December 25, 2016

BY ‘WEE’ ROBERT WADLOWRipley’s Believe It or News

LITITZ, Pa. - You’re probably wondering why the Reitz family asked a paper cutout of the world’s tallest man to write the Christmas newsletter this year. All I can say is, it’s just one of those things that by now you should expect from this household. “Wee” Robert Wadlow is one of the many curiously crafty creations by Dylan, which includes his favorite Minecraft characters and the entire “Loud House” family from the Nickelodeon cartoon. See, it makes perfect sense. So let’s see what they’ve been up to in 2016. Continued on Page 2

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THE REITZ STUFF

Our 2016 Family Christmas Newsletter

More of The Monkees

A year after Dylan’s animated “Monkees Theme” video captured the attention of fans around the globe, the Monkee business continued as the band released a fantastic new album and toured to mark its 50th anniversary. (Dylan’s favorite song on Good Times is “Me and Magdalena”). The tour hit Shippensburg University on Oct. 29, two days after Dylan’s 10th birthday. Nanny and Papa Reitz treated Dylan to his 2nd Monkees concert, and although he didn’t get on stage with Micky and Peter like he did last year, he did hang out backstage with Micky and his wife Donna after the show. He had a great time hanging out with fans of his videos as well, many who wanted photos with him (and an autograph!) Hopefully he’ll soon finish his long-awaited follow-up Monkees video, which remains in post-production while he battles Minecraft creepers and zombies … like many 10-year-olds these days.

Wishing You a Joyful Christmas!

December 25, 2016

School and StringsBoth Hannah and Dylan got off to a strong start in school this fall, each earning straight A’s for the marking period! Mom and Dad are quite proud of their academic achievements. Hannah also had some great news this fall when she auditioned for the LLMEA (County) Orchestra, and was the 10th viola selected for the honor! She is enjoying learning the considerably more challenging songs they will play when the orchestra performs at its February concert in Elizabethtown. Meanwhile, Dylan became the second member of the family to play a string instrument, beginning violin lessons this fall. Only two months in, he seems to have a real knack for the instrument … perhaps influenced by watching big sis perform all these years!

Back to the BeachIn early August the Reitz family returned to a favorite destination, spending a week at Ocean City, MD. It was a fun and relaxing week spent doing the things people typically do at the beach (including a visit to the Ripley’s museum!) A few weeks later, Hannah joined Dad (and Grandma and Grandpa Reitz) on a 3-day trip to NYC. Dad was there on business, but for Hannah, it was an exciting Big Apple experience. She’s ready to go back! Other trips included Hersheypark and Knobels Grove amusement parks.

And in Other NewsIn April, Hannah dressed as Grell, the “Black Butler” anime character, for the Zenkaikon convention in Lancaster … For the third year, Dylan’s Cub Scout pack broke the popcorn unit sales record in the Pa. Dutch Council, earning $45,000. Dylan contributed $1,300 in sales … Hannah had a blast (and Dad did, too) at the Five Seconds of Summer concert in Hershey in July … It’s been another busy and exciting year for the Reitz family. We hope you’ve had a great year as well, and wish you a prosperous 2017!

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Soccer Dibs and Dabs

It was quite a year for Hannah and Dylan on the soccer field. In the spring, Hannah playing her final season with Manheim Township’s U15 girls rec team. They fielded a strong team and earned a first place finish in the spring tournament. Exciting news! Hannah tried out and made the Lititz Mayhem U18 travel team! While their full season only begins in the spring, they’ve already played in two tournaments, with Hannah scoring a goal in the Lititz Summer Showcase. This fall she played one final U15 season with the Lititz Rebels rec team, and as one of its strongest players, she led the girls to a 2nd place finish at the fall tournament.

Meanwhile, Dylan finished his second and final U10 season in the spring, where he was one of Lititz Steel’s top strikers. Due to a change in the age requirements, Dylan jumped up to U12 in the fall (as a 9-year-old), but was not intimidated … and in fact added a new level of aggressive play to his game. Lititz Steel was young and faced tough competition all season, but improved every week, and looked fantastic as they went 2-2 in the fall tourney. Dylan capped the season with a thrilling game-winning goal in the final game to give Steel a 1-0 win over Solanco and a 3rd place finish out of 5 teams!

Rick Reitz Dad Lisa Reitz Mom Hannah Reitz Older Kid Dylan Reitz Younger Kid

The Reitz Stuff 2016 Newsletter