Derek 2010

Derek had a great 2010. He got to go to some chess tournaments with Larry and even won a trophy for second place! This picture is from last January- he got another 3rd place medal this winter. Anyway, he seems to still like chess. Another thing that Derek likes is the Sunday Comics. His favorites are: Baby Blues, Family Circus, and Garfield- among others. He and Miranda fight over it on Sunday mornings.

Derek also likes Cassie. He's been a great big brother to her and she really likes it when he talks to her in baby language.

Derek started second grade this year and I think he mostly likes school. He and his teacher had to come to an agreement about when he could read his books, so now things run smoothly. He gets his own math assignments as well. His favorite lunch is 1/2 a ham and cheese sandwich, wheat thins, and a dried fruit strip. He likes going to computer lab the best.

Derek's LOVE of Legos continues. Here is a model of a Harry Potter set that he wanted to send into the Lego magazine people. He and Spencer really enjoy putting together a new set. This summer they were WAY into making stop-animation movies and videos with their Legos. It kept them occupied, but then they broke our camera, so that was the end of that. Derek had some great singing and impromtu musicals on those videos.

In the fall, Derek played soccer again. Peter was his coach. I think that soccer is Derek's favorite sport. He loves being with his friend, Kyler, and cheering him on. Actually, I think Derek's favorite sport would be a cross between soccer and debate because he loves arguing with the other players and coaches.

Look at these awesome moves from Derek! Let's just say that he got a little agressive at times...

It's a good thing that Derek and Spencer are together in the birth order. They play together quite a bit...and fight...over things like calculators.

A momentous event happened in early December. The DEATH STAR ARRIVED! After saving up for a year and a half, pooling allowances and doing extra chores most days, they finally saved up enough money to buy the Death Star! It was very peaceful in our house for several days as they put it all together.

Derek turned 8 in December and was able to start CubScouts! He really enjoys his Den Meetings. In his first Den meeting, they went on a tour of the library and he got a form to get his own library card. That got the ball rolling, and a couple weeks later, I let Derek and Miranda get their own cards. He loves to look online at his account, reserve books, and check out as many books as he wants!! He likes books about Legos, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Fablehaven, and Harry Potter. Oh- and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

For his party this year, we did a Harry Potter thing. Here's a picture of some of the potions and the Golden Snitch cupcakes.

This is the dragon egg carry.

Derek does some strange and unexplainable things. He makes this weird face and says stuff like ,"FA FA!" all the time. I guess it's all part of being an 8 year old boy...

Here is Derek's Christmas stash! He was VERY excited Christmas morning...

So, to summarize- Derek is awesome and kind of weird too! This video is of one of his sillier moments...