Caleb is 11

Difficult to get a non-silly picture

Football cards

Whoa- a kindle!

Packers cake

First concert

Caleb is 11 years old!  Since Nate was working night shifts we did a birthday breakfast.  Caleb requested a Packers cake.  Caleb always likes getting football cards, but the real surprise was the kindle.  He was pretty excited.  He doesn't have internet access on it, but there are some sports apps, games and of course books on it.  

Caleb played soccer again and this year the soccer teams did a type of draft.  It was neat to hear that Caleb's coach saw a good player in Caleb.  He continues to improve every season.  His coach had Caleb play goalie fairly often, which was a new challenge for Caleb. He is playing indoor soccer for the first time this winter.

Caleb is in 5th grade and reports there is a lot more studying and work required.  He is doing well, but also being challenged.  He began playing the trumpet this year and had his first concert in December.  As a former band geek, I am quite happy to see my child playing in band too! I hope he continues to enjoy playing an instrument.  He is not taking piano lessons anymore as he has to practice his trumpet now.

Caleb is growing in many ways.  He is now 100 pounds and 62 inches tall.  He enjoys reading comic type books, like Garfield and Big Nate.  He recently read thru the 39 Clues book series.  His closest friend is Jason.  Caleb is very helpful with the younger kids and sometimes gets paid for his help.  He began mowing the grass this summer for pay as well.  Caleb is a responsible, loving and respectful kid.  Grandma DeMaster's sickness and death was very difficult for Caleb.  He wrestled with many questions about God and fairness and how to handle prayers that aren't answered the way you want. Heavy stuff for an 11 year old.  Our prayer for Caleb is that this experience somehow draws him closer to God.  We know that God, who began a good work in Caleb will be faithful to bring it to completion.

We love Caleb very much and we pray God's blessings on his 11th year!