The Mischnick Family: December 2021

Below are, in no particular order, ten of the most notable events of 2021 to share from our family.

10. Ethan finished up his years at the primary school in McFarland in June and jumped into his third grade year at the intermediate school this fall without looking back. He will tell you that his favorite times at school are recess and gym class, but we think he's a pretty good reader, writer, and mathematician, too :)

9. Ethan took guitar lessons again over the summer and has kept up with piano lessons during the school year; both opportunities have continued to feed this boy's musical pursuits. Ethan also soared through a few levels of swimming lessons during 2021 in addition to participating in a summer mountain biking club during the month of June. Ethan enjoys anything related to technology, playing games, and goofing off with friends. We always take pleasure in watching Ethan's various passions grow and develop.

8. Kate rounded out her 6th grade year with a couple of months of in-person schooling before the big transition in the fall to her first "typical" middle school year as a 7th grader. Kate joined the cross-country team this fall and made great strides (pun intended) with her running endurance. She continues to play the viola and has also participated in a variety of clubs this year.

7. Kate's first passion is writing, and 2021 included a number of opportunities to share her written pieces with wider audiences. Kate competed in a state level scenario writing contest in 6th grade and earned the opportunity to compete at the international level. Kate also entered and won a 4-H sponsored "Pullet Surprise" writing contest, coming home with everything she needs to show her two new fair quality chickens (aptly named Meatball and Drumstick). Our young author rounded out her literary career of 2021 by writing our church's children/youth Christmas program.

6. Anna was remembered by her school and classmates at the 8th grade recognition ceremony in June with a bouquet of white roses. Her smiles, laughter, and love are still remembered and missed in our home. We continue to make space in our lives for the memories of our oldest child and sister.

5. Sara's big news of the year included her transition back into the world of (paid!) educators. She worked in April and May as a building substitute teacher, which indirectly led to being hired as the K-2 Resource Teacher for Advanced Learners. This half-time position has been a wonderful fit for Sara personally and professionally, and the transitions within the family have gone as smoothly as possible. So far, the rhythm of the position has allowed Sara the time and energy necessary to continue preserving the bountiful harvest of the growing things in the yard. 2021 included bumper crops of much produce, filling up all of the canning jars, both freezers, and the other places we store squash and root crops.

4. Matt is finishing up his second full year working as a mechanical engineer for BCycle within Trek. The position continues to be a good fit for him, and he has helped to shape his team in a positive way (by recruiting former co-workers at GE for open positions on his team ...). In spite of a nasty shoulder injury in early June, he managed to get plenty of miles logged biking. Although Matt participated in the Trek 100 again in honor of Anna, he much prefers mountain biking on trails through the woods (even if those outings sometimes cause nasty shoulder injuries ...)

3. Our family headed up to Camp Luther in Northern Wisconsin twice this year: once for a winter weekend getaway and once for a summer camping experience in Fort Village. We also managed a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during spring break to visit family and enjoy the warm beach weather. A few trips to visit the Colba Grandparents in Augusta offered a more relaxing retreat for the kids and parents than our camping trips of the summer, although those were memorable in their own way.

2. Traveling to South Dakota in August to celebrate Mark and Marge's 50th wedding anniversary with extended family was a highlight of late summer. Spending several days with grandparents, siblings, and cousins provided opportunities for many good memories to be made.

1. All 13 of our animals (10 chickens, 2 cats named Rusty and Dusty, and Kate's gecko named Cow) brought us joy and laughter this year, but not as much as our continued time together as a family.