Eddie turns 11

Eddie is such a fun kid! He's chill but always gets us laughing. He loves math, music, and sports - especially baseball. He had a good year, acting as Billy the duckling in his first musical, playing basketball, and playing baseball with a great team of boys who keep getting better! The fifth grade class was a fun-loving group in which everyone is friends, and I think they're going to have a good time in middle school. It's always fun when another Wernet moves up to "my" side of the building.

Baseball is Eddie's absolute favorite, at least in this season. On his birthday, he and DJ went to the Grand Ledge baseball camp (which he said is the best camp ever), then his friend joined us for mini-golf and batting cages. We had a quick dinner of pesto pasta then headed off to their baseball game, where Eddie pitched his best game yet. He got to eat ice cream with his team before heading home for cake and presents - so all in all, a great day. Here's wishing him a great year to come!

Heading out early to try his new wiffle ball bat

Mini-golf at FunTyme!

Cheering section

!!

Eddie got the game ball!

Beach Eddie

What was your favorite memory from the last year?

Florida! Particularly swimming in the pool and in the ocean.

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?

He's been helping me wake up. Like wake up on time and keeping me going every day.

How do you feel about being eleven?

I feel short. For an 11-year-old.  

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

I'm excited for Frozen Jr. (the fall Midway Theater Co. production) and a growth spurt. 

Who are your best friends?

Aidrick, Cameron, Maxwell, Davis, Dallas, and Brayden. Those are my best school friends. Otto, Roger, siblings outside of school.

What are your strengths?

I'm good at school and sports. I'm funny and I know when the time is right to be funny.

What careers are you considering?

Oh I have no idea. [Is there anything you definitely DON'T want to be?] I don't want to make mac and cheese for Kraft. :)  Maybe a musician or an elementary teacher. Or preschool teacher.

Why are you interested in being a musician or a teacher?

I like helping little kids and I like music!

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   

Right now...Dirty Little Secret by the All-American Rejects. It's fun to play on Rock Band. Or The Way by Fastball.

What's your favorite food?

Pesto pasta, those broccoli-chicken-cheese things

Current favorite movie?   

Cool Runnings.

Current book you're reading?

It's called Summer Ball by Mike Lupica. It's good, I got it from Aunt Genny.

Favorite color?

Purple and red and yellow.   

Favorite place to be?

The LCS baseball field, Gull Lake, Grandma Linda's condo in Petoskey.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Playing baseball. Playing basketball, making music, swimming, and reading.

What was your favorite birthday present?

Batting gloves and the Motor City Tigers shirt that Grandma Linda got me when we went shopping.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?

I'm tired. But I want to play baseball!

Spring endings and beginnings and everything in between

Spring has been full with all the usual things, plus all the senior year events (so many events) and final days with some beloved colleagues heading on to the next things. We were at LCS most weekends between the spring fundraiser, banquet, Annie in Annie as Annie (!), Mrs. Hofman's reception, graduation, etc. etc. Throw in baseball, a first attempt at track season, musical theater workshop for Eddie and Mary, last concerts and recitals, 5th-grade graduation, prom, and hosting the Annie cast party, and we were never bored.

We did get away up north for Memorial Day for a little recovery time in the woods and fields and Lake Michigan. It was nice to be all together for a few days in the middle of everything else that was going on!

Every day this spring felt like it carried so much weight, watching the clock tick down toward a very different-looking life at work and home, and feeling so much gratitude for everything that was and is. There were new beginnings as kids tried new things and made big decisions (go green!). The beginnings came right along with the endings. We had fun, and worked hard, and tried to live fully in each moment. It feels a little like we're headed into the unknown, but we've got faith, and each other, and we're ready for the next crazy season! I think.

It really happened!

Eddie was one of the "graduation speakers"

State finals!

Annie with a favorite friend and mentor

You cannot keep this girl out of the water

Trying to stay warmish in winter coats on the pier

Senior concerto

Nellie with her long-time lesson instructor

Mary had to spend a half-day with me when she got sick at school, poor thing! It turned out to be fifths disease after having a fever for a week.

Last SYWS concert

One of the best parts of musical season!

The best surprise!

Easter with family

Mary's first taste of musical theater!