For the first time that I can remember I am actually at home for my birthday. I got home from the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN on Sunday afternoon. The trip was great although a little bittersweet. My oldest daughter had worked to fulfill a dream that she'd had since about 8th grade. Disappointment was a part of our convention as she was not elected to serve as a national officer. She surrounded herself with supportive friends and they will help her through it all. The positive comments that she and I both received from my colleagues and friends helped to reassure her that she had the skills and talent to serve the organization. I got to spend a lot of time with Ali during convention. She had a great time with my students.
Jenna got to hang out with family and attend my cousin Dave's wedding this past weekend. She had a blast meeting family that she had never met and only heard stories of in the past. My cousin Jim took her flying and she actually got to fly over her dorm and the Stanford campus! I'm glad that she has family in the area that welcome her to spend time with them. It makes it a little easier for her to be so far from home. Jenna's also been officially invited to the Stanford Rowing Winter Camp over Christmas break! How exciting to have her walk on to the team and be one of four walk ons invited to camp. Her first race will be this weekend!
The weather is starting to turn. We had a hard freeze last night. I think we hit something like 15 degrees! Winter must be on it's way! Our football team begins playoffs tonight when they play Milbank here at home. Go Trojans!
