Last Day of School Part #2

Today was Meg's last day of her Freshman year.  She was annoyed as they had an ECA in Honors English and she just wanted to be done already.  She did well on it and by the end of the day was positive that she would have all A's this trimester.  We have been very impressed with Meg's work ethic towards school.  She takes notes, completes all of her work and studies for tests.  It was different with the boys as they had no problems in middle school and didn't really learn how to study until high school as classes weren't challenging until then.  Meg had so many problems with her eyes that she had to learn how to learn well before they did.  It has served her well this year as she will finish in the top ten in her class.

Cameron enjoyed today playing golf with Grandma.  His school ended on Friday with field day all afternoon.  Everyone kept telling him that it would be different than field day at Milford.  He didn't believe them at first, but sure did once he experienced it.  There were activities that kept the students moving, but did not solely revolve around track events.  Just like everything at Bethany Christian this year, Cameron loved it.  He definitely has made the transition well and we couldn't be happier for him.  It has been a fantastic first year.

Memorial Day

Today was the first time in years that we did not have anyone marching in a Memorial Day parade.  Meg wanted to go see the Milford band anyway, so she tagged along with Kaitlin's family and came home with a bag full of candy.  Normally I would have taken her as I think that it is very important to honor our fallen veteran's, but this year I just felt too overwhelmed with all of the household chores to get done before next Sunday to take the time off.

Thus, Doug and I stayed home and accomplished a lot.  While I was working outside I had a lot of time to reflect.  I know that so many people post special quotes or poems on Memorial Day.  I always wonder how many of them truly understand the sacrifice that families of soldiers that never come home make.  Meg and I are ever reminded when we hang out with the Fiscus ladies.  They have weathered the storm well and have lived a full life since Todd died a decade ago, but I wish that they hadn't had to do so.  I wish that Gabby and Alex knew what it was like to grow up with a Dad in the house.  Instead they learned how to be survivors at a young age.  Ever impressed with the role model that Paula is to them and all of us.

Open House Season Begins

Today the graduation open house season officially began as we attended Jeffery's this afternoon.  It was held at Maxwelton and all of us were able to attend.  Cal didn't go with us as he was in Fort Wayne at Hannah Marie's game, but they made it before it ended.  Meg said she will go to all of them with us and so far we have been invited to 20+.  Cameron has decided that he is going to stick to desserts at each one and then rank them in order of best to worst.   He liked the one today, so by default it is #1.

I told Beckie that I felt a little sad when I was writing in Jeffery's card.  He and Cal have played a lot of basketball and golf together over the years.  It is definitely sad to think that this is it for them as teammates.  Some of best memories of Cal's high school and middle school years have revolved around his participation in sports.  The times we traveled with Cal to his MBA tournaments provided so many favorite family moments.  The Heinisch children still talk about going to Springfield and visiting the Lincoln Presidential Library.  It was nice to reminisce about that this weekend.

Cleaning, Cleaning & More Cleaning

Last week we spent quite a bit of time getting the outside ready for graduation.  We planted, mulched and cleaned all of the outside furniture and the swings.  This weekend we started on the inside cleaning.  I had told Meg and Cam that all we would be done this weekend and next week was cleaning, but actually we got a lot done already.  Everyone has been a big help.  The windows are cleaned, the floors are vacuumed, the doors are wiped down and all three levels are dusted.

Doug and I even had time to go to dinner in Goshen tonight.  It was nice to relax and regroup after working all day.  Doug and I still have a lot to do, but I don't think the Heinisch children will have to clean everyday.  They will be relieved to hear that.  It's starting to look like we will be ready for Cal's open house.  My fingers are crossed that it's smooth sailing from here on out.

Last Day of High School

Today was Cal's last full day of high school and he was more than ready.  There wasn't a lot going on today, but he made it through and is officially done with class.  He said to me the other day that he doesn't understand why some people want to stay in high school forever.  He's been ready to be done for quite some time.  I know that there are definitely those who fit perfectly into Bruce Springsteen's song "Glory Days," but Doug, Brett and I would all agree with Cal.  It is not that we didn't enjoy parts of high school, but when it was over we were ready to move on.  Glad that Cal feels the same.

