Happy Birthday, Andrew!

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

Andrew at age one (day).
Andrew at age one (day).
Andrew at age 13.
Andrew at age 13.

Photos from Andrew’s first year or so.

Andrew Playing the Cello

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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.

Fall Soccer Season

Elliot's Soccer Practice
Elliot’s Soccer Practice

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.

Andrew’s Solo Trip

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.

Andrew CYC Camp

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.

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Andrew on his bunk.

End of the Soccer Season

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.

Elliot's team, minus a couple of players.
Elliot’s team, minus a couple of players.
A few girls from Mari's team, at Jason's Deli.
A few girls from Mari’s team, at Jason’s Deli.

Andrew Reffing

This Spring Andrew took the ref course and is now a soccer ref with Northwest soccer. So far (2 games), he loves it.

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Piano Party!

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.

 

 

 

 

Basketball Wrap-Up

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.

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Woodmen Speech Contest

This morning Andrew participated in the Woodmen Speech Contest. He had the opportunity to give a 3-5 minute speech on the topic “Hunger in America.” In the weeks leading up to the speech he was not sure if he was going to participate or not, but things came together in the end with some encouragement from one of his enrichment class teachers. I think he enjoyed it and hopefully he will be back next year.

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Homeschool Drama

As part of their enrichment classes Andrew, Mari, and Elliot all take a drama class. Last week they had their performances, culminating their semester’s work. They all love the drama classes and do an excellent job at the performances.

Elliot is the third goat in The Three Silly Goats Gruff. I apologize for the blurry video.

 

Mari played the role of the mother wolf and narrator in The Three Little Wolves and the Big, Bad Pig.

 

Andrew played the role of the Giant in Kate and the Beanstalk.