National Champs!

In his first year of high school, Sam was anxious to try all the things... he played Varsity Golf, managed the Varsity Volleyball team, had a great Track & Field season, was on student council, and found a niche in FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)

Not one to half-ass anything, Sam took on a project for FCCLA with his best bud Finley and they worked all semester to perfect a "Professional Presentation" for the State competition - where they took SECOND place! They had a great time in Denver, made a very good presentation and brought home silver medals and a chance to compete at the National level! 

So, off these two go to San Diego last month for a 5-day leadership convention including receptions and ceremonies, events and of course, the competition. Emblazoned with signature FCCLA red, they absolutely wowed the judges (with their charm and positive energy, I'm sure!) and made the top-ten at Nationals for Professional Presentation category.

 

Their 15-minute presentation and all the convention activities (including a glow-in-the-dark 5K fun run?!?) aside, they made the most of being in San Diego with their sponsor! They spent time at the zoo and the beach and enjoyed a Tesla Uber ride and a sunset dinner.

But the very best part of the whole trip (the whole semester?!) was back at home, in Meeker watching the live stream of the National awards ceremony to see who, out of the top 10 would take first, second, and third place. In a house full of supporters, we anxiously awaited the announcement for their category and held our breath when the third place spot went to another state. Then the second place award was announced.... for Meeker High School!!! We erupted with cheers at our second-place champions and both boys spent the rest of the holiday weekend receiving congratulatory pats on the back all over town and well-deserved recognition for representing MHS.

I am, always, super proud of how hard Sam works and the level of dedication he has for whatever project he takes on... and I'm incredibly excited that it paid off on a National level this time.

I think Sam was pretty pleased with the placing - and already has his sights set for next year!

family friends

 This is Hamp and Sam:

(No, obviously not that Sam!)

Though not quite brothers, Sam and Hamp are distant cousins (they share great-great grandparents) and I have to point out that this Sam is a big part of how Hamp chose to go to Norway this fall for Folk School. Sam just returned to the States after his year in Norway and fate was in our favor when he and his family were road tripping right through Meeker last month and stopped to visit! Not only was I blown away at how cool and interesting and lovely these people are, but so grateful for their insights - both from the parental perspective and directly from Sam! - on Folk School in Norway. 

Not only am I just that much more confident that Hamp's study abroad program is the right choice for him... but I feel like I have new, wonderful friends for life in this amazing family.

graduation

What a wonderful weekend!

I am beyond proud of Hamp for so many reasons - not just the incredible person he is, but also the way he has handled his Senior year and everything it entails with such self-assurance and delight. I didn't even get too sentimental at graduation because I feel so confident that he will go out in the world and just be great.

From the first day of school... to being the guy who pulls out his phone and takes a selfie with the principal while he walks to get his diploma... he has always exemplified the idea of 'living in the moment' and I love it!

And how lucky we are that all FOUR grandparents were present to watch him receive his high school diploma! Having family with us all weekend and celebrating Hamp made my heart so full.

a full weekend!

Last weekend was busy - but so FUN!

Sam competed in his last HS track meet of the season and achieved personal records in pole vault and triple jump... it will be so great to watch how he grows in the sport over the next few years.

Hamp had his very last ever home Varsity baseball game - and played so well!

The Senior players were recognized after the games and I absolutely could not have been more proud of him for his dedication to the sport, his love for the team, and his positive attitude always!

And after a long day on the track and the diamond - both boys spent the evening on the stage!

MHS Drama produced a very funny murder-mystery play in which both boys hammed up their alibis...

It was also Hamp's very last High School drama production - after so many funny roles over the years! - and it was sweet to see him recognized for his love of being entertaining and making people laugh.

My heart was full - how wonderful to be able to see my boys work hard and participate in programs that they enjoy and see success!

And what made a fun-filled weekend EVEN better:

having Mojo come stay and cheer on the boys with me!

Scenes from Senior Prom

my turn!

Not one to just let Hamp have all the fun - my fave friends and I decided we should go to NYC to visit Mason at Barnard, too!

We only had 2 days in the city - and we spent most of it eating and walking! Between fabulous dinners, a delicious brunch, bagels, dessert, and of course drinks - we walked through Central Park, the entirety of the Highline, and of course all over campus! We spent a lovely afternoon at the Met Cloisters and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Moulin Rouge on Broadway.

And the only thing better than getting to hang out with a couple of my favorite people...

... was getting to see one of my favorite young adults thriving and in her element.

Here's to many more adventures and visits to our kids as they move on to fun places!

The Addams Family

Allow me to introduce you to Meeker High's own Addam's family:

Morticia and Gomez Addams, and their morbid children Wednesday and Pugsley

The whole extended family was present for the show, including Lurch the Butler, Cousin Itt, Hand, Uncle Fester and Grandmother? As well as the Beineke family, whose visit to the Addam's house was the subject of much angst in this year's Meeker High School musical!

The Beineke family - just a super normal family from Ohio!

And here's the Addams family out-of-character...

(I'm sure it was difficult to be so serious and macabre all the time!)

The show this year was another smash hit - great music, really fun characters with really funny delivery, excellent set and costuming, even some really entertaining dance scenes! Of course, I was partial to seeing BOTH my boys perform this year and loved every moment of their time on stage.

Sam enjoyed being tortured by his on-stage sister Ruby, Hamp showed off his comedic timing in several scenes and even a lovely vocal duet, and Sam made me cry with his spotlight solo about his older sibling leaving!

I asked Sam to put together a few highlights, starting with the very clever black & white introduction video that he created for the show's opening! Total is just under 8 minutes featuring Hamp & Sam scenes: