More Gymnastics Meets

February was full of competition for Po.  Here's some memories from his meets that month:

 

Ryan is adding up medals and trophies for his wall!  And even when he doesn't win anything, he knows what he needs to work on at the next practice, without being too disappointed. 

SNOWVID

The week of Valentine's Day was different than we all had expected. A HUGE freeze came through most of Texas, causing power outages, frozen and busted water pipes, canceled work, canceled school, and REALLY cold days with below zero temperatures.  Many outdoor plants died, just as they were started to bloom.  Power was out for unknown lengths of time, and we were chasing those on times, as our kitchen is only electric.  

Evan LOVED it.  He was outside for hours.  Ryan loved it, but would come inside more frequently for warmth.  I loved how they wore rain boots and several layers of clothes.  Then, they would come switch out for dry stuff, leaving the wet clothes to dry in front of the fireplace.  It felt very vintage.  They found humans all over the neighborhood to play and sled down the golf course with.  The only small scare was when they played too hard on the frozen creek and "Ryan fell in."  I had scenes from movies flash in my mind of children dying from such events.  Luckily, this creek is small, and Ryan just broke through the ice.  Kyle preferred to stay inside.  Stephen and I sat by the fire and planned out the next section of power.  We were prepared, and it wasn't too bad on us....minus the part about missing a week of work on the paycheck.

  

We all had a little winter recharge.  I know there were many around the state who endured more than we did, for which we were most grateful.  We had enough food and intermittent heat and clothing to survive, so it was more like a long, screen-less winter break for us.  

When Stephen got/had to go back to work on Monday, I was nervous about all the crazy drivers.  News broadcasts didn't help with that anxiety. At least I didn't have to be out there!

There were problems with the schools which lasted into the next week.  Elementary school were virtual for Monday and Tuesday, then started back in person on Wednesday.  Kyle's middle school was ready on Friday.  (Kyle commented that it was starting to feel like the never-ending spring break of 2020!). He was annoyed to have to go back for that ONE day instead of just waiting until after the weekend.  Soon enough, we were all back on track for our crazy schedules!  

 

A Snow-vid Cousin Production

 Stephen and I watched the boys' cousins, C +D, for a late-over before the big effects of snow-vaganza. 

As often happens when these four get together, many a skit were planned, practiced, and performed that evening.  My favorites were the ones with as many mythical holiday characters as the 4 actors could squeeze in, complete with costume changes and all. 

Bravo!  It might be a long time until the next off-off-OFF Broadway production, as these extra actors will no longer live down the street soon.  

Ryan Tries Out Instruments

Ryan just knew he would be playing in the orchestra in 6th grade.  He put that as his 1st choice on the class list for middle school.  

In fact, he just knew he'd play the cello!  

Then, he tried the cello and knew it was wrong for him.  

Next, something smaller, that he could actually hold and reach around. 

Between the violin and viola, the viola won.  

Ryan Evan loved to make up his own tunes.  

Just to be sure, Ryan did want to try out some band instruments.  

Kyle came along to be there to watch Ryan first play in front of HIS band director.  Ryan did pretty well, except for on the instrument he thought he'd like the most: the saxophone.  In the end, the French horn won him over......even over to band instead of orchestra!

 

I had to contact Ryan's future school counselor and make a change to BAND.