Recital

 Camille is really keeping us busy! In addition to a soccer game, she also had a piano recital at a local coffee shop. It was very casual, and she played perfectly.

Prom 2026

 By all accounts, Claire had a great time at prom with her date, Brian, and a very large group of friends. The dance was at Chatfield Botanical Gardens and they went to Top Golf and then After Prom. Eventually at 2 AM Claire was exhausted and got a ride home with other friends and ditched Brian. But I think staying until 2 was a pretty long time to be up!

Usual shot with our neighbors!

She got her nails done all fancy.

Track

 Camille decided to do track, and at the first meet, she took 1st in the triple jump by over a foot! Her distance was 25' 7". Not bad for having first learned it that morning!

She also did the 4 x 200 relay and the 400.

Evaluation!

 I had my yearly evaluation today. I guess they'll still keep me:

Christina has had an excellent year as our gifted education teacher, consistently going above and beyond in every aspect of her role. Despite not being full time, she has effectively managed responsibilities that equate to two full-time positions, seamlessly balancing service to all gifted students, completing required documentation with accuracy, and providing meaningful instruction across all grade levels. Her organization, dedication, and work ethic are truly commendable. Christina has successfully integrated gifted education into classrooms throughout the building, positively impacting instruction school-wide. She builds strong, trusting relationships with students and fosters an environment where they feel safe, challenged, and encouraged to take academic risks. Her genuine care for students and belief in their potential is evident in everything she does. She is deeply committed to her own professional growth, consistently seeking out current research and innovative practices to strengthen her instruction. Christina generously shares her knowledge and ideas with colleagues, offering support and collaboration that enhances teaching and learning across the school. She is a valued partner to staff and approaches her work with positivity, flexibility, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Christina is a strong advocate for all students, particularly those in the gifted program, and serves as a passionate champion for our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Trailblazer, and her impact is both significant and lasting.

Playing With Cousins!

 

Art Show

 Camille refused to go with us, but it was a pretty big deal for Claire to be in the TRHS art show. She was one of only a few middle school students to be selected for the show. Ben and I went, so he pretended to be her to show off her work.

Easter!

 It was a pretty low key Easter now that the kids are older, Audra is at school, and we are trying to focus more on the spiritual part of Easter. We did a small Sedar Dinner (Christianized and very much simplified) last weekend so that this weekend we could focus on Conference. This is a tradition of ours, and it's great for us to remember Passover and all that Christ has done for us.

Ann made us a delicious Easter dinner, and the girls had a great time looking for eggs with their cousins, and Ben did hide eggs for them here, too. Our yard is small so Ben has to get creative in his egg hiding to trick the girls.

I was a good day, albeit a simple one.

Camille "Prima"

 It was a really special evening tonight. It was the Winterguard banquet. Words can express how awesome all of the people in Winterguard are. It truly is the most inclusive, beautiful group with all positivity. Winterguard proves that you can be competitive AND kind. It is unlike any other sport or activity any of our kids have ever done.

Camille was presented with the "Elegance In Motion" Award by her coaches- an award she deserves! Here is what they said about her:

This award goes to someone whose strength speaks for itself.

As one of our founding members, she has been part of this team from the very beginning, quietly putting in the work and consistently showing up with focus and determination.

She balances an incredible number of commitments, yet never allows that to impact the quality of what she brings to the floor. That level of discipline is truly impressive. She may be one of our quieter members, but when she performs, she says everything that needs to be said. Her dance ability, control, and flexibility set her apart, and her solo is a moment of beauty and strength within our show.

She reminds us that leadership and impact don't always have to be loud-- they can be steady, focused, and deeply powerful.

We are proud to present the Elegance in Motion Award to Camille.

Also, just for fun, Camille made this shirt today during conference. How fun is that??

Audra and Matthew

 Apparently Matthew insisted that Audra send me this cute picture of them. They are very cute- but they also have missions to serve ;)