Adventures of Sailing Vessel Merganser: June 2014

Here is the Academic Year 2013-2014 in Review Followed by pictures.

As you might have gathered in a previous posting, the Fall was rather busy (both emotionally and schedule wise). The girls chose band as their elective: M. wanting to play the trumpet and I. the French horn. We rented a French horn for I., while one of the guys across the dock from us surprised us. He used to be a professional trumpet player until an accident occurred, making it impossible for him to play any more. He had sold all of his trumpets save for one silver coronet. Hearing her desire to play trumpet, he worked out a deal with M. If she would care for it, and play it, she could "rent" it for free. If there came a time in which she no longer wanted to play, she was to return it to him. This was a deal that was a "win-win" for both of them. And we parents stood by mouthing "Wow."

E. continued Middle School as an 8th grader, continuing to play his trombone. This year he added playing with the Stage Band which practiced before school (7:00 a.m.) two mornings a week. In addition, he started a Coming of Age (Confirmation) program at the little church we attend. What we like about the Coming of Age process is that the entire focus is working on faith development, helping the students make their faith their own. Consequently, the students are assigned a mentor with whom they meet with regularly. In addition, all the kids going through the process, their mentors, and the pastor also meet once a month. At the end of the process (this year it was May 4th) the students and their mentors lead worship and the students share their faith/credo statements. Through out the process, there is no pressure to join the church. Joining the church is a separate process that occurs at a later date. We felt this freed up the students to work on what they really believe rather than worry about whether they were ready to join the church or not.

For the girls, there was a pause in ballet over the fall. Their instructor was ready to start-up her classes in January. This continued to be a highlight of their week.

E. and his mentor (V.) spent Saturdays working on building a dulcimer (which has turned into an on-going project). It was delightful to watch the relationship between E. and V. develop. We're thankful for all the mentors we have had over our years, and the way that people are continuing to step up for our kids, too.

E. participated in Track and Field again this past spring, deciding to do some running events this year. Last year he focused on field events. It was fun to watch him grow through the process.

In addition, the big high-light for his year was participating in the 8th Grade Trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. They visited Stanford, Berkley, Alcatraz, multiple history and science museums, etc. Perhaps at some point, he'll wish to share this adventure as a blog post. In the meantime, the girls are looking forward to being asked to participate in a few years.

In addition, there were the band concerts, the end of the year ballet recital, J.'s uncle's retirement party, and one of J.'s cousin kids getting married in Spokane. Some of J.'s cousins have moved back from Hawaii and came to visit. Finally, let us not forget E.'s eighth grade graduation. All in all, not a bad way to end the Academic year.

Enjoy the pictures:

6th Grade Band Concert: 23 Jan 2014

Unfortunately, I. had the "crud" this night, that's why she is "missing" in this photo.

We guess you don't hear them playing in this video. Mr. G. always has a student introduce him and he comes out and bows to the band, then bows to the audience. He has just be introduced here.

7th and 8th Grade Band Concert (23 February 2014)

This concert was canceled due to snow fall. Poppy had come over, so it meant, snow ice-cream and lanterns. Poppy was invited to stay with some friends' of ours, so that he didn't have to be alone in the same hotel he and Nana shared when visiting us. What a sense of hospitality! These photos were taken at our friends house.

This lantern was made by making a pyramid out of snow-balls, then setting a lit candle inside.

E.'s make-up Band Concert (4 March 2014):

Low Blow, with E. giving a solo.

Easter Dinner

E. working with V. (through out the spring)

At this point they were busy planing down the sides and working on gluing up the bottom and tops.

E. at a track meet:

Hawaii cousins visit in early May:

Coming of Age Sunday (4 May 2014):

We might note that this was a busy week for E. He just returned from the 8th Grade San Francisco Trip on May 3rd.

6th Grade Spring Band Concert:

Aloha Oi

7th and 8th Grade Spring Band Concert:

A stage band piece ...

A full band piece ...

One of the band's marching pieces ...

E's 8th Grade Graduation:

The girls ballet recital (June 2014)

Pre-recital stage makeup.

Post dance poses. Poppy was able to join us for this great day. Gramma and Grampa could not make it due to caring for J.'s grandmother who was needing more and more care. We missed them but understood, too.

Teacha L.

J. couldn't help but share this preschool picture of "Teacha L." by one of her students.

The Yacht Club Blessing of the Fleet

L. wanted to share this photo of J.'s official duty this May for one of the local yacht clubs.

We had a great gathering at J.'s Uncle A.'s Retirement Party (31 May 2014)