Another year older, and another year of watching you grow into an amazing young man. While the past year has been less than ideal (year 2 of the pandemic), I hope you can still find the positive in life. You're healthy, you're kind, and you're so darn funny. And how did you get to 14 so fast?!
Thankfully you can enter your final year of Middle School (8th grade) - in person. Hindsight has taught us that while you didn't mind Distance Learning and overcame the challenge, it created other challenges that went unnoticed. You conquered the return to school and all the anxiety surrounding it with perseverance. Of all the things you learned from this experience, I hope near the top is that your Dad and I are always here for you.
I've admired the research you've done into all your hobbies - LEGOS (you can't have anything but the right Ideas set) and how you work toward buying them yourself, Marvel Movies (is there a fact you don't know?), and the latest internet sensations. Please continue to find enjoyment in various things, but don't forget to get out into the world and really experience it. Don't let it pass you by.
Continue to explore, continue to take risks and face your challenges. It will only make you a better person in the end. Not every challenge you face will end up the way you want, but learn from the lessons it taught you. That, is what life is about.
Just continue being you. And continue telling us your stories. Your Dad and I are your biggest fans, and we love you like you cannot imagine.
For the third year in a row, Drew's team wins the championship game! And this time in a new league!
2017 - Single A Marauders (CCLL)
2018 - AAA Pirates (CCLL)
2019 - Majors A's (ECLL)
The Championship game against the Giants was Saturday and we were going into the the game undefeated in a double elimination situation. We beat this team the previous Saturday, and they played the Wednesday before to make it to the Finals. There was a question about whether Drew would be the starting pitcher, and in the end the coach gave him the nod. Here's his first pitch.
Drew pitched for 2 innings never letting a runner make it home. At the end of the second, the score was 0-10 in favor of the A's. The game went only 4 innings when we mercy ruled the Giants on a passed ball at home plate to bring in the winning run. Kind of anti-climactic when the boys didn't realize that run ended the game.
Drew is on the top right
Regardless the boys had fun celebrating by playing with some sparkling cider & silly string!
On Sunday, our new league held closing ceremonies - which is new for us. It was really cool as only the winning teams received trophies except for our Major division which received rings!
Drew is on the far right
The Bling
Our team is now onto the Tournament of Champions which starts this weekend in Alameda.
And the big surprise to Dad and Drew was that he got the All-Star invitation for this summer! A new league and Drew made All-Stars for the 9-11 team! They do All-Stars differently in our league compared to our previous one. It's only 1 team per age group and it's 100% invitation only - not just because you sign-up and want to play summer ball.
I knew about the nod about 24 hours earlier, but chose to keep it a secret from father and son - so it was like a Christmas Gift for the both of them. Drew couldn't have been more excited and surprised, or Dave more proud. Drew's name was the first read and he had to go on the field to await his new teammates names to be called.
Drew accepting his All-Star Nod
The Award
More than 24 hours later - this family is still in baseball shock and glowing in the excitement. We are looking forward to the Tournament of Champions this weekend and All-Star games which kick off in about 2.5 weeks!
This birthday sure snuck up on us all this year with so many things happening, like the pending move. I realize you're in for some big changes this next year, many of which you are dreading and very upset with your Dad and me. I hope the day you look back on these letters, you'll find that we made the best decision for our family.
However this past year - your first year in double digits - you continued to shine. You're now a YouTuber with your very own channel. Your report cards are excellent, and your standardized testing this year (CAASP Test) was darn near perfect! Not only do you continue to wow your parents, but all those you come into contact with.
Your baseball career this past two seasons (Spring & Tournament/Summer baseball) you reigned #1 for Spring and you continued to improve with the challenges brought by Summer Ball. It's so fun to see you play - I hope you continue for many years to come.
While you continued guitar lessons for the full year - despite we told you to give it 6months - we're sad to see you turn this down after the move. We understand and you need to do what makes you happy. I hope you find a new hobby and it becomes your passion.