End of an Era

Cal posted this picture tonight after the Columbia City match entitled "End of an Era."  I haven't cried once as I have thought of him graduating, but this definitely brought tears to my eyes.  Cal has played a lot of golf over the years and one of his favorite rivalries has been with Tyler Green and Columbia City.  I remember the first time I followed the two of them.  They were sixth graders playing at the Tippy Valley invitational.  Cal finished a stroke or two behind Tyler giving him a medal for third.  They have played many times since and it was sad to think that this would be their last time.

Tyler responded to Cal's post on Instagram with the same sentiment as Cal.  He will go on to play at Purdue and Cal's competitive career will end with high school.  Although they won't be playing against one another at least the trash talking can continue as they will still be attending rival schools.  Love this picture and the others I took this evening.  It is not the end, just the beginning of something new.  

Soccer Begins

Tonight was the first soccer open field of the summer season.  Doug had a fantastic turn out with a lot of new faces.  Meg talked Kaitlin and Gabby into playing this year and is thrilled that they decided to join.  Not all of Doug's varsity could be there as softball is still in session, but most were.  Meg played well and felt good about scoring already.

Cam and I decided to get his bike out so that we can walk and ride while they are gone.  The tires were flat and the chain fell off, but we were able to take care of that.  I am glad that Doug coaches soccer as he is very good at it.  Meg likes having him there and has learned quite a bit.  In saying that it is hard to have him gone so much.  I plan to spend a lot of the time with Cameron.  That will make the time go by faster and Cameron is always a lot of fun.

Return of Piano

Meg was finally able to to go to piano again this afternoon.  She had taken time off during tennis season and had last seen Mrs. Meek over Spring Break.  Both were excited to be there.  Meg has been playing Send in the Clowns and Hey Jude.  Cameron is working on Eight Days a Week.  They both want to order new music this summer.

I love that they are always enthusiastic about lessons.  Neither one complains when we go and they love talking to Mrs. Meek about music and everything else in their lives.  Even though Meg has not been going to lessons this last six weeks, she practices all of the time.  I love listening to her play.  She asked me what my favorite song is that she plays.  It is still Over the Rainbow, but the theme to Beauty and the Beast is a good one as well.  Cameron has renewed everyone's interest in the Beatles just like he did with Willie Wonka.  So glad to have them both back at it.

Joe Bob Harris Turner

Tonight was the Bob Turner golf tournament at Tippy.  It is the second 18 hole event that the boys play in on a week night.  We have been calling it the Joe Bob Harris tournament all Spring as the other 18 hole tournament that they play in is also named after an individual.  We all enjoy this tournament as Tippy Country Club is a beautiful place to walk along.

Cal usually plays well at this tournament and tonight was no exception.  He led his team with a 78 and they placed a lot higher than they thought they would.  Meg and I spent a lot of time following Jayce and Cameron Adams after the first nine.  Mom, Dad, Doug and Cam were all there with Cal.   It was a wonderful night for golf and brought back a lot of fond memories of the years that we were members at Tippy.  Everyone is too busy now to make a membership worthwhile, but we sure did love BINGO.

He's Legal

Friday was Cal's 18th birthday, but we had to hold off the celebrating until today as he was in Indianapolis for an AP field trip.  We had a beautiful day to celebrate and invited my parents and Hannah-Marie over for dinner.  It was nice enough to eat on the patio and Mom provided the dessert - apple dumplings.  Hannah-Marie had already given Cal his gift, but we still hadn't.  Doug and I bought him a new iPhone 6S which he really appreciated. Meg and Cam gave him accessories for his new phone along with some spicy trail mix and cashews.  My Mom scored big giving him a bag of Pay Days and a baseball hat that said "Stupid" on it.  He wore it with pride and spent the next ten minutes looking for his birthday money.  He was sure that it was in the bag of Pay Days, but HM finally suggested to him to look in the brim of his hat and sure enough it was there!!  It has been a wonderful weekend full of beautiful weather and a great one to celebrate Cal coming of age.

