Julie & Cindy’s exchange student, Borja, had to go home to Spain. He is a great kid and our boys really bonded with him, especially over soccer. They threw one final party before he left. Enjoy the pictures.
Category Archives: Family
Last Day of Elementary School
Daniel
The BIG DAY finally came – Daniel’s last day at Karshner Elementary School (and David’s last day of 4th grade). Karshner sends their graduates off in grand fashion, with an assembly on the last day which includes the entire staff lining up to celebrate the kids.
It’s amazing to think of how much growth and learning has taken place during the 3 1/2 years Daniel spent at Karshner. When he started, in January 2010, he spoke little English and had virtually none of the home and family experiences that his classmates had. He jumped in to the middle of third grade with much less preparation than all of the kindergartners. He barely knew his parents and, I’m quite certain, did not yet have a grasp that his new family and living situation would last. He was surrounded by kids who didn’t exactly look like him, yet they were kids! They loved him and accepted him and he thrived!
Over time, they would experience his tremendous contributions. We think of Daniel’s athletic skill and achievements and I think that helped him build relationships. But Daniel’s huge heart and concern for others, and for doing what is right, is what really drives him and has led to his tremendous success.
Thank you so much to the staff, volunteers, and students of Karshner Elementary School.
Click the picture to see more.
Awards Assembly
Daniel with PHS Cheerleaders
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re rather proud of our boys and their accomplishments. Both were recognized for meeting their reading goals at an awards assembly (complete with cheerleaders) at the end of the school year.
Fathers Day 2013
Fathers Day this year was a great day to spend with Sary-Jo and the boys. It was more subdued than some years which is often a good thing. The pictures pretty much tell the story, so there’s no real need for words. Enjoy.
Pie in the Face
Sary-Jo and David
As a reward for the students meeting goals, Sary-Jo and another teacher took a pie to the face. As you can see in the pictures, the kids enjoyed it!
Band Concert
Daniel was in the elementary school band this year, which consists of students from multiple schools. The band is directed by the junior high school director (pictured with Daniel) and classes are early in the morning two days per week. We are so proud of his progress as a musician and performer. His skills as a drummer make us think of Janel often.
Click the picture to see more. Watch the video.
Pat’s 80th
Pat Averill
Randy’s mother recently turned 80. Consistent with her low-key ways, she wanted a small gathering to celebrate. Mike and Mary hosted a fantastic dinner at their home in Gig Harbor. All four kids and spouses were there, as well as the closest of friends. It was so nice to actually have some time to talk and connect. The weather was perfect so we started the evening on the back deck. We took some good pictures (and got a bit goofy in some of them). Click the picture shown to see the others.
Honor Band Concert 2013
Our boys show talent in so many areas, including school and multiple sports. In addition to that, Daniel has been very impressive in his musicianship. He has been playing drums for nearly two years now and his skill and rhythm is excellent (prompting memories of another drummer in the family – Janel). He was selected for the Elementary Honor Band, which is made up of select musicians throughout the school district (9th largest in the state). One of the directors, Robin Blumenthal, was one of Janel’s percussion teachers.
The concert was outstanding! It included the Honor Chorus and Honor Orchestra. Grammy and Grandpa were there, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable event.
Click the photo above to see more pictures. Watch the video – they sounded great!
Mother’s Day 2013
David, Sary-Jo, Daniel (yes, David is taller than his older brother)
Our traditional picture spot, the Van Lierop bulb farm, is now just a memory, so our Mother’s Day pictures had to be taken in our back yard. Fortunately, the yard looked pretty good. So did Sary-Jo and the boys.
Sister Update
Although we don’t have direct contact with Daniel & David’s older sister (1/2 sister technically) in Ethiopia, we are blessed with occasional updates about her – sometimes with pictures. Last year, for instance, we learned that she is in good health and is now married. This year, we learned that she has a baby boy. And we did, indeed, get pictures. We are comforted by knowledge that she is doing well, and truly thrilled to receive these updates. Since the boys were older when we adopted them, they have clear memories of life in Ethiopia and, specifically, time spent with their sister. In the picture shown here, she is looking at pictures of the boys that we were able to send to her.
As an added bonus, if we ever need a baby picture of Daniel, his nephew’s pictures could be used and nobody would be able to tell that it’s not him!