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)

 

Have we talked about basketball yet??

 Have to admit, I was a little surprised when you said you wanted to play basketball this year - I didn't even know 3rd grade basketball was a thing! Well, boy was I even more surprised when you had your first game and made a basket! You were one of the best ones on the court and scoring became a regular thing for you - I didn't score my first basket until 7th grade!!! The pride I felt seeing you play with such skill and confidence made me cry on the spot. 

Not sure what to call this

It's been a weird couple years. I haven't really been going to work - I've been working from home. I can't help but think that is confusing for you and Benny since I'm here a lot but can't spend that extra time with you. I'm thankful that we get to see each other A LOT more since I don't have to drive and I'm here when you get off the bus most days. But I just hope we all look back at this as a positive time.

I think my favorite part of the day is driving you and Benny to school. I like that time and that I get to spend a few extra minutes with you instead of you getting on the bus. We listen to Kids Place Live and I think it helps everyone start the day better. I know I'm hard on you guys in the morning some times, but its realllly hard to get you moving sometimes....

Christmas 2021

So just when things started getting back to normal, COVID started to surge again this winter. Mask mandates back at school and they even gave you a couple extra days at Thanksgiving break to try to slow things down. Mom and I haven't really liked that since there's really no good reason to have you both in masks. 

Anyway, I want to start a tradition with you and Benny to do a Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving. I got you both out to the track for a little bit this year, but I think we'll be ready for the real thing next year!

Later that day at Auntie's for dinner

This was "stories with Santa" at Holy Name high school. They still aren't doing breakfast like they used to, but it was fun to play some games inside the school and get some great pictures with Santa. Look how big you are on his lap 😢

I really wanted to do something special with you this year since last year was kind of a flop with COVID. So I took you to see A Christmas Carol downtown at a real play. It was really fun to get dressed up with you and take you on a "date." We met up with Benny and Mommy for dinner that night. 

Christmas Morning! Trying to think what the biggest presents were this year. You got an American Girl doll, LOL Surprise doll and Benny got a big gumball machine and Spiderman remote control car. But the biggest surprise was.... a trip to Disney! More to come on this later :) 

Got out for some skiing around the New Year 

 

Spy Kids

 I took the day off today because you and Benny had off. We played Spy Kids in the backyard 😆

First Camping Trip!! (September)

I've been dying to take you both camping this year. Not sure why - I just knew that you would both love it, and you did! We only stayed for one night, but we all took Monday off (you me and Benny) and spent one day/night at Findlay Lake State Park.  It was a beautiful campground and we had the most perfect site.  

You and Benny had 4 hot dogs each on this trip - Mostly just cooked them right in the fire pit! This was a fantastic trip, and now I can't stop thinking about when we'll be able to go again! My favorite part is how you and Benny are so interested in nature and just exploring and would never be bored doing something like this even if there is no TV or phone.

This was our setup - Back under the trees, perfect weather and temperature. I slept on an air mattress with Benny and you had your own all to yourself. We slept great! (See the Luggable Loo by the tent??) 

 

First Day of 3rd Grade Tomorrow!!!

 Oh wow! What can I say - This summer has flown by (I have some catch up posts to make). Mommy goes back tomorrow too and Benny starts kindergarten on Thursday. You will both be on the bus together at the same school for the first time! And you're both so excited about it - And I should have some great pictures.

You're going to be so great in 3rd grade. You're smart, polite, friendly, and an amazing girl. I'm so proud to be your dad and Benny, Mommy, and I are lucky to have you. 

These pictures go backwards, but I'll explain them all!

This is Huntington Beach - I took you and Benny there for the day and you dug around in the sand and we played in the water. Tried out the metal detector but it thought everything was metal... Was a hot day, but any time I can take a day off of work and spend it with you two is the best day ever.

For Father's Day, we took a big hike. I love going on adventures with you both and this was a good one. We looked and looked for a place to play in the river and after a mile or two of hiking, we found one!

One of the first things we did this summer was take a trip to Columbus. We stay at this cool hotel where they let you fill up your own pop for free whenever you want and give you free dinner. It also has a pool and nice rooms.

At the Columbus Zoo we were able to pet the stingrays!

Doing our best pirate impressions - Arggg!

The first day of summer happened to be National Donut Day - The donut store was giving away free donuts and gave us extra ones because I had my COVID vaccine...