David & Randy
One of the fun activities at Karshner school is the early-June Donuts with Dad gathering. The PTA provides donuts and invites all the kids’ dads into the gym to spend a few minutes with the kids before school starts. This year, Daniel was at the Junior High School for his final band class (i.e., party) so Randy joined David for donuts.
Daniel
Daniel and David both played baseball again this year. David played with the same team as last year, but they switched leagues so the kids could stay together. They were called the Warriors and they played very well. Each boy got better as the season went along. David enjoyed catching and pitching. As a catcher, he really learned to take charge on the field. He ended two games by picking off a base runner! For some reason, we’re having difficulty finding many pictures of David’s games! We got a few of him hitting and catching, but often Randy was helping coach the team while Sary-Jo was with Daniel at his game.
Daniel played on the Diamondbacks with many of his soccer and basketball team members. He played outfield, first base and pitcher. He hits, runs and throws very well, but it seems that, to him, baseball is a fun placeholder to keep him busy until soccer starts up in earnest. He is such a natural athlete that it’s fun to watch him in any sport (the same is true of David). Click the picture to see more baseball pictures.
David & Daniel after the race
The boys both ran in the Youth 5K (18 years old and younger) race as part of the Sound to Narrows event. It was Daniel’s second 5K race and David’s first. It’s also a fairly difficult course because the first half is downhill and the second half is uphill, and it’s a noticeable hill. We’re learning that these events have a social aspect to them as we ran into many friends and acquaintances there. It was a lot of fun. The weather was just right for running – a little on the cool side for spectators. The boys both got off to a good start and ran great races. David finished in 20:42 and he was 15th overall (out of 199)! Daniel beat his personal best by over a minute, finishing in 18:39 and in third place. These guys continue to amaze us.
One more thing… we went from the race to soccer, where they played for about an hour and a half solid.
We have pictures and video for your enjoyment.
Mrs. Deleon’s class did a research project on members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And, as in previous years, Randy’s dad came to the class to discuss the project and the players involved. The kids always enjoy meeting a former Big Leaguer and son of a Hall of Famer. And Dad thoroughly enjoys spending time with the kids.
Since Daniel is in 5th grade this year, he got to research his great-grandfather. It was great to see him put in the work and learn more about his family heritage. It was a great opportunity to tell family stories, show photos, and connect it all to baseball.
The fifth-grade band concert was a huge success! Daniel learned so much as he worked hard on his drumming. He had private lessons and practiced diligently. His band directors had such great things to say about him – they really praised his combination of natural talent and hard work. There were times during the concert that Sary-Jo flashed back to Janel when she watched Daniel play. His mannerisms were similar and she is such a good drummer. It was a real treat to watch Daniel (and now you can watch too).
Daniel exceeded his goal in Accelerated Reader (AR), and was recognized at the school’s Awards Assembly. Daniel, we are so proud that you take your school work seriously and work hard at it! Your success is due to that hard work.
Daniel
The Puyallup School District held its annual elementary school track meet, with competitors from 21 elementary students in grades 4-6. David will get to participate next year; Daniel had a thoroughly enjoyable day today. First, he placed 2nd in the long jump (grades 4-5). Then, he anchored the relay team. They had a bit of a rough exchange on the first passing of the baton, but still finished 7th overall (two teams per school). Finally, the event he has been waiting weeks for – the 800 meter run. Daniel is very aware of the rich tradition of Ethiopian distance runners, and in a way, I think his success in this area helps him feel connected to his native land and culture. He is a gifted runner and it showed as he worked his way to the front of the pack and then pulled away for an impressive first place finish! Click the photo above to see more. Watch the video, which includes all three events.
Lauren is graduating from Puyallup High School! Joany threw a graduation party, which was a huge success. The weather was great and there was a terrific turnout for the party. The boys liked it because they had plenty of lawn for kicking a soccer ball. Click the picture to see more.
David received a medal for his reading accomplishment this year. He exceeded his goal of 30 points in Accelerated Reader (AR) by earning about 75 points. AR tests the kids’ comprehension of what they read, and David loves to get the positive feedback by succeeding on the computerized tests. The school held an assembly to honor the primary kids who met their goal and our camera was there. We are so proud of you, David!
Daniel’s class is connecting several subjects to baseball right now. He did his research on a Hall of Fame player (guess which one Daniel got), and completed other baseball-related work. An art project included a mosaic of Jackie Robinson. Daniel is extremely meticulous, so he was not going to settle for a run of the mill mosaic. He took many extra hours to get it just right and the result is incredible! Here he is with the finished result. Click the picture to see him attaching the final piece. And as he was approaching completion, David took a little video of the artist in his studio.
