Meteorologists claim that this winter will go down in history as the warmest Wisconsin winter ever on record. In fact, many people have dubbed this as “The Lost Winter” because it feels like the snowfall and frigid temperatures never came. Many experts even predict that Wisconsin will become much warmer over the next few decades. And while some of us welcomed this year’s milder conditions, others couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease, recognizing the stark departure from the norm and the potential implications for the changing climate.

As for our family, we mostly welcomed the break from the typical winter, but if I’m being honest, I hope next winter brings back the things that I missed: building snow forts, having epic snowball fights, the crunch of snow under my boots, and my breath turning into frosty clouds… at least between late November and early January. After that, Mother Nature can bring on spring!

Today, we got to pick out our puppy. They say, sometimes, the puppy picks you. And if that’s the case, the purple collared pup ran straight to mom! However, there was also a cream-collared pup that was up for grabs because the pink-collared Lab was already claimed. They were both so adorable, with such friendly dispositions, and perfect little fluff balls with the sweetest smelling puppy breath and razor-sharp teeth.

Needless to say, it was quite the dilemma. But, after much family deliberation, we finally landed on Miss Purple Collar, who will henceforth be granted an official, kid-approved title, effective on this sixteenth day of March…

We hereby introduce you to the newest, and arguably cutest, member of our family:
Artemis Charleigh Goodenough!!

Stay tuned for all of our adventures with her, once we get to bring her to her forever home on April 6!

My first year in Great Northwest Basketball League (GNBL) is a wrap. My grade had so many boys sign up, that we had to make two separate teams: Green and Gold. I was on the Gold team, which was fitting, because WE. BROUGHT. HOME. THE. GOLD!

My team consisted of Parker, Cullen T, Cullen G, Isaiah, Ryder, Titus, and myself, and we were coached by my dad and Parker’s dad! With practices twice a week, every week, from November through March, basketball consumed my life for five whole months, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

My coaches said there is more to basketball than the scoreboard. Instead, they emphasized good sportsmanship, mental stamina, teamwork, learning the game, and having fun. Coach Dad could often be heard reminding us, “No negative comments to your teammates, no negative comments to your opponents, and no negative comments to the refs… I’ll play only 3 players if I have to.” But none of us ever had to sit the bench for this reason… we understood well that basketball was bigger than winning; we were learning life skills.

But in case any of my readers are wondering, and surely not because I want to brag or anything, we did finish the season UNDEFEATED, with a 12-0 record. What about the non-conference games, you ask? Unbeatable there as well: 7-0! I even sunk a couple buzzer-beater 3-pointers, followed by a celebration dance, which may or may not have been rehearsed for those very moments. I mean, that’s what hoop dreams are made of! … For me, anyway. Genesee’s favorite part about basketball season was the concession stand, especially when she got to work the other side of concessions, during our home tournament.

It was fun to clean house this season, however, we did not mop the floor with all of our opponents. In particular, West Salem was our toughest competition (although I’m pretty sure some of them were 5th graders). Still, it’s those nail-biting moments (literally) that kept us on the edge of our seats and made victory taste even sweeter.

My friends on the Green team had a solid season too, with only a couple losses to their record, which means the Mel-Min Basketball Class of 2032 just might be a force to reckon with. I cannot wait to see where this sport takes us!

Before arriving back to Minneapolis from Cancún, our parents had secretly planned a mission to surprise us with a puppy visit, once we landed at MSP, since Whispering Creek is located just 45 minutes northwest of the airport.

I was already on such a high from our incredible vacation, so you’d think that would have been hard to match or beat, but I somehow floated even higher after meeting the pups. In fact, I felt completely intoxicated by their snuggles and kisses; Genesee and I uncontrollably giggled until we melted. Surely, this must be what love at first sight feels like!?

Be still, my heart.

February 2024 marked Mexico trip numero siete for me, and as you can tell, I am now fluent in the Spanish language. Nana Florence and Great Grandma Garcia would be mucho proudo of me!

