Goodbye Freshman, Hello Sophomore

​Today, Annika wrapped up her Freshman year of high school. She had finals Tuesday-Friday. Her hardest/most taxing finals (honors bio and alg 2/trig) were on Tuesday, so the rest of the week was rather manageable for her. Today’s final was PE; the kids had to run a mile (hence the workout clothes in her pic below).

Annika’s first year as a Bear was full of fun, challenges, and adventures. Some of her key takeaways from the year include:

- Building a new friend group

- Being in choir, English, and painting classes

- Going to NY with her choir group

- Bio class field trips to Greenlake to test the water for their ecology labs (and some people jumping in!)

She’s looking forward to a summer filled with relaxing/sleeping in, sailing camp, Irish dance, and Miss Emma!

While taking this photo, Annika realized how she has grown into her Class of 2026 shirt. It used to go almost down to her knees (see 2nd grade photo) and now it fits her like a regular, ol' shirt.

(I truly appreciate her willingness to humor me and still take beginning/end-of-the-school year photos.) 

Proof we clean up from time to time

​Anyone who truly knows us understands that we are a mighty casual family. Shorts, t-shirts, and bare feet are our go-to attire whenever possible. 

A couple of weeks ago, we ventured to Lake Chelan to attend our nephew’s wedding. Yes, we still wore shorts and t-shirts most of the time (it was HOT!!), but we also donned our fancy clothes for the ceremony and reception. 

I think we clean up quite nicely when the occasion arises!