Busy [stressful] Fall

From mid-August until late-October, it feels like it's been nonstop! Lots of changes, adjustments, recalibration, new experiences, and celebrations. As usual, the boys provide so many opportunities to be grateful and proud [some of the best human emotions]. Here are some of their fall highlights, that kept us busy, but also brought so much joy!

Evan decided to run cross country this year. His first meet was on my birthday, which also happened to be the first day back to school teacher meetings. We all had very little understanding of what cross country entailed. In preparation for his first meet, he ran approximately 2 miles (middle school course length) around our neighborhood to be sure he could do it. He realized he could. We were impressed with him. After his first meet, when he was done running, he was very surprised to learn this was not a one and done, and that'd he'd have to do that like, nine more times. He stuck with it though, kept track of his stats, worked on his PR each time. He always hung about middle of the pack; he improved, stayed positive, and most of all enjoyed himself. He even wants to do post-season run club with his awesomely kind, encouraging coach. 

8/31

Berrien County Fairground Meet

first middle school cross county meet

9/11

Meet in Mishawaka, Indiana 

new friend, kindred spirits

starting line

9/12 

Evan also played fall ball. This league was more casual, but still pretty fun.

He continues to enjoy pitching. Evan on the mound...

He started taking baseball lessons with this guy who played some pro-ball.

9/13

He feels weighted down, and had so much to carry to school.

computer, backpack, violin, cross country shoes, lunchbox

Poor kiddo... 

This ain't elementary school anymore.

9/14 Back to School Night (BTSN)

Burke and I were happy to go to BTSN at Upton. Between the two of us, we were able to go to most of their classrooms and hear from their teachers. This is Buzz the guinea pig. He lives in Ryan's science classroom. Evan is pumped because he also goes to that room for his advisory period. They think he is the pretty much the highlight of the school year. 

This sign hangs on a door so Ryan can use the space for his virtual ATYP math class.

9/15 Home Meet at Upton

9/18

Ryan continues to enjoy robotics. This is at the season launch for participants and families. First we get to learn the rules of this season's game, and then the students begin brainstorming strategy and build type. Ryan got right to work on a logo. He loves graphic design!

9/21 Meet in New Prairie, Indiana

This was a tricky one, because I had to hustle to Indiana after I got out of school, and I barely made it in time. It was rainy to boot. Worth it though, because Evan reported this was one of his favorite courses, and he was rocking that headband.

10/2

Nana & Lolo were in town, and able to come to this meet in Bridgman. So that's super special! Click to watch a video!!

10/3

Nana & Lolo also got to see this baseball game!

Evan's at bat.

10/9 Allegan County Fairgrounds

This was a long, but beautiful drive. So many runners!! I think it was one of the biggest meets. When the girls started their race, Evan said, "Did you feel the ground shaking?" 

Click to watch a video!!

10/11

Ryan is taking studio art, and spent some time drawing this amazing turtle!

10/13 Niles

Ryan played on the 8th grade soccer team. He enjoyed it, and his teammates are really kind. It's hard to get pictures during soccer games (and baseball games). I gave up a while ago. Every once in a while, I try. This series of shots turned out relatively good.

10/14

Safety first for a recent robotics practice!

10/16 Regional Meet at Mattawan

Last meet of the season

Ready, set, go

Click to watch a video!!

Race and season complete!

10/25

Team picture to mark the end of Ryan's soccer season. He's opted to play indoor soccer with some of these teammates. That'll be a new experience for us all, as well! That'll start soon...

On top of it all, they both take private instrument lessons. We are happy to have found a good-fit violin teacher for Evan. Ryan is now traveling to Kalamazoo to take his lessons with his same teacher. Both boys are playing with the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra (LMYO) too. 

Phew...

Back to School

It has been a pretty jam packed couple months. Though I was confident I'd get to it eventually, I hadn't found the time to do a back-to-school blog post. That's okay. It's reflective of where we are in the cycle of life. That being said, finally, things are starting to settle, and I have the space in my brain to finally put this post together! 

In late August, we took the boys to Upton's Start Up Day. This is where they get their schedules, lockers, tour the building a bit. Evan figured out his locker quickly. We walked his schedule a couple times, so he could acclimate to the new, bigger building. At this point, he was saying he thought it'd be "annoying" to carry stuff and move from class to class, and he wasn't thrilled about the entire situation.

Like a pro, Ryan tried his locker like, once, and barely walked his schedule. 

Ryan's ready for his LAST year at Upton!

Evan's ready for his FIRST year at Upton!

On the Monday before school started, Burke and I took them back to school to drop off their stuff in their lockers, and review their classes one last time before the big day. [Perks of having keys to the building.]

FIRST DAY

Unbelievably in 8th Grade!

Shockingly in 6th Grade!

Off they go! They hadn't gone to the same school for two years. 

Now they are back in school together for one special year.

Burke and I used to say that I would get them through their elementary years, and then I'm turning them over to him. We were sort of joking, but it's turning out to be the case. As it turns out, Burke is handling after school logistics/care now, more than ever. They all are done with school a full 70 minutes before me. I am over at the elementary school all by myself [sniff, sniff]. It has been a transition for all of us. Ryan and Evan are handling their transitions remarkably well, possibly better than me and Burke. Haha. 

I purchase a digital download for school pictures these days, and every background is included when you do so. I scrolled through the backgrounds with the boys, asking them which ones they'd like me to print/post. These are the backgrounds of their choosing. :) 

Evan George Lokey

2021-2022

6th Grade

Since we're two months in at this point, here's an update. Evan immediately realized he is totally capable of handling carrying his stuff from class to class, and that it's fine. He's getting all As thus far. He likes to be with his friends. He's joking around in orchestra, to Burke's chagrin. Hopefully, he's reining that in. He reports that science is his current favorite class, because he's learning things that are new to him. He also listed orchestra as a favorite, because he's learning more "tips and tricks" about the violin, and he likes playing. He also impressed us by choosing to run cross country. [More on that in the next post.]

Ryan Burke Lokey

2021-2022

8th Grade

Ryan reports that 8th grade is the best year of middle school yet. He likes that he is taking ATYP Math, which is a faster-paced math program through Western Michigan University. They meet once a week virtually. He has an open period in his schedule where his regular math class would have been, and he uses that time to work independently through ATYP coursework. This semester is geometry, and next semester is Algebra II. Everything about what I just described is perfect for a learner and person like Ryan, so that's working out really well for him. This open period is right before lunch, so he sets his alarm to head to the lunch room a couple minutes before the bell rings releasing his classmates from their classes. In this way, he's first in line to get lunch, and apparently that's a wonderful thing, as the lunch line is usually annoyingly long. He likes taking Studio Art as an elective. He also enjoys orchestra because they are playing slightly harder music, and they play full orchestra all the time. He continues to play soccer and is on the robotics team.

Here's to a happy, healthy school year!

Have fun. Learn lots.