Things are moving along pretty much the same at the Steffy household this year. Eric has the same job, Becky is still at home full-time and the kids are all a year older than last December. Dan’s now a freshman in high school, Lauren is in eighth grade, Natalie is in fifth grade and Sarah is in fourth grade. A few years ago, we had all four kids at the same elementary school and now we’ve expanded to have Steffys spread out across three different schools. That’s neat but ends up being A LOT more driving around.

Becky and Eric are both into their early 40s now, which of course, seemed really old to us before, but now seems quite normal. And I’m hoping we feel the same when in our 80s and 90s, looking back on this time as being just kids. In any case, other than approaching our 20 year wedding anniversary this year, we feel pretty much the same (except when looking at old pictures... “Did we really look that young?!?”).

Dan keeps us busy with marching band (baritone sax), indoor drumline (aux. percussion), video and camera work at LCBC BranchCreek, video work at Calvary Church, various music ensembles, orchestra (string bass) and a full set of honors classes. He’s very responsible and eager to help out in many ways. He’s picked up a lot of handyman skills and does a lot of stuff around the house too.

Lauren continues to love math and reading. She also plays viola in orchestra and chamber ensemble along with flute in the school band. In between all that, she finds time for cheerleading (Pop Warner football cheer and all-year cheer the rest of the time), hanging out with her friends and helping out at the local food pantry. To top it all off, she’s a princess in this year’s middle school musical Little Mermaid Jr.

Natalie is an avid reader and diligent student. She’s picked up a little Scrabble habit too, but we don’t get too much time to play except when we’re at Grandma Mary’s house. Did we mention that Natalie loves reading? She also enjoys violin and clarinet. She and Sarah love to play Legos and put on special plays/skits for the family. In 2013, they did a “Prank Brothers” play for us every month and they were always hilarious. Plus the two of them were also in the school district’s elementary Honor’s Orchestra this winter.