Recent Events

Just a few thoughts about the boys recently. Isaac suffered a broken arm, two bones, in his first soccer practice of the year. He has handled it well, but is missing out on playing against his brother. Maybe this fall?

Jacob has progressed greatly in his first grade work. He is reading well, and recently completed a writing assignment. He had no help on the spelling, so it is rather terrible, but he sticks to things and impressed his Daddy with the length of this. Enjoy.

Suzuki Piano Recital

Isaac began piano lessons in February of 2009, two years ago, and today held a recital for completing his first Suzuki book.

The Suzuki method teaches by ear and memorization, so he has not used written music to learn any of these 19 pieces.

His teacher, Mrs Hudson was here to guide him through the recital. She is an excellent teacher and he enjoys his time with her each week.

Isaac invited some friends, family and neighbors and performed for us very well. He also selected the dessert menu, cheesecake and nobake chocolate cookies, and it was delicious.

He will now get a whole three days off from practice and then begin on his second book. His teacher presented him with a bust of J.S. Bach as inspiration (a la Schroeder.)

I know it's Beethoven, but you get the idea.

Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby

Isaac and Jacob competed their cars in the Pinewood Derby race at church today. There were 15 boys in the event.

Isaac truck, named "Legos" did not make it out of the initial heats but placed as runner up for 'best in show.'

Jacob's car, named "Bug Blaster" got faster through the day and made it in to the final group of 8. He won 7 of the 8 heat races and was the overall winner. It's neat to see a 6 year-old beat out 4th and 5th graders.

Nancy and I are even more proud of how well Isaac handled his disappointment and how humble Jacob was about his win. It will be hard to top next year.

New Post :) Isaac's piano update

Hi Everyone.. (Great Gordon and Lou Lou specifically , ;), It's been a fun summer and now we are back at the grind stone... Isaac and Jacob are doing well with homeschooling this year, with Isaac in 3rd and Jacob in 1st (he tested out of Kindergarten), they keep mama hoppin'.

I hope to update the blog with all our summer fun soon, but here's a quick post with a new video of Isaac playing a piece that he's worked on for several weeks. It's perhaps his most difficult piece yet.

Hope you enjoy it, and hope everyone is well.
We love and miss you all, Nancy

Big, Big Jets

We visited the AAR aircraft maintenance facility in town today. Mr Bauer, one of our friends invited us out with his family for a tour. They had 7 or 8 Southwest Airlines 737-300's in the facility, in various states of repair. We had a tour of the insides and out, the first time the boys have been in a plane.


In 20 days the insides are stripped and every rivet inspected. Then they are reassembled. Isaac thought it sure looks empty, doesn't it.



Isaac and Jacob Krosschell with Jake and Nick Bauer, on the flight deck.


We thought that Great Gordon would especially appreciate the paint room (hanger), where they were preparing this jet for a new look.


Hours later, Isaac is still wearing his safety goggles.

Spring Hike in the Woods

The Krosschell boys took their first spring hike at Eagle Creek Park Saturday. It was warm, as it has been for weeks and it was good to get out before the leaves obscure the views. The boys really are best friends and it is a joy to let them go on ahead and watch them interact. (Not too far ahead mommy, don't worry.)

Throwing rocks into the reservoir.

There was a better spot for picture with the hillsides of bluebells, but too many bees for them to sit long enough for a picture.

Soccer Season

Isaac and Jacob have started another season of Upward Soccer here on Indianapolis's west side. For Jacob, this is the first year he gets to play, rather than watching his big brother from the sideline.

Isaac is a member of the Flash, and has played once. His first game was rained out. His coach is teaching positioning, in addition to ball handling skills and shooting. Its coming slowly, but positioning is taking root in their fertile little minds.





Jacob is a member of the Bears. These kids are age 5 and playing for the first time. Their games are really just mob-ball, but they are learning to get along and remember which direction their goal is in. Jacob is working to earn the 'most Christlike' award in an upcoming game, which gives Nancy and me opportunity to teach him how to respond to the kids who push. This is a subject of great consternation for him.