Speech Meet, Family Art Night, Track Meets and All Things Spring

As for Speech Meet, Emma presented Helena Confronts Hermia from Midsummer Nights Dream to the middle school audience this year. Grandma Kathy came to watch Emma at the meet. Emma had an added challenge of speaking the day after she had her expander removed. She now has invisalign trays installed. It is an adjustment though to be able to once again touch the roof of her mouth with her tongue. The trays hurt a bit but she says it is better than the expander.

Emma has been working hard at her track skills and will be running the 800 meter, 200 meter and a two by four relay for her events this spring. In her first race she placed 2nd for both the 800 and 200m.

Her second meet was at Hilly Murray and she had 3rd place for the mile with a time of 6 minutes 20 seconds. She got 2nd again in the 800m and participated in two relays 100m and 400m.

As for the choir concert this spring, Analise and Emma both sang. Analise's favorite song was, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and Emma's favorite from her performance was, "Inscription of Hope." For band, Analise played "Mechanical Monsters."

Dan, Analise and Emma have also taken on the challenge of running a 5k together around White Bear Lake in May. They have been training together each weekend. Emma ended up getting first for her division, Analise got 2nd and Dan got first for his division. Emma got 4th place for the whole racing group. Dan did his first triathalon with Wade at the end of the summer last year and is hoping to do another one at the end of summer. Analise has been going strong with gymnastics and will continue to develop her level 6 and 7 routines over the summer.

During the last month of school, Emma has been working hard on a portrait of Terese of Lisieux for her final art piece of the year. This is also her confirmation saint. She has to write a report on her next year and present it to the church before getting confirmed. Analise has been enjoying her clay sculpting this year and may do more art with her friend Tessa's mom, who works as an artist, this summer.

For Chronological Quest, Analise received Zenobia of Palmyra. She worked hard on her twenty facts and presentation to the lower school. This will be the last year of us having to figure out costuming for the Quest. Analise made her graduation from elementary school this year and joined the 97% and higher club for her second year (otherwise known as the A honor roll).

Emma also showed great effort in academics this year and made it into the 4.0 and higher club with a 4.2 average. We are now contemplating as a family what our next steps will be after 8th grade. In the next year, we will need to tour a few high schools to make sure we are picking what is right for our family situation. We will be looking into Chesterton Academy, St. Croix Prep and maybe one other to make sure that Liberty is the best decision and will provide what we think will be needed for success in the college years.