David, Age 9
We had a quick “Happy Birthday, David” celebration after a very busy day that included:
He enjoyed the cake & ice cream (who wouldn’t?) and kept a smile on his face. Click the picture to see more. The video shows the skating races.
The boys were able to participate in another cross-country meet at Bellarmine Prep School, running the same one-mile course that they had run two weeks prior. The race had 71 third- through fifth-grade boys in it. Since he had run a mile before, Daniel decided to set the pace, and he set an aggressive pace. Although he had run hard, and there was a steep hill near the end of the course, he still had enough energy to sprint to the finish with an impressive margin over the second-place finisher. David found himself in a battle at the end and was able to sprint to a very satisfying third-place finish. Each one of the boys shaved 16 seconds off his previous time. Daniel finished in 5:40 and David in 6:10! We caught a little video (below), including the start, middle and finish of the race. And of course there are more pictures – click on the one above.
Here’s a brief video montage of Daniel & David playing with some of the toys they received for their birthdays. They are definitely enjoying themselves.
Daniel & David opened their gifts a bit early because Sary-Jo was headed to California for a visit with Janel. The gift opening was a lot of fun and the boys were very grateful for each item. We took some pictures and a fair amount of video. Click the picture to see more.
We occasionally spend a few minutes looking at pictures and videos over the past couple years. This helps to remind us just how far we have come as a family, which is especially helpful on those days that it’s clear we have a long way to go. Sometimes we come across an old video that we just have to share. This one came about because the boys were not used to eating fruit from a refrigerator and we served them plums. They had been here less than two weeks, so you not only get their reaction to the cold fruit on their teeth, but you also get a feel for how we communicated without much in the way of a common language. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
On Sunday, we got together with friends and family to celebrate Daniel and David’s third birthdays (they turned 11 and 9, repsectively, but this is only their third actual birthday celebration). We invited people to help us support the boys’ orphanage in Ethiopia, including their sister, who is being ministered to by Adoption Ministry and the orphanage. We gathered at Bradley Lake Park and used the covered area, which turned out to be a really good thing when the skies opened up. The kids, and some adults, kept the soccer game going throughout all types of weather we experienced – it started out very pleasant and sunny, but that did not last too long. We don’t know exactly how many people attended, but we consumed over 10 dozen hot dogs. We know there were many scheduling conflicts on a Sunday afternoon, and there were quite a few people unable to make it. But the turnout was amazing and I think everyone had a great time – rain AND shine. The generosity of our family and friends continues to touch our hearts; thank you to all! You are truly making a difference in the lives of Ethiopian children. Click the picture to see more.
The video below includes a little setup, some soccer, and the crowd underneath cover from the rain.
Apparently, we were unable to handle the “peace and quiet” around the house. So Daniel is taking up percussion in the elementary school band. We’re actually quite happy about this development and look back on Janel’s percussion days with fondness. Yes, it can get loud, but we also get to see a child develop skills in something he enjoys. It’s been clear since “Day 1” that Daniel has a sense of rhythm and a love of music. Assuming he dedicates himself like we think he will, we will have another exceptional percussionist in the family.
On Friday, Randy brought home Daniel’s first percussion kit, consisting of a snare drum and bells. Band starts on Tuesday and his private lessons begin in October (wish Janel lived closer!). Enjoy the video of Daniel “opening” his kit.
It’s that time of year again! Both boys are on the same teams as last year, but the game has been moved up a notch or two (or three or four). Daniel’s team practiced all summer, twice a week, with very well organized and intentional practices. David was allowed to practice with the team and has improved enough that he could probably play with the older boys if he wanted to. The result is two very improved teams.
As is common this time of year, the first Saturday of the season brought sunshine and very warm weather; just a week later, it was cool and wet. In the first game, Daniel scored with a great shot off his heel while spinning to avoid the defender. David caught it on video and it’s shown above. In week two (earlier today), David looped a shot – off the goalie’s throw – over the defense and the goalie into the goal. That one is shown below. David actually scored four goals in his game today, but could not quite keep up with Daniel’s five! David’s team won their game 10-0, while Daniel’s won with a score of 12-4.
We expect that Daniel’s team will be moved into a tougher bracket after the first few games. They seem to have improved more than most teams this year.
For Daniel and David it is not surprising that soccer is their first love when it comes to sports. They are both very good players and so much fun to watch! Their soccer skills are dramatically better than last year – it’s hard to comprehend how much they’ve improved! Daniel’s team, the Wolverines, has been practicing all summer and the coaches have been so gracious in allowing David to practice with them. David’s team, the Rockets, began practicing a few weeks ago.
Preseason tournaments have been fun:
Mom loves cheering and loses her voice each time. She is not looking forward to those cold, rainy, muddy, stinky games, which the regular season is sure to bring…but she’ll be loving on her boys regardless!!
The video below includes a bunch of scoring – first, David’s 14 tournament goals are shown (late update: due to a technical problem, one was omitted). Then, Daniel’s goals are shown. We also included a couple of his assists – one with some nifty footwork and another off a corner kick. We think you’ll enjoy the video, which also highlights the weather and the beautiful view of the soccer venue in the Puyallup Valley! Click on the picture of David, above, for more photos.
Our home was a flurry of excitement on September 1, 2011! Happy boys woke early with huge smiles. The noise level was high and full of positive energy as they pondered in great anticipation what their classrooms would be like. At Karshner, each classroom adopts a university. The students are all college bound! David has the same teacher Daniel did in 3rd grade, so Daniel, of course, was telling David all about 3rd grade, including the classroom cheer! Go Cowboys!! David can’t wait to wear his cowboy hat when his class does the University of Wyoming cheer! Daniel’s classroom is the University of Washington (UW Huskies). Daniel was sporting his Huskies wrist band and is excited to learn the cheer and wear his new UW t-shirt. In the midst of the excitement, mom struggled to keep them focused on chores, breakfast, etc. while trying to get ready herself, all the while lamenting the end of a simply wonderfully balanced summer filled with great moments and memories. By the way, we did get out the door in time…. and the boys looked so handsome and happy sporting their new backpacks! (see pictures)
