Ryan & Evan are not in this post

As expected, the boys are off doing their own things more and more these days. As a result, Burke and I are finding ourselves with time where it's just us. I always said to him (and anyone, if it came up), that we need to care for our couple hood, because the boys will be off before we know it, and we'll be on our own again, just 20 years older than last time it was just us. These moments are bittersweet, of course. 

To represent the start of this launch phase of parenthood, I thought I'd do something I hardly ever do - center Burke and me in a blog post - the "Our" in Our Little Miracles. 

In early September, my very good friend Jeanette and her husband Brad passed through our area after dropping their daughter off at college. This is extra special because they live in California. We had a lovely time, and it was entirely too short. 

Burke and I enjoy this spot near our house called Watermark. It's a brewery, and they have events, music, and food trucks. Our area doesn't have lots of great places to hang out, so we're grateful for Watermark. The friend next to me in the picture below is Kerri (the other two ladies are more friends of hers, though we think they're lovely too). Burke and I are friends with Kerri and her husband. Actually, Ryan is good friends with one of their sons. So, it's a whole thing... 

It was super special to have Keith here for a week. He was even here to help celebrate Burke's 46th birthday. It was a rare visit, and we were grateful to have him here. He got to witness our day-to-day busyness, but we got to do some fun midwest and local things too.

We are in the season of life where Burke is getting invited to former student's weddings!! One such wedding happened at the end of September. We were very glad to have gone, and had a fun night out. 

Evan and I were just talking about how you notice a ritual or time of life gradually coming to an end, but you don't know always know when the last time will be. Life and time is weird and ponderous like that. We are staying present in each moment, and finding joy, as best we can. 

Back to School

The new school year is off to a busy start! We really appreciate the confidence with which Ryan and Evan choose and commit to their various activities, not to mention their steady approach to academics, striving with a reasonable, balanced mindset. We continue to love every age and stage. 

 Evan's first year of high school!

9th Grade Orientation Night: Most kids don't use theirs, opting instead to carry their backpacks around all day. Maybe they don't use their lockers, because they're put off by the the nasty stickiness of the locker combination dial (I hear it has something to do with a disinfectant that's used on the lockers). Or, maybe it's because you have to some complex turn, hold, lift sequence to open it after you've entered the combination. It took many attempts and guidance from friends, but we were determined to open the locker, and eventually Evan figured out the trick, and could consistently get it open. After all that, turns out, he doesn't use it. 😂🤣

Evan's first day of 9th grade

Both boys are off to the high school.

[Ryan did not think individual pictures of him outside the school or on the first day of school were necessary.]

Ryan drives Evan to school! I am grateful to be able to see them off most mornings, and always send safety bubble vibes their way as both my babies drive away from me together. They both approach their increasing independence with impressive maturity.

One of the fall activities Evan is participating in is cross country (XC). He ran all three years in middle school, and considers it conditioning for baseball. Having heard not-so-great things about high school XC, I lobbied hard for him to not participate. I was not able to persuade him, however, and the whole experience has exceeded expectations. He's improved his ability to finish strong, kicking it into another gear. He's running the 5K in about 20 minutes, which is faster than what he expected of himself. He's run with the varsity group in one meet, and placed 1st in the JV group in another race. Likely, most importantly to him, many of his friends are on the team, and he enjoys riding the bus to and from meets and stopping for lunch on said bus rides. Mr. Social.

Burke and I drove to this under-the-lights meet in Grand Rapids. It was so late, but a super fun, energized atmosphere. So glad we made the 90 minute, one-way drive! Totally worth it... 

Ryan continues to play tennis in the fall. He experienced some frustrations this season, but rode the ups and downs, while remaining committed and positive. He played 5 Doubles and sort of practiced and played with both varsity and JV, which left him kind of in this unsettled middle space. Burke and I were less than thrilled with how Ryan (and a couple teammates) were handled. Nonetheless, Ryan continued to attend practices and matches with a focused growth-mindset. As this season winds down, he has a plan for how to prepare for next season. Overall, it is evident that he is improving and continues to enjoy playing, which is most important. We are looking forward to next season!

Ryan: Junior Year (11th grade)

Evan: Freshman (9th grade)

Have fun, and learn lots!