Here's a quick run-down of the past year:
Drew is a senior now and is looking forward to graduation. He was accepted at UMD and NDSU into their engineering programs. It was a difficult decision, but he finally chose NDSU because of the great engineering program there.
Drew is in swimming and tennis again this year. He has been impressing me with his responsible nature and his self discipline. He applied for both schools on his own without us prodding him to do so. He has also been eating healthier and has an extraordinary amount of self control. He has grown a few inches, lost a few pounds, and looks completely different than the pudgy kid he was a year ago.
Theo enjoyed a trip to Seattle with his Mom, Grandparents and Aunt's family.
His siblings and I enjoyed the pictures and stories, especially how Theo convinced the caravan to stop at a lego store only to find that the store wasn't open. But, never fear, there was another Lego store in Seattle that they could see (despite being an hour out of the way). This illustrates either Theo's strong powers of persuasion or everyone's generosity and overwhelming kindness toward that kid of mine. Theo is in 10th grade this year and part of the swimming and tennis teams.
Anissa is in 8th grade and maturing into a perfect teen-ager. At least in school. Her report cards show straight A's across the board. Her teachers are impressed with her too. I get emails periodically from them telling me how good she's doing in her classes. Now if only she could get A's at home. At home, however, she's a bit controlling; a trait inherited from her father, no doubt. She certainly does like being in charge. I've said it before: She'll be a great teacher or CEO.
Therese graduated from St. Philip's last year and made the transition to the middle school this year as a 6th grader. She took up the trumpet in band and absolutely loves singing. Her Choir teacher complimented us at conferences the other night saying how good she's doing. (He also asked how we managed to raise such polar opposite daughters.) Therese is an outgoing girl, ready to try anything once --or a zillion times if it's fun.
Quinn has the best teacher at St. Philip's school... Or so she says. She's enjoying her 3rd grade year so far and has improved her reading ability immensely. She's taking piano lessons and can often be found at our piano creating her own compositions. She is a Mass Server now and looks so small next to her siblings at the Altar.
We wish all of you the best and hope to see you (preferably in person, but Facebook works too) sometime this year.