I love watching you grow and become a young man. I know you have faced numerous obstacles this past year, and you continue to shine. Your Dad and I are so very proud of you. And so grateful to call you our son. Keep being who you are. Never lose sight of what makes you you.
Drew Got his first report card of 4th grade, and our kid is a genius -- OK I'm bias. He did have "straight 3's" which is 4th Grade Common Core grading (we'd call it straight A's).
Each subject is given a "numerical" grade 1-3, 3 being the highest. And then from there there are details/analysis about the grades provided.
+ = Area of Strength
✓ = Developing Appropriately
N = Needs More Time
AC = Area of Concern
X = Not evaluated at this time
So his report card looked like the Following:
READING - 3
+ For Foundational Skills (Reading with Fluency etc.
+ Informational Text (comprehension)
+ Literature - Determines theme of story and can summarize
Reading Level R
WRITING - 3
+ Narrative Writing
✓ Writing Process
LANGUAGE - 3
+ Conventions of Standard English (Demonstrates proper grammar when writing/speaking)
+ Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
LISTENING AND SPEAKING - 3
✓ Comprehension and Collaboration
✓ Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
MATH - 3
+ Operations and Algebraic Thinking
+ Numbers and Operations in Base 10
+ Measurements and Data
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (Art) + COLLEGE, CAREER & COMMUNITY READINESS
+ Follows Rules and Directions
+ Respects People and property
+ Exercises Control
✓ Collaborates effectively + Writes legibly ✓ Uses Time Constructively + Maintains Focus ✓ Puts forth effort ✓ Exhibits organizational Skills + Completes and turns in assignments + Uses technology ethically and effectively And here is a picture from a couple weekends ago when he was feeding the fish while Mom & Dad were wine tasting at Cline.
For years Dave has been talking about how he and his Dad (Tata to Drew) had a food fight in LA for Dave's 30th birthday and his Dad's 50th. All this time, Drew asked to have a food fight too, and Dave said when you turn 10 we'll talk about it.
Well - now that Drew was turning 10 the time was now. Drew never let Dave forget this promise and it was time for Dave to put up. So he did.
Last weekend, Dave baked and prepped food for 2 days getting ready for Drew's impromptu 10th Birthday food fight. Drew and 5 friends teamed up to toss pies, pudding, cake and donuts. I on the other hand wanted nothing to do with this mess-maker.
Drew was allowed to get Dave first with a lemon meringue pie and then it was on like Donkey Kong!
While it took Dave between 24-48 hours to prepare, the entire thing was over in minutes.
Drew had a blast. The other kids had a blast. Dave had a good time - and cleaned up all of the mess.
I'd call this mission successful.
Drew is already talking about doing this with his kids someday - especially since Dave wouldn't commit to doing this again in 20 years.
A couple months back, I asked Drew if he wanted to join the school band. He declined but said he was interested in picking up the guitar.
So right after school got out for the summer, I started doing some research and found a place for lessons and a few weeks later picked up a guitar. Summer baseball obligations meant we had to postpone lessons until our routine got back on track... and that lead us to what we are up to every Wednesday for the past month since school started last month...
Guitar lessons!
Drew said he wanted to do the acoustic guitar to be just like Grandpa.
Double Digits baby! You finally made it - 10 years old. One decade ago you made your Dad and I parents, and I can't believe how quickly time is flying. In a few short years you'll be spreading your wings and taking on the world.
But for now, you're still my punkin', under our roof and learning to slowly expand your wings. Over the past year we're starting to see you bloom into the young man you are becoming, but still watching you cling to the innocence of childhood. I'm cherishing what little time we have to enjoy this childhood innocence, because unfortunately those eyes of innocence disappear as the realities of the world take over your day-to-day.
Now in the 4th grade, you are tackling more challenges at school and even at home. Chores are beefing up, homework is taking longer, and now you're taking on an instrument. All of this will help you grow into the responsible young man I dream you will become. I love the questions you have about anything and everything - challenging what we know and showing off a bit what you know. Asking the questions about things you're uncertain of, and taking risks. Including finally learning how to ride your bike!!