This time around, we planned our adventure more strategically… First, we decided to travel during our school’s designated spring break week to avoid being labeled as truant.

Second, while embracing a hint of rebellion against the attendance policy that landed us in the principal’s office last year, we did manage to escape school early on Friday. Our destination? Minneapolis, where we arrived the evening prior to our flight, eager to make some Mall of America memories!

And finally, our third pro tip was booking our tropical adventure through a Moon Palace Diamond member (“Uncle Rusty,” who was vacationing at the same time) so we could enjoy Diamond VIP perks, like our personally assigned concierge named Enriqué, pre-arrival restaurant reservations, fancy pool-side cabanas, 2 free off-resort excursions, 3 hours of bowling, complimentary manicures, pedicures, and back massages, private golf cart transportation, front row seats for shows, and a special entrance at restaurants that allowed us to skip waiting in any lines. (Of course, this status created high hopes and grand visions for me and G to pretend like we were filthy rich movie stars, living lavish lives of luxury! But mom did what mom does: She quickly killed our dreams, and told us to stay humble and grounded.)

After a fun dinner at Sugar Factory Express and several exhilarating rollercoaster rides at Nickelodeon Universe (which we even convinced mom and dad to partake in), we spent a night at an airport-friendly hotel and then woke up early to board a plane to Cancún. And just like that, the only distance between being ordinary and becoming extraordinary was a mere 210 minutes and 1,696 miles.

“Oh, hello, Mexico! Your, noble, royal, esteemed (but totally unpretentious) Diamond VIP guests have arrived! No need to make a fuss for us… most of my superfans call me Sir Jaeger Amari, and they greet my sister as Madame Gigi Luigi, but please just consider us down-to-earth friends of the Palace.”

Life sure was good in the all-inclusive neighborhood! Even the belligerent guy who threw an adult tantrum because he left “el phone-o on el plane-o” surely must have found happiness there. I mean, who doesn’t love a Circus-themed dinner upon arrival?

I didn’t think it could get any better than a restaurant designed 100% for kids and by kids, but then we spent the next two days rediscovering the Grand resort in VIP fashion… splashing in every refreshing pool, getting pampered at the spa, playing 18 holes of golf at their Jack Nicklaus signature course, and taking FULL advantage of the poolside Diamond VIP cabanas! Humbly, of course.

On days 4 and 5, we traveled off the resort to embark on our free excursions.

At the dolphin encounter experience, we got to high-five, hug, and swim with such socially skilled, intelligent, and joyful marine mammals. The water was a bit cold and salty, but the dolphins warmed our hearts, especially once my sister and I became fast friends with Diego and Flex. (Naturally, Genesee now wants a pet dolphin instead of a puppy.)

Then, on Wednesday, after making a 2-hour bus trip to Ek’ Balam, Dad and I climbed 106 steps to the top of the Acropolis ruins, where we were rewarded with a stunning view of the peninsula. It was a surprisingly strenuous and tricky climb, especially on the way down. But I’m glad we survived because the next bus stop was at a cenote, which is a natural sinkhole, filled with water.

It was sooo magical! We all found the courage to jump in, and even though it wasn’t a competition or anything, it should be noted that mom’s courage was buried deep and took the longest to find. Dad and I, on the other hand, had no fear at all, so we also soared through the air on the zipline, as another means to plunge into the refreshing waters of the cenote below.

Days 6 and 7 were spent back at the resort, soaking up the sun and partaking in every family-friendly activity, to round out another unforgettable trip! I mean, the Grand at Moon Palace consistently provides a grand ol’ time, but this year felt extra special. Maybe it was those Diamond VIP bracelets? Or perhaps it was everything else, like the perfect weather, so many delicious foods (special shout out to the chocolate lava cake at JC Steakhouse!), the bottomless virgin strawberry daiquiris, getting pulled up on stage for the Mexico show AND the magic show, winning the Jenga tournament, finding the secret heated pool, solving the escape room, conquering the ropes course, bowling our hearts out, ordering late night room service, surfing on the flowrider, playing hide and seek in the playroom, befriending the resort cats, learning how to play pool, visiting a karaoke bar, competing in Fortnite on the arcade’s mega screen, sleeping in late while mom and dad walked on the beach, and soaking in our private bubble bath.

