Dear Keaton,

First day of 6th grade

I hope you know how proud I am to be your mom.  When we walked into Mrs. Thurston's classroom on "meet-your-teacher-night," Mrs. Thurston said "hello, Keaton!" and gave you a big hug.  I said something like, "she already knows your name" to which Mrs. Thurston replied, "Oh, yes, I know Keaton.  Last year I would always see him in the halls always doing what he was supposed to do and being so kind.  I knew then that I wanted him in my class this year."  It was so nice to hear that as a mom, even though I have stopped by the school many times enough to have seen for myself how good you are.  In fact, I can barely get you to smile and wave at me, you are so focused.

You are a wonderful student and were probably the most excited of all my kids to go back to school this year.  This year you also got to take band or orchestra, and you decided to learn to play the trumpet.  Luckily your Grandpa Hunsaker played the trumpet and he let you borrow his.  I let you take a break from piano in order to focus on the trumpet, although I am grateful for your piano lessons and how much they are helping you with it.  I can't wait until you are playing songs and we get to come watch your concerts.  I think it is awesome that APA starts both choir and band/orchestra so early.

Thanks to your awesome PE teacher (Mr. Winget), you asked to play soccer this fall, and I happily signed you up.  You are happy to be there and happy to play, although you do not necessarily want to go outside and practice all day.  I am just glad that you tried soccer this year and you were always a very good sport.

In any spare time, you are still asking to go play with Landon, and you guys are likely to be found on the Xbox or computer, playing Minecraft.  You are an 11-year-old scout and you and your dad are trying to start working towards becoming an Eagle, albeit very slowly.  Since we just found your scout book that you had misplaced a couple of months ago, we are going to have to kick that into gear.  

I love how independent you are, getting ready in the mornings, doing your homework, even making food or snacks for yourself and doing chores.  I love that I can leave Sam and Emmi with you for a quick errand around town and know that you will watch them.  You are earning my trust very well and becoming such a terrific young man.  I love you so very much.

Love, 
Mom

Shooting with your Dad and Grandpa Hunsaker

Children's Museum with cousins

Odgen Temple Rededication

Boating with Grandma and Grandpa Hunsaker