All Conference

Today was the NLC conference match for golf at McCormick Creek.  We had a good feeling about the location as Cal has played there a lot and has scored well.  Doug, Cam, Mom and Dad all made it in time to see him tee off.  Cal started off slow shooting a 41 on the front, but by the time Meg and I arrived he was on hole 15 and playing very well.  I told her that I was too nervous to follow him, so instead we walked in with Cameron Adams.  He and Kyle both shot in the 90's, so we knew that the team did not have much of a chance to win, but we still had hope for Cal to do well as an individual.

We waited by the eighteenth hole to hear how he was doing from Cam.  At that point he was even par and had a good chance of finishing with a 36.  We were thrilled when we found out that that was exactly what he did giving him a total score of 77.  It was a long wait to see how he would place as an individual.  There was a lot of controversy as one of Warsaw's players hit his ball in a neighboring yard.  The homeowner had removed his white stakes, so technically the ball was not out of bounds.  It took 15 minutes for the pro to make a ruling, but he did so in Warsaw's favor and almost cost Northridge the championship as they only one by one stroke.

After the meeting of coaches and presentation of awards we were thrilled to find out that Cal had finished 6th overall and was named to the Honorable Mention NLC Conference Team.  We were so incredibly proud when we found out.  He played well today and it was a joy to see him rewarded.  Today was also our 23rd anniversary.  I told Cal it was the best anniversary gift I have ever received except for the day we brought him home on our 5th wedding anniversary.  What a fantastic day!  Doug and I could talk of nothing else as we drove to dinner at Chop's tonight to celebrate.  

Best Match of the Season

Tonight Mom, Cameron, Doug and I were all able to watch Meg in the championship round of the sectional finals.  By far this was Meg's best match of the season and we were glad that we got to witness it.  Meg had to play the #3 NLC singles champion.  The hard hitting did not intimidate her at all and after awhile Meg's style of play really got under her opponents skin.  Meg is very methodical and deliberant in her play.  She was able to take the pace off of the ball when she returned the serves and dominated at the net.  Meg was up 3-0 in the second set with her entire team watching as both #1 and #2 singles lost in less than 25 minutes.  Meg held tough, but her opponent rallied and finished the set at 6-4 clinching the win.

Meg's coach was extremely proud of her and she proved her worth tonight.  Meg has plans to work on her game this summer and is already setting goals for next season.  I didn't realize when Cal started high school that we would become a tennis family, but I sure do enjoy it.

Spring Concert

Tonight was Cam's last band concert of the school year.  The band did a very nice job.  Cam has improved a lot and has decided to continue with the oboe next year as well.  He will start lessons this summer and is really looking forward to that.  We have been impressed with Bethany's music department so far.

My parents were able to go to his concert as well.  Doug met us there as he went to the first hour of Cal's golf match in Middlebury against Northridge and Goshen.  Cal definitely played better than he did the last time he played at Meadow Valley.  The boys did well as a team, but Northridge is the best team in the conference and beat them easily.  Wawasee did defeat Goshen which put them in third place going into the tournament this weekend at 5-2.

Meg had her second round of the IHSAA sectionals playing Tippy Valley.  I was the only one who was able to go as my Mom and Dad stayed in Syracuse to take Cam to his early call time for the concert.  Meg dominated her match winning 6-0, 6-0.  This was her first at love win and she was thrilled.  She was done early once again and I got to see all of it.  The team won easily again and moves on to the championship against Warsaw tomorrow night.

Senior Honors Night

Meg had tennis sectionals at Warsaw tonight right after school.  We were all able to get there to watch the first round.  Wawasee drew Columbia City and Meg had an easy match for once.  They had several players ill, so they moved up their JV #2 singles and Meg beat her quickly 6-1, 6-1.  We found out later that everyone on the team won except for our #2 singles.  Thus, the girls live to play another day.

