first day of (folk) school

 The newest adventure begins...

Hamp's decision to do a gap study year at a Norwegian Folk School didn't exactly take me by surprise, although his choice to follow a photography program caught me off guard a little! Regardless, I have never been more confident that he is on his right path and thriving... already making friends and jumping in fjords and trying new foods and taking beautiful photos of the countryside and its inhabitants (goats!), all in the first few days of the semester!

first day of school

 Oh my heart - this guy is a sophomore now:

He took his first ever solo first day of school photo...since pre-school he has been going off to school with his big brother. But now it is his time for the spotlight and he couldn't be more ready. He is having a great Varsity Golf season so far, is being acknowledged by the School Board of Education for a 2nd place finish at Nationals in FCCLA this summer, and generally is excited about his classes and his friends. I love watching him grow into his own sense of style and self and am so proud of the choices he makes and look forward to watching him shine...

summer vibes

Despite all 3 of us working this summer, we have managed to still get out and do all the fun things we love... and given the current stage of life we are all in, our adventures have taken us in separate directions! Though the boys did get in one round of golf together:

Hamp is enjoying a full-time summer job as a house-boy for a large ranch property but still spends any of his free time with friends... soaking in the long summer days with his favorite people to hang out with. They even made it to a music festival in Denver:

Sam is enjoying a part-time job as a barista this summer... but has plenty of time for hanging out with his friends and finding fun adventures like volleyball at the park, swimming in the river, or camping trips up in the Flattops!

Which leaves me to find time time to do the things I love to do:

mountain bike, paddle, and happy hour at the brewery!

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!