Just as you are learning with bike riding, there are times in life you will fall, but it's so very important to get back up and try again. So what if it's challenging and difficult - that is what makes the accomplishments that come from overcoming these challenges that much more rewarding. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't get worked up over things that tomorrow really won't matter. Instead, focus on what you do have - what's truly important - and stay positive.
That is what I dream for you this year and every year - continue to grow in every aspect in your life. Be the best person you can be. Someone kind, respectful, responsible and loving.
I love you bud, and I love that you're still my little boy, even if you're busy reminding me that you're about to become a "tween". Fight the good fight and work hard to make your dreams come true.
It's hard to believe summer is over and it is time to start school. Today Mom and Dad walked Drew to his first day of school - 4th grade.
4th Grade
Mom was running a little behind, so we had to scramble to school and showed up just as the class was walking to their room. Therefore Mom & Dad decided to make sure Drew knew exactly which room was his -- he was a bit uncertain about which line he was supposed to be following. In the end we made it to the gate at the perimeter of the school and Drew said he could handle it the rest of the way.
I tried to snap one more picture -- and clearly he was less than thrilled that his parents wanted to capture his final moments of freedom.
Less than thrilled about ANOTHER photo
Here's to hoping it's a great year at the school! Can't wait to hear how the first day went and what he thought of his teacher and the kids in the class.
So I've been extremely busy with life and as a result am terrible at updating our blog. I'm hoping to make some improvements over the next few months.
Here is a look at our Halloween Season... first up Del Osso Farms in Lathrop. We were a little disappointed this year - they started charging general admission so it was $18/person just to walk through the door. When we could get away with paying $20 or so for Drew to do a few things plus the pumpkin canons.
Well we made the best of an expensive situation...
Mom & Dad on the Hay Ride
Drew on Hay Ride
Drew on the Zip Line
Brave Kid
Dad at the Pumpkin Canons
Then on Halloween, I finally took the day off so I could watch his school parade and help in the classroom. Normally I could sneak away during the workday just to catch a peek at the parade, but life has been busy and complicated, so the only way it was going to happen this year is if I took the entire day off. It was worth every moment!
And they predicted rain by 7pm, so we tried to get our trick or treating in early!
Kylo Ren - Star Wars the Force Awakens
Thankfully it didn't rain - well a few sprinkles don't count. We made our rounds with our trick or treat buddies - and the Moms were smart again and traveled with some treats of our own -- wine! We called it quits when the kids could no longer carry their candy.
It's the last year in the "single digits" as you have excitedly been reminding me of. Before long, you won't want Mom to read to you at night, you won't want to fill me in on your day-to-day activities and you'll look at me as if I have two heads.
But for now I'm going to cherish the way you still play with your toys - mostly the broken Spider-Man and the Minecraft Mini Figures - full of imagination. Whether it's to have them run through whatever video you're watching on the iPad, building battle scenes or reading with you - I love that you're still so into all things small and continue to use that imagination of yours. Life is still so full of wonder for you - I love your innocence about it all. I wish we could bottle up the innocence forever for you - to shelter you from the world we live in.
Third grade - now the oldest in your class, you're starting out the year so very excited about what this means for you. I hope you work to be the leader I know you can be. Continue to stand up for others, but don't let them bully or take advantage of you. I love the words you use and how you use them - continue to use them for good.
You've always been a sensational child, but now I'm experiencing life through your eyes and seeing how sensational life can be. It brings me such joy to have our chats, hear your perspective on things and hear your political views. You have so much to offer all of those whose lives you touch. Just remember not everything is perfect and there are good days mixed with the bad. Work on overreacting less and being grateful for what you have.
Wishing you a wonderful final year in the single digits!
Last weekend we enjoyed the opening of Super Bowl City in San Francisco. Santa Clara is hosting Super Bowl 50 this year, but the pre-game fun is in SF. We planned to give the free Super Bowl City a shot first and if that didn't excite us we were going to head to Moscone - home of the NFL Experience ($$$$).
Well 10 minutes inside SB City, we fell in love. We spent the better part of the day cruising the fun and booths. Like the Bud Light Booth...
