Rachel is the first to do everything. She is full of confidence and has no trouble with new social situations. She's a beanpole like her daddy who loves to bike, swim, play soccer, lacrosse, basketball and all things SPORTS. She could sleep her life away if we let her and routinely during the summer gets up at 11.

She is now a junior at Longmeadow High School. She is in all sorts of Honors classes - Spanish, Chemistry, English, etc. She plays the piano, the flute and the guitar. She's attempting to teach little Gracie how to play her little electric piano. She's also a wonderful singer.

This year saw all sorts of new experiences, travel and fun for Rachel. The most extraordinary was her trip to Japan. She joined the East Asia Club at the High School and had a wonderful opportunity to participate in an exchange program. We had a young woman, Miho, stay with us for a weekend in October, and over April vacation, Rachel was lucky enough to travel to Japan and stay with Miho’s family and visit her school.

Rachel has given up lacrosse and decided to try her hand at softball this year, and enjoyed her first year on a sports team. She played for our High School’s J.V. softball team.

Lastly, Rachel has finally become old enough to embark on the ritual many parents go through every year. YES, you guessed it; she got her learners permit and is attempting to learn to drive. What an interesting experience it is . . .

She is an excellent big sister as she loves little kids. She works at the nursery at Church during service. She also babysits all the time (which is great). And when Rachel is busy, her younger sisters Hannah or Sarah get the call. We've had times when all 3 girls were out on assignment.

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