Hello. Lots happening like always. Here is a summary of our fall and holiday season.
Madi continues to make the most of her time in CA. She did get a new job with The Center Square - a national outlet that covers state and local level government reporting and economics (according to their website). She covers CA and OR. She works remotely. Her time at the Santa Barbara News Press was a great experience (and got her to CA), but the work demands and staffing there became unsustainable so she is happy with her new opportunity.
A good follow: https://www.thecentersquare.com/users/profile/madison%20hirneisen/
Rebekah and Madi have been working hard to prepare for her wedding next June. We are excited about it. Here are a few engagement pictures:
She is still discovering and enjoying CA. Here are some pics:
Andrew is now a 3rd (second year / soph) at VMI. Though still regimented and challenging physically, mentally and academically, it is certainly better than being a Rat. He has adjusted well, found opportunities to get off post, and done well academically.
His cross country season started off well. He was the 6th runner. We got to see him run at the Naval Academy. This was awesome because we haven't seen him run races in a long time. Here are some pics:
Unfortunately, his season was derailed a little by a hamstring injury. He worked hard to return, but the injury and sicknesses kept him out of the remaining races.
He did make the twitter feed during a morning workout.....tough to get pics, so I'll include it.
Not too many pics of the boy, but here is his yearbook photo , some pictures from parents weekend, and a picture of his grandparents at the conference meet held at VMI.
Yearbook Photo (update coming)
Parents weekend
Abby has had a good start to middle school. In addition to traveling to see Andrew and all the other things little sisters have to do, she is continuing with swimming (and her Peloton workouts), playing the cello in the 6th grade orchestra, chorus, participating in Wyldlife club ( A middle school version of Young Life), and was in the middle school play.
Abby decided to be a part of the middle school play. She went to after school practice 3-4 nights a week for 8 weeks. There were some Covid limitations, but it was great to see her perform so well.
She is doing well in swimming. She had 2 meets some far this season and has continued to improve her times....but, most importantly likes to swim and being with her friends at the Y 3-4 nights a week. Here are some pics I snapped at the meets.
Abby had her two holiday concerts. One for orchestra and one for chorus. It was great to have a chance to see her perform after last year's concerts were cancelled.
Abby still loves trick or treat. We were able to have two of her friends over to eat pizza and trick or treat. Good participation this year and she got alot of candy!!
We had a great Thanksgiving. We had everyone home, plus Madi's future inlaws came in to town. They stayed for 4 days. It was great to have them here. Madi went and got her dress for the wedding, we toured Gettysburg, Clark had friends in to watch the Ohio State game, and of course we ate alot.....unfortunately, I failed to take pictures.....trust me, it was a good time.
Abby went to Wyldlife Camp for 2 nights in North East, MD. She had a great time. It was a big deal, because it was her first time at an away camp. Here is a pic sent by one of the leaders of Abby on a ropes course.
We were able to have everyone home for Christmas as well! We had a great time together. Here are some pics.
Abby took the challenge to swim a mile (1500) continuously in the pool as part of her swim team at the Y on New Year's Eve. She did it!!
Before
After
We had family here for New Year's Eve. We watched football and waited for the New Year. Had a craving of some Sheetz and got some fried Oreos (kinda lame, but my only NYE pic ;) )
Madi had the opportunity to attend the Rose Bowl parade and the Rose Bowl on New Year's day with Clark and his family. Pretty cool
We look forward to seeing Andrew compete in indoor track meets, and Abby in her swim meets through the winter. We also look forward to continuing wedding planning and events with Madi.
Hope you are well and had a great Holiday. Happy New Year! Until next time.....
