We had a wonderful Christmas with the Wedan family. MeeMaw and Papa came for a few extra days, and stayed at my parents' home since they were in Texas. Adam, Courtney and kids also made it into town, but unfortunately we had a blizzard come through that prevented Chad's family from coming.
Bryan, Reggie, and Brett went to a Badgers basketball game!
Reggie passed his driver's exam!
Reggie has requested these tree cookies since he was tiny because you get three cookies in one.
We took Meemaw and Papa to Top Golf!
Lydia got a paddleboard for Christmas.
Brett is taking on the honored role of pancake flipper.
Brett had a fun 18th birthday in December. He chose to take some friends to a trampoline park to celebrate. Can you tell Brett loves basketball and the Timberwolves? There will be many more posts about Brett, his senior year, and graduating, so I will keep this one simple!
Brett decided to do adapted floor hockey instead of basketball for his winter sport.
When I look back on Brett's high school experience, Thunderbolt's adapted sports is one of the biggest wins. Brett gained confidence, leadership skills, and social skills that would not have emerged solely in the classroom. The highlights from Thunderbolts, regardless of what sport they were playing, came in the form of potentially lifelong friendships.
It took me almost a full year, but I'm finally ready to come to terms with Lydia's decision to transition from player to coach. The demands of being a high school volleyball player - at least in Woodbury - are extensive and yearlong. Lydia truly loves the sport and comes alive on the court. Yet, she has a realistic perspective on her talent and stature and knows collegiate volleyball is not in her cards. Combine that with some not-so-healthy dynamics in team culture, and she was ready to retire as a player after her junior year. Financially, it has already paid off. She was offered a coaching position over club season last winter, and this summer, she was able to work many more hours without off-season training and practices starting three full weeks before school.
I love watching Lydia play volleyball. She's gritty, competitive, and explosive. She has grown as an athlete, a problem-solver, and a leader. Now, she applies those skills as a coach and in life. In our journey through the world of volleyball, we have seen many players burn out, lose passion, or not finish on their own terms. None of that is true with Lydia. She still loves volleyball - and she's not done yet.
This video got a little long, but you will be rewarded if you stay tuned to the end.
