Andrew’s Soccer Banquet
Today was Andrew’s soccer banquet. It was a simple affair, with pizza, fruit, and dessert in the parking lot after their final practice.
Andrew’s Final Orchestra Concert
Tonight was Andrew’s final orchestra concert. His orchestra concerts have really been a joy during his four years of high school.
April 2022
Ski Trip with Andrew
This past weekend Andrew and I went to visit Regis University in Denver and then went skiing at Keystone. Andrew did a wonderful job snowboarding. I managed to make it down the hill a few times on my skis.
Andrew Orchestra Concert
Andrew had his second orchestra concert of the year. The final song they played was Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It was enjoyed by all.
NXR
Andrew traveled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota this weekend for Nike Cross Regionals, a national Cros Country championship series, although there are no nationals this year because of Covid. Andrew attended this race his freshman and sophomore years and it was canceled last year.
Senior All-Star Meet
Andrew and his friend Cody qualified for the Senior All-Star Meet. It was a beautiful day and fun to cheer for all of the seniors who worked so hard these past 4 years.
After the meet we enjoyed some pastries in Pella, stopped by Yellow Banks Park to hike and play by the river, and then picked up some ice cream at Over The Top. That’s a good day.
Halloween 2021
Cross Country Banquet
State Qualifying Meet
Andrew ran in the State Qualifying Meet today. It was his first race in a few weeks and it could have gone better. Andrew and I have had a discussion a few times about whether you should collapse at the end of a race. We generally agree that you should collapse because you should be giving it every last ounce of energy.
After today’s race, Andrew collapsed. He was exhausted and his lungs hurt from the effects of his cold. Not his greatest finish, but one of his greatest races because he really gave it his all. This was the last official race of Andrew’s cross country career at Valley. It was emotional then and even writing this now I can feel it. One of the things I love about being a cross country parent for all 3 kids is that you know they all work so hard and it is great to cheer for all the kids. There is little glory in cross country, and a lot of effort.
Andrew’s Cold
I am not sure what this is called, but Andrew is trying to get rid of his cold – mostly his cough.