I was glad that it was over early as tonight was also Senior Honors Night and I needed to be home by 7 p.m.  Cal wasn't sure that he wanted to go, but I asked him to as he had applied for several scholarships and would be given honor cords for being a part of the Academic Hall of Fame and receiving a medal for earning an honors diploma.  Cal sat with us and we were surprised at how quickly the evening proceeded.  When Brett had his it was almost three hours long, but this was completed in an hour and a half.  Cal was not only honored for the academic achievements mentioned, but he was also awarded a scholarship from the Knights of Columbus for $1000 and the Camelot Sports scholarship for a $1000.  We were thrilled with both.  The money will help with college expenses and we appreciate him being recognized.  The only disappointment in the entire evening was finding out that he missed graduating with distinction by .06 points.  Once Cal found out that he would only be receiving a pen set, he seemed alright with it.  Overall, it was a great end to his academic career.

Stonehenge

Tonight Cam and I followed Cal at Stonehenge for the Warsaw match.  The Wawasee boys were undefeated in the NLC at the start and Warsaw had already lost one match to Northridge.  Cal played well but struggled with his putting.  His coach said that Stonehenge is one of the most difficult courses to putt on.  The boys hung in there and almost won, but in the end Warsaw beat them by 5 strokes putting them in a 3 way tie for second place in the regular season conference standings.
Doug met Cam and I there to watch the last few holes.  I was very glad to have been able to go.  We usually have to split between tennis and golf, but this time Meg only had practice.  Cam has also enjoyed watching the team this year as the Varsity is composed of Cal's friends.  It has definitely been a great senior season for Cal.

Rain Out

Tonight was a rare night off as Whitko cancelled its tennis match with the Wawasee girls.  White had had a rain out with a conference team earlier in the season and tonight was the only night they had to make it up.   Meg was sure that they didn't have a match because they performed so poorly in their NLC conference tourney, but I assured her that this was not the case.  She still had practice and Cal had his own at South Shore.  Doug and I used the extra time to get a few things done for graduation.

So Far So Good

Brett has called home several times to check in and let us know what he is up to.  So far he is very happy and really enjoying it.  He lives in a house with a co-worker.  Their office is set up in the basement.  He has had to run errands and do some research work thus far.  He spent the weekend checking out Concord and all that it has to offer.  He was happy to report that he found a comic book store and several churches to try.  For being a state capital it is a relative small city which adds to its charm.  I am glad that he has someone to live with.  That will really help in the short term.  They have gone to dinner together and Brett has been able to learn more about what the expectations are for him.  He even got paid on Friday.  Not too bad for the first week of work.

November???

The weather this Spring has been cold and wet.  Today was no exception.  Originally I had planned to plant flowers and mulch this weekend, but that was not going to happen today.  Doug followed the golf team to Mystic Hills for the Culver Invitational and it was frigid on the driving range.  Cameron Adams and Cal thought about calling it quits right then and there.  Once they got going, however, the wind died down and the rain stopped.  They thought it was pretty decent by the time they finished nine.  Thus, they were surprised that it was called short.  The boys were sure that it was only called after nine because Culver Military Academy was winning, but they were happy with their fifth place finish.

Cal and Cameron hung out here for most of the afternoon.  I worked on pictures for graduation.  Doug and I went to Goshen for dinner and besides the November like weather it was another wonderful day.

A Rare Night Off

I could barely get out of bed this morning, but knowing that it was Friday really helped.  It has been a crazy week filled with Brett's graduation, a move to New Hampshire, three golf matches, four tennis matches, a Spring Arts Festival, and county council.  I don't know how we did it, but I do realize that I have a right to be tired.

Meg's team lost last night and finished last in the NLC.  Her coach was pretty upset with their lack of focus, but they are young and not as talented yet as some of the others in the conference.  I know in a couple of years they will be better.  We decided to go out to dinner after her practice.  It has been awhile since we have taken Cam and Meg out.  Life has jut been too crazy.  We all had a wonderful evening relaxing and talking.  I am sorry that tennis was knocked out of the NLC tournament, but glad to have a quiet evening to ourselves.