Undoubtedly, the true magic resided in the small, everyday moments that a Moon Palace membership cannot buy. Nonetheless, it still pained me to surrender our Diamond VIP bracelets upon departure, as I was reluctant to return to being a regular, ordinary person again. Even worse, I hated to leave such a beautiful country and culture.

Luckily, as we reminisced back home around the kitchen table, my parents promised that our feet would again touch Mexican sand in the future. Most importantly, they affirmed that Genesee and I don’t need bracelets to shine bright like diamonds, as they confidently assured us that we will always be VIPs in their eyes!

I responded, “Aw- shucks,” and then proceeded to order a foot massage and bottomless daiquiri.

My request was denied. Emphatically. But I still feel very important and loved, albeit thirsty, too.

My mom discovered this note in my backpack:

How embarrassing! But it’s also kind of mysterious, exciting, and flattering. But mostly embarrassing, especially when read out loud by one’s mother.

It must have been a sneaky operation, as I didn’t even know someone put this in my bag. I respect the confidence though, but since there was no name attached, my secret admirer will forever remain a mystery, and so shall my answer!

In July 2022, our family had a strategic planning meeting, which included things like family values, healthy choices, chores, travel dreams, charitable donations, and yearly goals. Under the 2-3 year plan, we all agreed on a goal of expanding our family through the addition of a puppy!

Dad felt strongly about having another British Lab, since Drakey was such a loyal friend. And because those can be hard to come by and the process can be lengthy, we looked for a breeder last fall and got on their waitlist.

And finally, after much anticipation, our new best friend was born on February 5, 2024!

Genesee and I are both so stinkin’ excited to experience puppy love!

This year, we celebrated the MLK Holiday by accompanying mom across the state to St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, where she was invited to be their keynote speaker. It was so cool to be able to join her… mostly because we got to splash around at the Tundra Lodge Resort Waterpark and visit Lambeau Field, but also because I rarely get to see my mom in action like that!

Mom talked about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement and how that movement continues today, and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. And as she welcomed people to the struggle that is required to form beloved community, I was equal parts captivated by her words and also moved to boredom because, you know… 9-year-old attention span over here. Still, it was pretty neat to witness other people lean into her message and think that she was a big deal or something, even though she’s just our mom.

On Friday, December 29, we walked into Features Fieldhouse as your regular, everyday Mel-Min 4th graders, and we walked out of the gym as your new world champions. It wasn’t easy, but Team Gold (which consisted of Cullen, Parker, Ryder and myself) got the job done and we have free bowling coupons, basketball necklaces, and bragging rights to show for it.

Most importantly, we got featured on social media, so we are also officially Facebook Famous!

Thanks, Coach Dad, for transforming your Mustangs into the G.O.A.T.(s)! Winning looks good on us.

You may be a slacker if you don’t wake up at 3:45 a.m. on Christmas morning, like I did. Go big or go back to sleep, they say. So, I decided to go big. My parents weren’t thrilled, but they managed to find their Christmas spirit, too, in between several grunts and yawns.

Despite it being a snowless Christmas, the day was exactly what Genesee and I waited all year for: family, joy, and good food! In fact, besides our traditional meatballs and cheesy potatoes, we added Grinch Punch to the menu this year! Watching Home Sweet Home Alone and playing a competitive tournament of ping pong were definitely some of the highlights.

As for Santa gifts, Genesee was thrilled with her foot bath spa, $100 bill, and swinging chair, and I was most excited about my VR headset….

…until the next morning, when I discovered I was allergic to it! Apparently, I am part of the .01% of people who have a skin reaction to the headset. Luckily, after my parents conducted some research, we believe we found a cure. Christmas tragedy averted!