Night Time Reading

 Just something we've both been really enjoying. We started reading the Giver series together several months go. We started reading silently to each other but then I started reading out loud to you. We're almost through all 4 books and it has been a great way to end the day together. We'll see how much longer you enjoy this but I'll definitely be doing it until you don't want me to anymore!

Fall 2024

 Been a year since I've posted any updates but a lot has happened since then. Let's start with basketball. As I wrote the post before this, I had just made the decision to coach your 5th grade team. I was very nervous to take this on, but it ended up being a very rewarding experience. We probably had 30 practices that were 90 minutes each, plus the games - So we spent a lot more time together and I liked playing a part in how you and your teammates developed that season.  

It taught me a lot about myself too - The importance of being a coach vs. a father vs. a competitor. I will never forget the feeling after getting blown out in a tournament game. It was snowing outside when we came out and you were trying to catch snowflakes in your mouth - It was an amazing moment and reaction that I should have been so proud and joyful for. But instead I turned it into a bad moment but questioning your effort and enthusiasm during the game. You cried and were very upset and then I was upset for not being able to see the larger importance of how well you responded to a difficult moment, because I was actually the one with the poor response. 

I think we finished something like 4-4 and it ended up being a lot of fun - You were an amazing player. 

Tonight is assessments/tryouts for 6th grade. This is the first year they will do A and B teams. I'm banking on you making the A team so I decided to coach Benny's 3rd grade team!

 

Fall 2023

Just wrapped up volley ball season. I always wondered how this sport would go for you - Your friends all take it very seriously and this season is the first time you really have too. It really shows - Volleyball is a tough sport with a lot of quick decisions and movements and you've gotten really good at it. I think next year once you get the overhand serve down youll be one of the best on the team. We worked really hard on it all summer and I think I'm even pretty good at volleyball now!

Next up is basketball... This is a big one - CYO is making the teams split up a bit this year plus the other coach dropped out so I offered to coach your team. I'm pretty nervous but I really want it to be a good season for you and I don't know what would have happened if no one else stepped up to coach. Its going to be a lot of work, but I think it will be worth it.

Big thing in school right now is working on those state capitals! I promised you if you got every test 100% plus the big one at the end where they make you fill out the whole map that I would take you on a trip to any of the state capitals. Of course you said Honolulu - We'll see... Gotta see what you get on the test first. :)

Halloween in a couple days!

Where does the time go??

 A lot of time has gone by since my last post and you're growing up fast! 4th grade has been going pretty well I think. You're so smart and getting perfect grades and Mrs Kaz is a great teacher for you. To start off the year you started another new sport, volleyball, which you became very good at as the season went on. I don't have any pictures, but your team did really well, only losing a handful of matches. 

Then it was on to basketball where you continue to impress me with your courage and determination. Some tough losses towards the end of the season, but watching you start to develop a passion for the game and for winning this year was very cool. There was one game when you had 4 points at the end and helped the team come from behind and win - We celebrated with ice cream at dairy queen afterwards. I wouldn't mind coaching next year if possible but we will see!

For clubs, it was chess and sewing. You won a trophy in your first chess tournament! I didn't even learn to play chess until last year when you tought me during our trip to Disney!

Fall pictures

Our annual camping trip to Findley Lake. Camping is one of my favorite things to do with you two - No computers, phones, TVs - Just fun hiking in the woods, making fires, roasing marshmallows and bunking up together in a tent - What could be better??  

We started going on roller coasters this year together too! this is a picture of us at Cedar point riding the Magnum! You rode the Millenium Force on our first day there this year - Your face going down that hill I will never forget haha. We went on the Magnum twice in one day

Christmas was amazing as usual. Benny waking you up on Christmas Morning...

Disney on Ice was our big gift this year:

And our annual tradition of going to see A Christmas Carol together continues! This year there was a horrible snow/ice storm but we powered through in the Jeep and made it safely there and back

New Sports - Track and Swimming!

 I don't think I've posted about this yet, but you tried track this year! You mostly ran the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. What a scary thing to try - I can't imagine trying something like this when I was your age. You try everything and are great at everything!

Swimming really seems to be your strongest sport - Look at this video and how fast you swim the freestyle! I can't say enough about how impressed we all were by your swimming and commitment to the team. You swam Butterfly in every meet even though you didnt want to, but becasue you were the only one who could. And you won the "trooper" award at the end of the year as a result. You also won a super sea monkey award for being the most valuable team member in your age group!

Can't wait to see what you're able to accomplish next year - I really think this could be your thing, but time will tell...

I don't predict track will ever really be your thing, but its a fun and challenging sport and fun to watch you getting faster. 

Our Favorite Day of the Year :)

The father/daughter dance is always our favorite and we never miss it! This year it was at the Columbia Ballroom which had a very cool barn vibe. We had dinner with Anna, her dad, and a few of your other friends at Brew Garden.

We got to dance togehter once or twice but most of the night you were jamming with your friend on the dance floor.  I'll be so sad when these are over!!!

 

Check out these best buds!

The two of you still can't be separated. Sometimes you fight but most of the time you're absolute pals - walking arm in arm or hand in hand, laying on each other by the TV and doing everything together. You're a great sister and Benny is incredibly lucky to have you. You are patient with him and help him and he loves you so much. (A drop of water more)