When it Rains, it Pours . . .

What a day today.  We hit the ground running and didn't stop until late at night.  Meg had NLC tennis in Plymouth, Cal had golf at South Shore, my parents had tickets to see Johnnie Mathis from our Christmas gift to them and the annual Spring Arts Festival at Milford was this evening.  To add to the mayhem Steve let us know late last week that it was also senior night.  With all of the craziness we had to pick and chose, so we decided that it was Cal's last senior night at golf and Doug and I would attend that.  Meg didn't seem to mind that no one was going to Plymouth and Cam likes following at golf, so that made our decision even easier.

Meg left right after school armed with her racket, sub and ibuprofen.  Mom picked Cam up for me so that I could set up for the Spring Arts Festival.  Doug, Cam and I were at the golf course by 4:30 which was the proposed start time to introduce the senior boys.  Not sure there has ever been a golf team with nine seniors, but Wawasee held it's own tonight.  Steve introduced each boy with his parents and talked about their favorite golf moment, future plans and words for their family.  It was very nice and each boy had a carnation for his Mom and a gift bag filled with candy.  There were a lot of group pictures by the time they teed off.  All nine seniors played this evening almost completing the JV/Varsity roster.

Cam, Doug and the Lamles all followed Cal.  As they got started I headed back to get the food.  Just as I got home I saw lightening.  That caused a 30 minute delay.  Elkhart Memorial wanted to call it, but Steve asked them to wait the 30 minutes as it looked like it would learn.  Just as I returned they sent them back out.  Doug had left by this time as he had county council.  Before they delayed Cal had birdie number 2 and tripled three.  His round seemed to go that way all night - a great hole followed by an unlucky one.  In the end, however, he turned in the lowest score for his team as they finished ahead of both Elkhart Memorial and Concord.  The boys were relieved and so was Steve as it is always hard to follow a great round up with another one, but they did it and are now 4-0 in conference play.

Everyone met in the lounge afterward for pizza and cake.  The boys appreciated the thought and we enjoyed their enthusiasm.  Doug stopped by Milford to help put all of the items I got out for the Spring Arts Festival away.  The doors were locked, so he headed home.  I went back over and thanked everyone who put my sewing projects in my room.  That was a big help as we finished an hour later than I thought we would.  As tired as I was when I got home, it was such a great day all I could do was smile.  I am so glad that we have been able to share these memories with Cal.  It really has been an awesome senior golf season.

Awesome Start

Tonight was a crazy night with Cal having a golf match in Plymouth, Meg playing in Warsaw and Cam with a tennis match in Goshen.  We decided the best way to handle it was to divide and conquer.  My parents went with Cam.  I met Meg in Warsaw and Doug headed to Plymouth.  Cal's team was pitted against Plymouth and Northwood at Plymouth Country Club for their first match of the NLC regular season.  Doug got there by the second hole and let us know that Cal was playing well.  His plan was to finish nine with Cal and wait to see how the team finished before stopping in Warsaw to watch Meg.

Meg started late as she drew Northridge in the first round of the NLC tournament and they are always one of the last teams to arrive.  Meg played a lot better than the last time she took on Northridge #3 singles, but still lost 6-0, 6-0.  She got something to eat and took some more ibuprofen before her second match of the night started.  She had to play the #3 from Northwood.  Once again Meg played well, but just couldn't finish out with the victory.

While Meg was playing Northwood Mom, Dad and Cameron arrived from Goshen.  Bethany Christian won overall, but Cam and Caleb had a tough opponent and lost their match.  Cam was disappointed, but as we know from watching tennis lopsided matches happen a lot.  He has really improved and enjoyed the season.  That's what counts for now.

