a nostalgic reunion

We had a very nostalgic reunion over Memorial Day Weekend.  All of my childhood I remember the special weekend extended family from my dad's side would gather at a camp on Lake Okoboji.  We continued this tradition through my children's younger years until my grandparents' health prevented them from participating.  I think the last year was 2017.

We returned and gathered and it was a great way to kick-off summer.  I loved every minute of it.

a whole year of fine arts highlights

Here you will find a compilation of Lydia's many musical talents.  Her 8th grade year included performances in band, jazz band, piano, and Beauty and the Beast!

For the last couple of years, Lydia has been doing piano lessons with her cousin who studied music in college.  This year, she joined a worship band for the children's ministry in our church called "You Bet Cassette"!  I added an audio piece of her playing during a portion of the highlight video.

Lydia decided to try out for the middle school's musical rather than do track this spring.  She was in the village ensamble and played the part of the baker.  I was proud of her for trying something new and it was an impressive performance. It was also a great way to make some new friends!

Jazz band was a lot of fun, too!  Her previous school barely had enough participants to make a band and didn't do any performances.  We loved the Royal Night of Jazz!

Lydia was also invited to participate in the district's honor band, and a metro honor band.

Brett's track highlights

There was much anticipation about Brett doing track this year.  It was his first high school sport and he was so excited about it!

100M Personal Record: 15.406

200M Personal Record:  31.74

High Jump: 4ft 6in

The season had it's ups and falls, but he worked hard and enjoyed being a part of the team and all that involved.  He loved riding the bus to the track meets and the routine of the events and practices. He tried some new things, too.  Hurdles and high jump!  The hurdles turned out to be not such a good fit.  I think that the high jump would have been a good event for him if he had started practicing it earlier in the season!

setter 7 go getter

Lydia's club volleyball season was so much fun!  She managed to make the 14-1 team and solidify her position as a setter.  Spunky and gritty - and gravity-defying - we love to watch her play with so much intensity.

Lydia's season started in December with two two-hour practices a week. Competition was eight weekend tournaments.  They were very long days (usually 4-6 matches), but mostly within an hour of our home. During the tournaments when they weren't playing, her team would have to help officiate other matches.

Lydia's team was about average.  They would always land somewhere in the middle of the placings.  I think they did great, considering there is a whole nother level of elitism in volleyball that is far beyond our reach.  Youth sports is can really suck you in if you're not on your guard.

The final tournament was in Rochester in April.  They had a lot of fun and it was exciting to watch them place 1st in their bracket!

We have encouraged our kids to try lots of things and not be in a big hurry to "specialize" in one sport.  I was surprised when Lydia decided not to do track this spring, but rather tried out for the school musical.  So it appears as though she may be down to one sport (with the exception of unified football).  She had her first high school volleyball camp yesterday!  So I guess the means she's playing it year-round.  I'm glad she's found an outlet for her competitive nature and team sport she loves.