Football and hand is made out of cans
Another from the Bud Light booth
Since we were in the beer booth, of course Dave and I had to start the "pregame fun" with a beer. Mind you, it was maybe 11am at this point.
So we continued our walk around and spotted a line - the first of many. And we decided to get a fun picture of Drew as a Denver Bronco.
Bronco/Raider Rivalry lives on
While in line to take a picture as a Bronco (yes they had a Carolina Panther there also) Drew spotted a zip-line activity. We told him we'd check it out and that could be the one event he did while we were there - expecting it to be an overpriced attraction. SURPRISE!! IT'S FREE!!!
We simply needed to head to a different tent to sign up for a time slot and sign the waivers. On the way over I snapped a pretty shot of the Ferry Building all decorated. The skies were so clear and blue on this day which was a treat after a bunch of rain earlier in the week.
Ferry Building
Another shot looking to our left of the CBS Sports area that we would hit up next.
Once we got our time slot (3pm - about 3 hours to kill) we headed over to see what the CBS Sports field was all about. Who knew there were more activities!? We were really in awe about all the fun that was to be had.
Drew/McFadden on the 50 Yard Line
The big activity - yes another line - was to run down Lombard Street (San Francisco's famous crooked street) and try and catch a football at the end. We'll go with the fact that Drew caught the ball... since this photo - yes we got a free souvenir of the "catch" - looks like he might have actually caught it.
Drew's first catch attempt
Dave tried his Lombard Run... and he was showing off for the camera, and jumped out of frame.
Dave's Lombard Catch
After hanging out in CBS Sports area, we decided to walk and see what else there was to find...
More Beer :)
By this point Drew was starving so we decided to pick up up a pizza at Boudin - a ridiculous wait for just a small pizza. but then we snapped a few more photos after the child was fed.
The boys staring at the large painted building
While I was in line for Drew's lunch, the boys stood in line to get the family shot in front of the big 5-0. I got a text while waiting for the pizza that I needed to get out there quick for our photo. It worked out - we got the big picture.
After eating, it was time for Drew to report to the Zip Line! It was supposed to be a Father/Son event however Dave weighed in 5 lbs too heavy and had to stay back. So Drew braved it alone. No Fear!
Ready for the Zip Line
And he's off!!!
Here is the GoPro Video that we got as a souvenir - again FREE!
I have to say Super Bowl City more than blew me away. There was still so much more to do but we didn't take part in due to the lines. Drew had enough by that point and so we let him burn off some additional steam at the playground before we decided to call it quits for the night. The crowds were getting heavier and it was getting colder. While we missed the Chris Issak concert and the fireworks/bridge lighting, we had an absolute blast! And it was entirely free! (Not the beer or Drew's pizza however).
Well since you won't stay in that bubble preserving that little boy
you once were, I get the privilege of watching you grow up before my
eyes. You are wiser and more mature than your years - and I have to
remind myself regularly you're only "8".
I absolutely love our little chats in the wee morning hours and as we
read Harry Potter at night (we are on book 5 now). And your heart... You
have become quite the sensitive little boy! Anytime I have a tough
day, you come up to me just to give me a hug because you sense I'm
stressed. It melts my heart and puts everything in perspective. Thank
you for that! I hope you continue to do that for others. And when I get
hurt (my shoulder) you actually cry out of concern that I may have to go
to the doctor. It's amazing to see this change in you this year.
And yet you are still you. You love your little figures as you play,
read, or watch your videos. You still idolize your Dad and do whatever
you can to make him proud. As much as you groan about school (2nd grade -
really?!?) we both know you like it. I love watching you interact with
your friends, often being the leader. It warms my heart how you look
out for your friends and defend them on the playground.
While I hate seeing you grow up so fast, I'm blessed to watch all these
changes in you. I can't wait to see how you continue to grow -
physically and that spirit within you. Just please let me cuddle and
kiss your sweet face for a couple more years.... like 20 or so. I'm not
ready to let go of my Punkinhead just yet.
