Ryan's First Orchestra Concert

A couple weeks ago, we really headed to the middle school to enjoy Ryan's debut with the 6th grade orchestra. In September, they were just beginners, and have worked so hard, with the guidance of great teachers, and to make lovely music together. For those who couldn't join us, enjoy these video clips!

Look at that handsome cellist.

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Bravo!

 It was so much fun to not only see Ryan hitting this milestone, but to see a lot of my former 5th grade students performing with the orchestra or band. I'm so proud of them all!

I'm imagining it's a pretty cool experience for Burke to have Ryan in one of his orchestras. I hope Ryan continues to love playing the cello. He seems to have a knack for it. His note reading is improving, though he prefers his ear to the work of reading notes. 

Evan also made some music this season. The fourth graders learn to play the recorder and their teacher has them go caroling around the school. It's very festive and adorable. [I miss teaching recorders.]

Hope you have safe, happy, merry, musical Christmas!

Happy New [Decade] Year too!

Evan's 10th Birthday!

Evan's birthday festivities are often wrapped up in Thanksgiving festivities, and this year was no different. To kick off the 3 days of celebration, we all gathered at my Mom & Dad's for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. 

Ryan took a moment to play Rock, Paper, Scissors with Caleb [6].

On Friday, JCCE and BBRE went to see Frozen II, which we all agreed was a pretty good movie, and exceeded expectations. Emily [4] dressed for the occasion.

That night, Carol and Josh joined us, and all 13 of us went out for dinner.

On Saturday 11/30, we celebrated Evan's 10th Birthday with a U of M football viewing party. The boys both wrote a set of fan expectations, so we could enjoy the game and view in peace. Everyone followed the rules, for the most part... We focused on the positive. U of M offense was great. The defense just couldn't hold the stronger Ohio offense. Good game, team! 

opening presents in between quarters

Evan requested Burke make this particular cake. Yum!

Then the boy cousins [Josh, Evan, Caleb, and Ryan] went outside for some Nerf fun [which I don't love, but have resisted as long as I reasonably could].

Cousins!

Evan with gift liter

Lucky boy! Lots of fun, thoughtful presents.

DECEMBER 1, 2019

EVAN IS OFFICIALLY DOUBLE DIGITS!    

opening a second round of gifts on his actual birthday                                                   

Ryan wanted to get him heavier weights. Evan has recently made an exercise plan. He wrote it down, and taped it to his dresser. At 10, he has a definite interest in fitness and being active.

Thank you to everyone near and far who remembered Evan with gifts, cards, and messages.

He wanted to learn to operate the lighter and light his own candles. At 10, he's independent, almost to a fault.

Make a wish, baby!

At 10, Evan MUST connect with people the majority of the time. He loves to visit with his friends and family. He likes to talk, entertain, and play. He is a sensitive kiddo who is working on expanding his empathetic nature to think about others' feelings, not just his own. 

He also loves screens, games, sports, and math. Though he may not admit it, he is very curious about girls and the "drama" that his classmates are involved in. He is also a great reader and piano player. He is a complex, loving, bright, sporty little man. 

No longer little, he'll always be our baby boy, sweet face. We love him so much, and hope and pray for happy, content life journey for him. Happy, happy 10th birthday to you, Little E! 💙

Robotics

Ryan joined the middle school robotics team. It's a great fit for him - collaboration, organization, problem-solving, writing, computers, and more. It's a really valuable life experience, and Ryan is taking full advantage of all it has to offer. He has gotten compliments from grown ups about his focus, self-directedness, and confidence. We're so proud of him. 

There was an all-day meet near Kalamazoo a couple weeks ago. This was quite a new experience for all of us. There are 3 teams from his school, and his team was the most decorated. This little Joe Bots guy was part of their pit display. I thought he was so cute!

As part of their team display, they had interviews with each team member. I caught Ryan's segment on screen.

Evan was a very patient spectator for this long day. He enjoyed watching the robots, and brought things to do when he needed a diversion. 

Ryan was not part of the 3-person drive team. He was there to take part in team interviews with judges, complete scouting reports of other teams' strengths and weaknesses, and cheer on his team.

He has another all day meet in a couple weeks, and then the intense robotics schedule should calm down a bit. It has been a great experience for him, and I think we all learned something right along with him.

Halloween 2019

We kicked off the season with a trip to our local pumpkin spot. This marks the first year that Evan didn't really dwell on the scary elements of Halloween, and reported no nightmares. Getting big, these two!

I remember so vividly the boys playing on these vehicles at the pumpkin farm as toddlers/little boys. This year, they ran in there to play, but in a very different way. They climb and jump off the vehicles, instead of sitting in them and pretending to play trains, etc. I had to ask them to pull back on the climbing and jumping, and to be careful for the little ones who were playing trains, planes, and tractors in the way they used to. My big guys. My sweet memories.  

This year, they both worked pretty hard to scoop out the guts. Ryan did little to no objecting and gross-face making. Evan made it clear that it was slimy and difficult, but pressed on.

Ryan's cat design and Evan's "gopher" face

Evan's classroom is across the hall from mine, so I snuck in to his Halloween party to say hello and take a couple pictures. I'm so lucky and thankful to share a school with him.

We are growing fatigued of our neighborhood, for various reasons. So, it made sense, this year, to spend Halloween with my parents at their house. We went over for dinner. Dad had spooky sounds playing, and they had warm cider. Burke and I walked with the boys, and we trick-or-treated in their neighborhood. We all had a lot of fun, despite the cold, wind, and misty rain. 

Special Agent 

[second year in a row]

Jim Harbaugh

[U of M football coach]

🎃 Happy Halloween 2019 🎃

Fall Soccer

Today was the last game of the season. It was the division championship game. The boys played on the same U-12 team this year. I keep saying it's the best season of soccer I've ever observed. All the teammates were kind to each other. They worked as a team. As a bonus, they experienced a lot of wins. The coaches were very positive - focused, also fun. It was just great to see, and they both continue to develop their skills. 

Evan really showed some defensive strength this season, especially at midfield and as goal. He continues to display intuitive athleticism.

Ryan was just about the most confident I've ever seen him on the field. He scored a couple goals, and seemed to thrive as a forward. He was able to position himself to receive passes, and knew where to make strategic passes. He also has some juking skills. 

game face

Long ago, I stopped trying to take pictures of them playing soccer (sports, in general). It's just hard to capture quality moments with a smartphone camera. I did attempt to get a couple pictures of them in practice. Hard to see, but Evan has a bright green shirt on, Ryan has pants and a royal blue shirt.

Usually, teams try to stay in tact for the spring season. We'll see who returns and if we can continue the magic. Here they are with their medals and trophies after today's win.

Hooray for a great season!