This afternoon Andrew, Mari, Elliot and I went for our first and last single track bikeride of the year. It was a beautiful afternoon and the kids did a great job carving up the trails. I imagine it has been a few years since we have been out there and it felt good.
I love snow. From when the first snow falls to when the last snow melts. I love the sound of it crunching beneath my feet. I love the taste of it after sledding down a great big hill. I love building snowmen. I love having snowball fights. I love sledding. I love ice skating and feeling the slick ice beneath my warm feet. I love family dinners and sitting by the fire telling stories. I love exploring the bare woods and playing hockey on our creek. I love curling up next to the fire and drinking hot cocoa after a hard day’s work. I love laying in my bed at night with the snow shining into my room telling me to get a good night’s sleep so I can come back again the next morning. I love snow!
I love this.
Today we celebrated Andrew’s birthday! It is hard to believe it has been 13 years. We celebrated Andrew’s birthday after soccer with the Liesses and the Reagens, and Will. I think Andrew had a fun day, with school work in the morning, piano, hanging out with Will in the afternoon and dinner, and then everyone came over to celebrate with us.
At the age of 13, and continues to be a young man who is happy and excited about life. He is passionate about and open to many things. He still loves to read, listen to music, and play sports. He continues to excel in school, open to learning about each subject and taking pride in his work.
Favorite song: Heathens
Favorite color: Orange
Favorite food: Chicken Noodle Soup
Favorite band: Coldplay
Favorite book: Harry Potter 7
Favorite sport: Soccer
Favorite movie: Jurassic Park
This week Andrew is starting a new instrument – the Cello. He is taking an orchestra class at the local junior high, which is just a short walk from our house. Already he is working on playing some songs.
This week marks the beginning of the Fall soccer season. Elliot & Mari are playing U12 and Andrew is playing U14. We switched clubs this year, looking for a more consistent experience, better fields, and a soccer complex, so that our kids are not playing and practicing at 2 different locations.
So far, so good.
Today Andrew made his first solo trip to Fareway, on his bike. We needed some noodles and he offered to go pick some up. He made it back with noodles, so I consider that a success.
This past week Andrew attended CYC camp. He had a great time, as expected. He really enjoyed the new family format that they use in Jr High. His favorite activity was the climbing wall.
Today we wrapped up the spring soccer season. Andrew & Mari finished last week and Elliot had his last game today – a make-up game. It was a fun year and we are already looking forward to the fall.
This Spring Andrew took the ref course and is now a soccer ref with Northwest soccer. So far (2 games), he loves it.
Instead of a formal recital, our piano teacher organizes a ‘Piano Party’ where the kids can play in front of a crowd and also they play some group games together. It is fun to hear all of the kids playing their songs and to catch up with the other adults.
Andrew’s basketball season wrapped up Monday night, with his team winning the league championship. Andrew enjoyed the season, but is still contemplating his future on the court.
Andrew’s most talked about play after his last game was his 3-point shot that hit the rim twice, but didn’t find its way in. Next time.
