Mari played the Sousaphone at Valley’s homecoming game tonight. She likes playing the tuba, but she does not appreciate holding the sousaphone for any extended period of time.
Mari’s Sousaphone
Elliot plays the saxophone
Now that Elliot is in the 6th grade, and we live a normal existence, he is joining the band. He decided to play the saxophone. He sounds great from the start and already has a smooth transition between notes. One of the great things about being home is enjoying the kids practicing their instruments.
Mari’s First Soccer Game
Mari and Andrew are both playing for mid-level competitive teams this year. That means a little more practice, more serious games, and an overall higher level of play. So far, so good.
Andrew’s First Cross Country Meet
In a week full of school supply shopping, open houses, and first practices, we kicked things off with Andrew’s first cross country meet. He has been training since July with the cross country team and really enjoying it. He looked good in his race and was happy to meet his goal of finishing in under 20 minutes.
Andrew’s Orchestra Concert
Andrew had his final orchestra concert of the year tonight. Just like Mari’s band concert 3 weeks ago, I couldn’t make it because I am in Cincinnati for work. Susan tells me it was a good show.
Drama Performances
The kids had their drama performances this week. I had some technical difficulties during the recording. Someone called during Elliot’s and I had to leave during Andrew’s because Rose was ready to explore.
Climb Iowa
This year for Christmas we gave the kids a one-month membership to Climb Iowa, an indoor rock-climbing gym about 10 minutes from our house. Yesterday we made our first trip. The kids had a great time. We hope to go about twice a week for the month of January.
Winter Drama Performances
This week the kids had their drama performances with their homeschool enrichment classes. They all love drama and enjoy being in the plays.
Moving up in the (music) world
This year Andrew and Mari both started playing new instruments – Tuba for Mari and Cello for Andrew. In recent weeks they have both progressed beyond the entry-level classes that they were in. Mari started playing with the full fifth grade orchestra a couple of weeks ago and yesterday in class she was particularly proud of being called out for her skills. She was asked to come to the front of the class to play a solo of Jingle Bells.
Andrew will join the full seventh grade orchestra at Indian Hills Junior High next week. His friend Will is already in this group and Andrew is excited for some more complex work.
Neighborhood Sports
Yesterday we wrapped up our summer season of Neighborhood Sports. Since the Olympics start today, we finished up with some Olympic-type activities & games.
Tennis Lessons
This week and next the kids are taking tennis lessons with the City of Clive. They all like to play tennis and are glad to be out on the court.
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.