Doug also arrived during Meg's second match and had the best news of the night.  For the first time since Cal's 8th grade the Wawasee golf team beat Plymouth.  In fact they won by 2 which was the difference between Cal's score and his opponents on the last hole.  The boys were ecstatic.  In fact when I picked Meg up later at the high school they were driving around honking and screaming at each other.  Of course I joined in just to embarrass Meg.  Their victory tonight over Plymouth and Northwood puts them in first place in the NLC at 2-0 with Memorial and Concord to play tomorrow night.  What an awesome start to the NLC season!

Off to New Hampshire

Brett was out the door this morning before 9 a.m.  He had his car completely packed and was well into Ohio by lunchtime.  For the first time ever I cried when he left.  I am not sad for myself or him.  I love spending time with Brett, but he is great at keeping in touch and I know no matter where he ends up he will call.  I am very happy that he will spend the next six months doing what he loves.  I just know that it will be different now for him, his siblings and Doug and I.

He did call several times along his journey today.  There was only one missed turned and a slight detour.  He said that the drive was actually pretty easy and once he got to upstate New York, it was beautiful.  He listened to music as well as the book Atlas Shrugged on CD that Cal gave him for graduation.  We helped him find a reasonably price hotel in Uttica, NY and by 10 p.m. he had stopped for the evening leaving him with about 4 hours tomorrow to finish his trip.  

I was impressed with how far he drove today and how easy it was for him to navigate.  I am very thankful for cell phones as that helped alleviate my anxiety.  He did say he that tried a Monster drink at lunch.  It definitely gave him a kick, but the taste was not much to be desired.  It was a great first day and start to the rest of his life.  So incredibly proud that he wouldn't give a second thought to moving several states away to a place that he had never visited before.  I love that about him.

Packing and More Packing

I was home today.  Started off with a migraine, but overall not as bad as the one I had last week.  By lunchtime I felt a lot better and was able to help Brett finish packing and ate lunch with him.  He made three piles - New Hampshire, Home & Trash.  Mom had tubs for us to borrow and we packed up what he wanted us to keep.  I wasn't sure how much of what he wanted to take that we would be able to fit in the Civic.  A dresser was out of the question, but he had bought several long storage tubs that stacked and they made a great place for his clothes.  Since he doesn't know how long he will be in New Hampshire they will be easy to move as well.  He did take a small nightstand along with all of his necessities such as bedding, towels, etc.  He also packed a couple of keep sake items as well along with several books to read, a Nintendo 3-Ds and DVDs.

Mom, Dad and Cameron all took Brett out to dinner tonight and to the comic book store.  Meg's tennis match was moved from Plymouth after school to South Bend at 7.  Doug was already at Knollwood for Cal's golf match, and I was feeling well enough to meet him there before Meg played.  Cal scored well, led his team and almost upset Penn.  They finished just as it started sprinkling.  Doug and I both drove to the South Bend Racquet Club to watch the girls play Plymouth.  The match didn't take long.  Meg did her best and won a few games, but this was a good team and the girls lost 5-0.

We were home by 9:30 in time to help Brett get the last minute items in the car.  He can see out the back, but definitely has maximized the use of the storage space in his vehicle.  We went over a lot of different safety tips and he feels good about starting out in the morning.

Mother's Day

What an awesome Mother's Day present - Meg's "debut" at Round Barn Theater at Amish Acres.  The show was Forever Plaid and it will forever be in my memory.  I wasn't sure that we should have gone today, as we had a lot to do to get Brett unpacked and repacked for New Hampshire.  Brett really wanted to see it, and I am so glad that we decided to go.  The show was great with a lot of comedy and songs.  The actors "died" in the 1960s and were back for one last performance.  During it their piano player had to "take a union break."  They asked the crowd if anyone knew how to play Heart & Soul on the piano.  Meg raised her hand and they pulled her up on stage with them.  She played on a miniature piano flawlessly while they sat around her and sang the song.  They then started dancing and she joined right in just like it was planned.  It was awesome and definitely one of the best Mother's Day gifts I have ever received.   She even got a honorary plaid certificate and a plaid pack of gum.

