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....