Last Day of School

Seniors get out of school two weeks before everyone else. So, Ryan's last day was May 15. The day included graduation practice, returning to their respective elementary schools for a celebratory walk through, and then going down the beach for a senior party. 

He concludes his K-12 journey, not a moment too soon. By the end, he was very senioritis-y, but held it together because his most challenging AP tests fell in the last week of school. He enjoys learning, and overall, I'd say he enjoyed most of his classes this year, including AP Lit and Spanish. He's ready to carry his love of learning into the college environment, where the students are less regulated by systems and trusted to be more independent and intrinsically motivated. 

For our part, while we will miss him desperately, we are overjoyed that he is ready, willing, able and well-prepared to begin the next phase of life and learning at University of Michigan. We are also relieved to never again have to stress about him being excessively tardy for first hour, and possibly getting detentions. With all due respect, if he continues this type of behavior in college, the consequences are his to navigate.

Last Day of Twelfth Grade

Evan's last day was May 29. Another successful year in the books. He had a not-so-great English teacher, but figured it out. He enjoyed Spanish class and Chamber Orchestra. His drive to get good grades seems powered by his competitive spirits, and the learning is incidental. It works for him! Next year's course load will be a challenge as he enters the world of AP classes and takes a College Writing. He is aware of this uptick, and is planning to "lock in." He has an active extracurricular life, involved in Cross Country, musical, play, Science Olympiad, Mock Trial, and baseball. He also got his driver's license this year! 

Last Day of Tenth Grade

We have thoroughly enjoyed all the ages and stages of these two amazing humans. We occasionally get nostalgic for their younger years, but very much enjoy knowing these young men. They are confident, can communicate, and seem to know themselves pretty well. That's more than we could hope for. We love you so much, kiddos, and are always here when you need us. 

Prom 2026

A few weeks ago, Evan went to prom. The prom is for juniors and seniors, and he is currently a sophomore. He was invited by a friend (who is a junior) who he's known for a few years as she also performs in the school musicals. 

She had a particular vision for their coordinating attire, and as such Evan acquired a blue suit. We thought he looked quite sharp, and appreciated the uniqueness. 

handsome kiddo

There was a communication hiccup about where the group was meeting for pre-dinner pictures, but we found them eventually, and timing worked out okay. It was very cold. Everyone was freezing. You would know Lake Michigan is in the background due to fog. Weather aside, it turned out to be a fun evening for this friend group. 

Evan & Ella

Emma, Ella, Evan & Carson

We love this kid right here. He's growing into a responsible, thoughtful, kind young man with a lot of integrity.

Ryan Levels Up: 18th Birthday

Our 18th birthday wishes for Ryan... 

Learn lots and have fun - my daily mantra every day of early school days

Safety bubble always - my daily mantra every day of later school days

Be kind, Work hard, Know that you are loved - my mantra to all my students

Finding Your Purpose - based on Simon Sinek's work

Identify your gifts, talents, and interests. Leverage them to do some good in your lifetime in your corner of  the world. In this way, you'll be focused and fulfilled. 

Now the tough part, how to narrow down his majors and minors. Architecture is a certainty, but there are many areas he's interested in studying. College decisions falling into place was a great birthday gift (for all of us)!

We celebrated with cake and ice cream a few days early, because he was going to be very busy during the weekend of his actual birthday. 

That's a lot of candles!

It took three attempts to blow them all out.

Burke has been so generous to drive both boys all over the state in the last few weeks. And so it was, on his actual 18th birthday, he spent a long day at U of M for the Quiz Bowl State Finals. I believe they played ten matches and were exhausted. They did not place, but it was a memorable last hurrah. 

When they got back from Ann Arbor, we had late reservations at a really delicious restaurant in our area - Houndstooth. Burke and I have been there a couple times. It's kind of pricey, so we can't go often. We've wanted to take the boys there, and this was the perfect occasion to make that finally happen. It was a really fun meal. Great conversation with our sons, and positive vibes all around. 

Happy milestone, golden birthday, Ryan!

We are honored to know and love you.

April Baseball

Honestly, I don't even know which games these were. The days are blurring together these days. I'm super grateful that Gretchen (Miles' mom) takes these great pics and shares them with the team. I do know that Evan had an excellent game against Mattawan recently. He pitched the entire game, no walks, six strike outs. He also got two hits, and two RBIs. The Bears won 5-3, Evan allowed only two earned runs. It's a feat to beat Mattawan. He told Burke that was one of his best games. ⚾ Unfortunately, no pics of that game. But here are some other great shots of April baseball.

These new jerserys are hand-me-downs from varsity, but they're an improvement on what they had.

Evan and Barlow - Barlow is a recent SJHS grad who game back to coach. He and Evan seem to have a productive, positive relationship. I'm so grateful for Barlow's influence these first two year's of high school baseball.

Miles and Evan

Their record is currently 6-5-1.