Superb 16!

 

Happy Birthday, Lincoln! 

16 sort of snuck up on us this year, since it fell right on the heels of Greta’s graduation and all the hoopla that surrounds the end of senior year and commencement.  But you’ve been a great sport this weekend with a low maintenance vibe that I appreciate.  So with a Boston creme donut topped with a candle, we celebrated another year this morning, and I’ve been reflecting all day on the amazing year you just had…I am confident that the one ahead will be great.

You kicked off last summer as a camp counselor at Niskayuna’s Summer Playground Camp at Blatnick Park, herding elementary-aged kids through the panoply of outdoor activities.  You made sure they had fun and also earned their respect, as well as those of the lead counselors, who invited you to work again this summer. You also worked at your Ultimate Frisbee team’s week-long camp, where you taught the next generation of Nisky players the rules of the game and basic techniques.  

That was a volunteer endeavor where all registration fees went to your team, the Nisky Narwhals, to purchase jerseys, practice pinnies, and other supplies. You then were off for a week with your sister (and saxophone) at Bristol Hills.  This year was a little challenging since you were housed in the longest cabin with 19 other teens…the pranks were rampant and sleep was hard to find. Fortunately there were still a couple weeks left in August to recover before you started Sophomore year at NHS.

The school year kicked off with a hectic schedule, as you added French to your class list, in addition to the standard core classes (Chemistry, German III Honors, AP World History, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Algebra 2, English 10 Honors, and Lifetime Fitness). You handled two languages so well that you are eager to add a third next year and receive a “polyglot” designation. It will be fun to see that come together!

Another highlight in school this year was your music progress.  You were one of three sophomores in Jazz Ensemble (learning to play bari sax!) and were a featured soloist in concert band. You received an A+ in your first NYSSMA solo competition (Level V out of VI!), and are excited play in Symphonic Band in the fall. We love hearing you practice and perform.  While we share your disappointment that Jazz Ensemble doesn’t fit your schedule next year, we are sure there will be plenty of practice with private lessons to keep your music skills honed.

You did great in all your classes and this Spring managed to balance their intense requirements and exams with THREE sports: Ultimate Frisbee (Spirit Captain!), Track (hello, scholar athlete and letter recipient!), and Mountain Biking!  While it made for hectic evenings and weekends, I am impressed with how you gauged the effort needed for everything and still had a great time with your friends.  Between Xbox games with them, you also went on Pokémon raids, made plaza or Stewart’s lunch runs, went biking around town, and played board games and basketball.  You even gave sailing and rock climbing a try!  It is nice that you have multiple friend groups, and get along with most everyone (or so it seems). You are even planning to lead a fun Dungeon and Dragons campaign this summer.

Speaking of leading, you are topping us all in terms of growth: 5’11” now!!  You are long and lanky like your Grandpa Bob, despite your love of DiGiorno’s pizza, any brand of ramen, Wendy’s pretzel burgers, and Herbie’s banana shakes.  I envy your metabolism!

You have also grown in responsibilities, taking care of Yeager and Mittens, doing laundry, cleaning your room, taking care of your braces (and now your retainer!), and vacuuming the basement…it is great to have your help around the house.  I look forward to you learning to drive this summer…maybe I can add grocery shopping to the list :).

All in all, it was a wonderful year, and I am looking forward to the next.  While it will be different with Greta away at college, I am sure we will find a new balance and you will keep things interesting.  I love you, Lincoln, and am so glad to be your mom!