Ski Solitude

On Sunday, we headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Solitude Ski Resort. It was a little overcast, and snowing lightly, but we sure had an amazing day! We are blessed to have this beauty in our "backyard"!

Jr. Jazz basketball: Go Sharks!

Cole's Jr. Jazz team, the Sharks, had another successful weekend on the court! Their team, along with Coach Mark and Coach Al, has been together for 3 years. It has been so fun to watch their skills develop. In addition to helping them with their skills, Mark has helped them develop mentally on the court, and in their overall attitudes about life and the game. We love to cheer them on, and occasionally, they let me practice with them! I love it!

Already preparing for 7th grade!

Last Tuesday evening, Cole and I attended an open house at Eastmont Middle School, the school he will be attending next year. I was apprehensive walking in, mostly because it is hard to believe that Cole will be in 7th grade next year. I was also apprehensive, because, unlike the small town I grew up in, there are so many options for the kids. There are options for which school to attend, options for what basketball or football league to play in, and even optional classes (electives) in 7th grade.

As we walked in to the auditorium, I loved the fact that Cole spotted his friends and we joined them. Then, as each friend walked in, they got up and waved, making sure each friend felt welcome and comfortable. The principal, PTA, and some of the staff presented material about the school, their academic philosophy, extracurricular options, and schedules. Students gave performances, ranging from choir, orchestra, theater, and boys' dance. The performances were amazing, but, even more impressive, was the students' support of each other. Their spirit gave me goose bumps.

As the program wrapped up, we were allowed to walk the halls of the school. It has 3 floors to serve almost 1,000 students. I loved the fact that as we were walking around, Cole held my hand. I am sure he will not do this next year, but a mom can dream. He was concerned that he will never be able to find his locker or his classroom. I reminded him how great he was at finding his way around the cruise ship last year and this seemed to alleviate some fear. They have a rotating class schedule... basically, they never have the same class at the same time each day. It promises to be challenging at first, but we were assured that the principal, teachers, and current students love this type of schedule.

We left Eastmont that night with a feeling of excitement! I am sure it will be hard to drop him off his first day of 7th grade. He will have a busy schedule next year, but I am sure he will be prepared for this new phase. I hope I am!!