DJ, age 9

Why does nine seem SO much older than eight? It's been a big year for DJ - he got to try out surprise homeschool for the spring, then switched schools, then played a new sport this fall. But he still loves all things Marvel and Star Wars, math, history, baseball, football, and basketball (and now, soccer). Recently, Kevin and I were pondering DJ's love for sports. We remembered how sick Kevin was when DJ was born (Kevin had spent his own birthday in bed) and how we spend all the time in the hospital and most of the next week watching college bowl games on TV. That's probably where it started. Now, we're sitting together on the couch in our matching Vikings jerseys. 

Last night at dinner, we went around and shared what we love about DJ. The theme was that he's always up for anything his siblings want to do--but he's definitely his own person, too, with different interests than the rest of the crowd and all kinds of thoughtful questions and big ideas. Here's what he has to say about his year. He's a man of few words.

This has been quite a year, with lots of changes. What was your favorite memory from the last year?
Covid-19 is the most memorable thing. But my favorite memory was at school at Beagle when I ate six pieces of pizza. 

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?
He kept me healthy and not get Covid. I made new friends at LCS. We're learning at school that we're "Given to Give." We were born to share God's love with other people.

How do you feel about being nine?  
Not very different. Except I'm more confident for doing Lego sets that are for 10 and up.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
The Super Bowl. I like the football snacks.

What new things or skills are you learning?
Learning how to play the ukulele. I'm learning the new video games I got for my birthday. I learned how to play soccer. I learned how to read hard chapter books.

Who are your best friends?

Wesley, Brendan, Collin, Christian, Jayce. Otto. And maybe Eddie.

What kinds of things are you good at?

[Don't look at what Annie said! This is about you.] But I AM good at cursive and ukulele! And math and reading. And I have nice handwriting. I'm good at baseball and basketball, and video games. [What would your friends say you're good at?] Football.

What careers are you considering?
Paleontologist.

Why are you interested in paleontology?
Because I don't know about dinosaurs and I want to learn about them. Also, Eddie said he's going to own a museum so I can work with him.

What’s your favorite song?   
"Help" by the Beatles.

What's your favorite food?
Pizza or chicken pot pie.

Favorite movie?   
The Sandlot.

Favorite book?   

Bud Not Buddy or Indian in the Cupboard.

Favorite color?   
Lime green.

Favorite place to be?

The library.

What are your favorite things to do?
Read, play video games, or play catch with Dad.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you as a nine-year-old?   

It feels awesome!