw how much fun California was. Also, she was given a horse, which she loved to ride with Grandpa and Aunt Marilyn. One night, she even got to go for a moonlight ride on the beach with Grandpa! These were big years the family. Uncle Brad finished high school, left for BYU and got his mission call. Nana also finished high school--the last three months she lived with friends while the rest of the family left to Germany. Aunt Marilyn was involved with student government, band, and ballet. Grandma encouraged her children to try out for things at school. Uncle Brad gave a speech to try out for a student body office and he accidentally ended it like a talk in Church, and that was funny to the whole family. But he won! He said that Grandma's encouragement really helped him in these last years at home before he left for school and a mission. Grandma wrote to her parents that she now understood how hard it really was to have kids leave home. Through all the changes, Grandma was her children's constant. Nana described her as being "like a rock in a moving river--steady and true." When changes came to her life and her kids' lives, she provided the sameness. She loved to celebrate big occasions, and she and Grandpa made sure they kept up the traditions for the family from year to year. To Discuss: When changes come into your life, what are some ways to cope with them? How can we help others deal with change?

Chapter 7:  Mt. Vernon, Virginia  1965-1968

  After three adventure filled years in Europe it was time for the Halvorsen Family to load up and move back to the United States.  Grandpa received an assignment working in the Pentagon, which is headquarters for the Armed Forces of the US.  Grandpa talked about not looking forward to this assignment because of all the politics that are involved at the Pentagon but true to their nature, the family made this into an exciting adventure and great time of life. 

One fun story from this time is about Nana Bean getting ready for a talent show.  Grandma Alta wrote about this, "They (Nana and her friends) decided to sing and they have spent three weeks changing their name, deciding what they wanted for a costume, buying the material and pattern and getting go-go boots to go with it."  Nana even cut one of the girls hair for the performance.  Then she washed and styled all the girls hair.

One thing Grandpa Hal mentioned was a possible plan to teach in Colorado after retiring.  They were always busy making plans for the family but ultimately left it in the Lords hands where they would go and what they would do.  How can we exercise our faith in the Lord leading us where He needs us?  How has He lead you and your family?

This is where they bought a canoe.  A lot of time was spent camping, fishing, and rowing around in the canoe.  They made sure to attend the museums and monuments around the capital.  The kids all became involved in seminary, the ward, Nana was asked to be the pianist in church even though she was just a teenager.  The boys did scouts, teens did youth activities, they filled their lives with wholesome activities and friends.  

This was also a period of change, Grandpa Hal was promoted to Colonel,  Grandma Luella Halvorsen passed away, Uncle Brad started High School, Uncle Bob was baptized, and everyone was growing and changing.  Grandma Alta seemed to be the glue that held everyone together.  She had the kids practice their instruments, do jobs around the house, be responsible for their school work, and keep busy learning new things.  How can having responsibilities help kids to learn and grow?  What do you do around the house to help the family?