Spring 2025 and Lily is 16

Lily is now 16 years old. Murder Mystery Party, shopping, Crumbl cookies, and meals out have been her requests to help celebrate the big milestone.  She has her permit but zero interest in actually driving.  She continues to be an independent, competitive, and super friendly teenager...especially with other adults and on occasion with her family.  It's fun to see her interact with other adults with ease.  Volleyball continues to be her passion.  She made the team she wanted but the team didn't have the season she hoped for.  It was a tough season - lots of learning moments. Pole Vault and High Jump continue to be interests as well - making PR's in both events this season have been a highlight. Junior year is up next - lots to be excited about and keep all of us running around. 

Crumbl Birthday Cookies

Lily's High Jump in action

She's got ups

The 2nd half of the school year has been solid overall.  The excitement for school is nowhere to be found and a couple of really hard classes keep the stress present.  There is about a month left of school.  We are in the midst of figuring out summer plans and dreaming big on our summer goals.  We shall see.    

Here are a few more memories from the last few months.

                    

Fun friends trip to Mt. Bachelor back in February.  

    Super proud of Elise becoming skilled at knots and lashes (limbo structure she created below that adjusts height easily), Dutch Oven, First Aid, and making a fire.  I have a little camper kid.  Go figure.

Easter in Chicago with family.  Volleyball tournament for Lily too.

Cousins and Aunt Jill came to cheer Lily on. Nate's sister and family came to cheer on too the next day.  So great to have so much family support.  

 Family pic at Millenial Park in Chicago. The Bean. Oh and notice that Nate shaved his beard off? Yay

 

Always love a picture of my kids together looking happy together (oh how deceiving pictures can be)

Elise went to her first school dance. Nate and I were stunned by her look. We were used to her in men's suits for special functions.  She's definitely done a 180 on us these last few months with her look. Elise keeps us on our toes.  

Pic of the Girls Night crew at 1/2 pint's 50th birthday celebration.  Such a fun night.

Paul's club baseball season is well underway.  An elbow injury kept him off the field for a couple of weeks but there are still a couple months left to play and his arm is feeling better again.

Fun family dinner at Oma and Opa's favorite place - Jake's Crawfish

We surrendered Mochi recently. We found a really nice foster family to help with her care needs and set her up to be adopted to a home better suited for her.  No other pets and more calm is what we hope for her. Mochi was Lily's cat.  Big feels and tough to follow through on.