Dad and Alex Getaway

Last week, Alex and I had the opportunity to spend some good time together. It wasn't the most ideal scenario for us, but we were able to spend 5 straight days hanging out. I took her to the USA Volleyball National Championships with me. I usually go on this trip by myself, but took the kid with me this time. We spent a great deal of time walking to and from the convention center, playing volleyball and watching volleyball. She was the only kid in our group, so she had to try and keep up with all of the conversations we were having at meals and walking back and forth to the hotel. All in all, it was fun and we had a chance to take a volleyball-free day and see the (very few) sites that Atlanta has to offer. We visited the Georgia Aquarium (picture below) and the World of Coca-Cola. We made the best of that day and were able to see some cool stuff.

It's been a long time since we have been able to spend this length of time together. I truly enjoyed it and hope that she joins me every year going forward. She's growing up so fast and I want to make sure that I enjoy her childhood as much as possible.

The Kids

Alex has been a great help as a daughter and better yet as a big sister. Even though there are 11 years between she and Carsen, she embraces the big sister role and loves to play with Carsen. Carsen also loves playing with her, but loves it even more when her friends are over. He loves to show off for the ladies.

Junior High is a whole new thing

Alex started junior high a few months ago and things have drastically changed. Before, things like hair, clothes, make-up and appearance were not that important. Junior high has created an additional 20 minutes to get out of the house.

I am so proud of her efforts and dedication to getting good grades. I met with her teachers a few weeks back and she is doing very well, near an A average. Her teachers say she is a good student and that she has adapted well to the new setting. She is very responsible and always seems prepared for class and studies hard every night. Homework is a priority and she even likes her school work. She's well on her way to being an all around great student and a beautiful young lady.

Being a great big sister

Alex has been having fun these days, now being in Jr. High and moving quickly into teenage mode. Here she gets to know Kendall a little and enjoys a feeding.

She's going to make a great mother some day with all of this practice she is getting...

New Post about school is
coming soon.

School, school and more school!

I'm going to be starting Junior High Monday and I can't wait! It's going to be a blast. I got a locker at the and of a row, so I have lots of space to stand in. But the locker I got was soooooo skinny! How am I supposed to fit all my stuff in there?? Seriously!!! My homeroom teacher seems nice when I saw her at orientation. She just didn't let us talk! I think I just spelled it wrong. Ow well! I just can't wait to start school!!!

Alex Update

Alex has been doing great. She loves school and her new teacher this year. Her activities since the summer have slowed a little, but she keeps herself well-rounded by taking up hobbies that keep her athletic, smart and happy.

She recently joined the chess club and likes it. I loved chess growing up and find it to be a great game to learn as a kid. We haven't played as much as I would like but she challenges me when we play.

Alex recently got accepted to the honors band. This program includes a combination of kids from many different schools. She had to audition to be part of the Oboe team and was selected as 1 of the 3 chosen. She was competing against 9 total oboe players. She worked hard to make it, even though she almost gave it up earlier this year.

Alex is currently taking a break from soccer and will be joining indoor soccer in the late winter. She was on a mediocre team in the fall. She likes soccer, but not enough to take it to the next level. After deciding to quit it last year, she picked it up again and didn't lose a beat. I'm still hoping that she decides to take the game more serious.

Alex had a great 2006 and is always an upbeat and happy kid. I am proud of her and always look forward to having her around the house.