TJ Turns "A Decade"

basketball
drums
birthday party
SKR - field trip

TJ has had fun talking about how now he is "a decade."  So funny how they think of things like this! As the kids get older, for some reason, it is harder to come up with things that are "special" but that do not cot $300.  We went out on a limb a bit this year, and invited several of his close friends up to the lake.  We weren't quite sure how it would be received by parents, but we also invited the parents, and end up with 4 adults to supervise, so it all worked out grade.  The kids had a total ball and I'm sure would have spent the entire day out there together.  After all the crappy rainy days, we totally lucked out and had a gorgeous day.

Pictured here is Krish, Bas Houwen, Marco Warma, Jacob Jones, Luka, Ian Jones, Trey Hammond, and George Merriwhether.

TJ has been most fortunate to have a great group of friends since kindergarten.  In particular, Marco is his "best" friend, and they are inseparable.  With all their activities, it's hard to get them together, but we do the best we can.  Fortunately, they ended up in the same class for third grade, so they were thrilled with that. Mrs. Harrison was also great!  She maintained a very strict and controlled classroom, which is definitely what TJ needs in order to focus and do his best. Third grade is a bit of a game changer here...much higher expectations and a lot more homework.  So we were thrilled that he did so well, after a bit of a stick 2nd grade year.

The third graders went on a field trip to some local gardens and these 4 amigos were at it again.  Every time  no one was looking, they were as silly as ever (when they thought no one was looking).  I was a chaperone, and while it was fun while it lasted, boy was I glad to head back to the office!
 

TJ really enjoyed basketball again this year.  He has come a long way since he started earlier in the fall.  He ended the year with a team that took the championship game, and TJ got an award for the most rebounds in the third grade.  It seems a bit hard for him to crack a smile and enjoy his accomplishments, but we finally talked him into it.  I LOVE watching his basketball games; perhaps it is my competitive nature coming out, but it is truly a highlight for me every weekend to watch him take the ball down the court and shoot a beautiful lay-up.

TJ also started drum lessons and has really got a special knack for picking it up.  It is pretty incredible.  Definitely could be genetics, because I think it takes a special brain to be able to coordinate 4 limbs all doing different things.  If I try hard enough, I can manage my two arms, but holy cow.  His drum teacher works on ACDC, Rush, and other rock bands that keep TJ interested an engaged.  We are really thankful he is sticking with it and seems to really enjoy it.

And a few random photos...definitely entered the phase of signs on the door.  The one at the bottom cracks me up. "Jee Wiz!!!!!!!"  I had to laugh one evening when the three boys ended up on the couch, all on their electronics.  Certainly not a common site, but still made me laugh.  (Obviously I was on my too since I snapped the pic on my phone.)  And of course, the teeth of a 10-yr old;  I'll really be glad for that picture one day.  #10yroldboyshavereallybigteeth

TJ you have taught us so much about being parents...you will probably never know.  We continue to be amazed at your daily accomplishments, and some other things maybe not quite so positive, but all very normal indeed.  We continue to learn and walk with you through life's challenges, and we so much appreciate your determination to work on who you are, and who you want to be.  You are a wonderful older brother to your sister, and we love to see how you take care of her and make her laugh.  (Perhaps you can take a small hint to treat your brother with a bit more respect.)  We love you, and we can't wait to see what your eleventh year has in store for all of us.