We couldn't wait to get home and tell Doug and my parents.  Grandpa Cutes is always telling us that we have to be ready in case they call out for volunteers.  We always laughed about that, but lo and behold they did it and Brett, Cam and I were witnesses.  Doug made a fantastic dinner for all of us and to top the evening off he and the Heinisch children gave me a purple Fitbit.  I had really wanted one and am looking forward to trying it out.

A College Graduate

Brett officially graduated from college today and we were all there to see him.  The first ceremony was held this morning at Memorial Stadium.  We all arrived at 8 a.m. to make sure we made it in.  Brett didn't walk in until 9:35, but we all were able to pick him out of the thousands of students in the procession.  The ceremony was close to an hour and a half.  One of the guys who started the show Myth Busters was the key note speaker and everyone's favorites.  The names of the graduating students scrolled along the end zone and we were able to see Brett's before they filed out.

Once the large group graduation was over we headed to Woodburn Hall for the Political Science luncheon and small graduation ceremony.  My parents and Carl were all able to drive out of the stadium with no problem, but by the time we met up with Brett it was a standstill in the parking lot.  We finally decided just to park and walk through campus.  We were there in plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy Fazoli's catering for lunch.  The ceremony was a little long after a heavy meal, but Brett loved it.  He got to take a picture with his favorite professor afterward.

Once we were finished at Woodburn Doug and Cal ran back to Parce's to get the food and cake.  We took Brett to get the last of his items from the dorm and return a book to the church.  Doug was able to return Brett's graduation gown.  He was able to keep the cap, tassel and stoll.  After the errand running we all went to Oliver Winery for dinner.  Carl and Marina decided to leave during the political science ceremony, but Parce was able to join us at the winery as well as my parents.  The food was great and the cake was delicious.  Brett opened his gifts and was just so happy to be done.

On the way home Cal asked to play mini-golf.  We were able to cut over the our favorite, Ben & Ari's.  In a surprise comeback Doug was the big winner of the night.  The bigger surprise was Meg.  She turned it on during the back nine and finished third.

We arrived home close to ten, tired, but happy.  It was a wonderful day and I am so glad that all of us were there to enjoy it.  We are very proud of Brett.  He has accomplished a lot in his three years at IU and as he now says, "Off to New Hampshire."

Academic Hall of Fame

Last night was a special night for all of us as Cal was inducted into Wawasee's Academic Hall of Fame.  He was one of 34 students who were honored. Each met the criteria of earning a 10.0 or higher during their high school career.  In recognition of Cal's achievement we were invited to dinner and he was allowed to ask a teacher that influenced his education to join us.  Cal invited Mr. Caz Szynal, his 8th grade science teacher.

We had a wonder visit with Mr. Szynal and were happy to find out that Alexandria had invited Mrs. Szynal as well.  Thus, our table was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed the conversation.  Once Mrs. Szynal welcomed everyone and the principals talked, each student was recognized individually with a certificate and had a picture taken with their respective teacher.  As the ceremony drew to a close Mr. Szynal asked us if we wanted to read the letter Cal wrote him.  It was very touching.  I had forgotten how much he meant to Cal and I am glad that Cal was able to express it in words.

Tonight was special to me for other reasons as well.  I was the first class to be inducted into the Wawasee Hall of Fame with a dinner and special recognition.  Cal and Brett also chose two of my favorite middle school teachers to be a part of their experience as well.  It was definitely a proud parent moment and one I will remember for many years to come.  

It's Over!!

Brett came home Monday night with only one more commitment before he could say that he was officially done with his undergraduate degree.  He still had one more online final which had to be completed by 2:30 today.  He decided that tomorrow was his day to get it done and had everything submitted with twenty four hours to spare.

Brett was absolutely thrilled once he hit the send button until he started worrying about his grades.  His poetry class was his main concern, but after talking through all grade scenarios with him he felt a lot better.  We are extremely proud of how hard he has worked since he started IU a short three years ago.  He still needs to check out of his dorm and turn in his key, but other than that he is finished with his education for now.  Soon he will be off to New Hampshire and beholding to no one.  How exciting!!

Tennis, Golf & More Tennis

Cal shot an 82 at the Joe Harris tournament last night.  The team finished in the middle of the pack and felt pretty good about it.  Tonight he had a match at the Round Barn in Rochester.  I started on the way there but realized it was too cold for me.  The wind picked up, it rained and the wind started blowing extremely hard.  He said it wasn't his best round, but the team did well.

Cam had his first tennis match on Monday night.  He and Caleb were tennis partners at Northridge.  They were the last team to take the court, but played very well together and earned their first win of the season.  The team did not fair as well, but the boys had fun being on the same court and gained a lot of experience.

Once he finished Doug, Cam, my Mom and I flew over to West Noble on Monday night.  Meg had just started her third set there after winning a close first one and losing the second.  By the time we got there she was up 1-0 in the third and the last one on the court.  The doubles had both won and the singles #1 and #2 had both lost.  Meg needed to win for the team to record a win.  She played very well and held on to earn the victory at 6-2 in the third.  So glad that we were able to go to both matches.  It was a great Heinisch tennis night.

Election Day

Brett made it home late last night.  He was excited to vote in the election in person instead of by absentee ballot.  He and Cal made plans to meet at the community center to cast their votes.  Cal could vote even though he would not be 18 for several weeks.  Since he will be 18 by the general election, Indiana allows him to vote in the primary as long as he registered early.  He did and was excited to cast his first vote.  Mom and Dad were working the polls and said that everyone cheered when they announced that Cal was a first time voter.

Brett was on the ballot as a delegate for the Indiana state convention.  He was one of fourteen names and he only needed to finish in the top thirteen to be elected.  The comical part for all of us was that his name was alongside our county sheriff who has been indicted for bribery and intimidation.  What a contrast in character.

By the end of the evening we did not know if Brett was elected, but we knew that Trump had easily won Indiana.  We were all shocked to learn that shortly after that decision Cruz withdrew from the race.  I was a little disappointed as I was not ready to give up, but knew it would probably end up that way.  My disappointment in the outcome, however, was overshadowed by my happiness when I saw the boys' picture from above.  What a great experience.  I am thrilled that they chose to spend the afternoon together at the polling center fulfilling their civic duty.

Trump Mania

Cal left early this afternoon for the Trump rally in South Bend.  Kyle and Caleb went with him.  I was a little nervous about them attending as there have been a lot of protests throughout the nation at his rallies.  I knew they would keep their heads about them, however, and overall it went very well.   Cal texted me once they arrived.  They loved all of the merchandise slandering Hillary.  Most were completely inappropriate, but Cal did find a Trump shirt to purchase that he could wear to school.  His prized possession of the night, however, was probably the button he bought that said, "Obama, you're fired."

As they arrived early they were able to get into the main room where Trump was speaking.  Most attendees had to watch in a side room on a projector.  The media beforehand was thick and the boys were able to make cameos on WNDU, CNN and Great Van Susteren complete with Trump poster in hand.  They enjoyed the speech and were definitely Trump supporters at the end.  There were even cameos by Digger Phelps and Gene Keady.  They did see one fight on the way out of the Civic Center, but stayed clear of it on the way to the car.  It was a great experience.  One they will remember for many years to come.  

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

Today I finally finished Cal's DVD for graduation.  There were so many pictures that I could have added, but once I got to 100 I figured that was enough.  Doug, Cam and I previewed it once I finished and so far have been pleased with how it has turned out. I found an easier way to produce it than when I did Brett's three years ago.  Thus, it is completed earlier and better.  I am sure that each time one of the Heinisch children graduates I will find it a little easier to get ready for.

I loved going through all of the pictures.  We had a lot of awesome ones.  There were many that had to do with basketball which was bittersweet, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed sorting through them all.  I still have the frames and binder to finish, but will take a break from that for while so that I can finish Cal's invitation.  We definitely are making progress.