Turning 18

Our son became an adult today.  We're so grateful for the years we were given to raise our son, and pray he'll never stray too far from family, his faith, and his dreams.

I'm not sure what items he actually purchased, but he talked about getting a lottery ticket, tattoo, cigarettes, cigars, dip, etc.  I mentioned that along those lines, he is also now responsible for his own health and medical/dental appointments.  Additionally, if he wants to stay on our insurance as a full-time student, and he decides to use tobacco, he will have to pay the tobacco premium difference.  

In celebration of this milestone, he wanted Indian food for dinner.

Afterwards, I made his favorite chocolate cake (thanks for the help Grandma!) and he opened gifts of money, box of chocolates, tether ball, sunglasses, a 4x4 sticker for his truck, and an apple tree.  

Thanks for all the calls and birthday wishes!

Family Pics

Every two years we take family photos.  For the first time, though, we decided to hire a local photographer instead of a chain place, and were super pleased.  Here's some of our favorites, although they aren't the most postcard-worthy:

Dana's- 
I wanted a picture where we all showed support of each other.  Eric's hand is supporting all of ours.  We're a team, and we'll always be there for each other.

Ashlyn's - 
One of our "support" attempts was connecting our hands in some way.  Then we realized that Luke wasn't holding anyone's hands because he was in the back.  So, he decided to hold his own hands.  Ashlyn thought this was really funny.

Son's - 

The girls wanted to do a hand stand pose, and our son agreed to help hold the pose for them.  I think he likes this one because it shows he's the only normal one of the three kids.

Eric's - 
When Eric realized the photographer was going to take a back shot, he asked jokingly if she could photo-shop some hair in his bald spot.  And she did!  Quite funny.  Also, notice how the older two wouldn't hold hands..

Little One's - 
Before we left, our youngest asked if we could all have a picture sitting on a swing, with her in the middle. She was always on the end in the other poses and it wasn't fair.  Although the sun wasn't at the best angle, it did turn out cute.  I love how the photographer let the kids call some of the shots.

5th Grade Dance

I finally had the chance to chaperone one of my child's dances!  Oh, the years I've waited!!  Do I show off my own really cool dance moves, talk to all her friends, play my air guitar like the rockers from the 80's, or sing along to every song really loud and off-key?  

She was mortified what I would do.  

At the chaperone meeting just 15 minutes before the doors opened, we all got assigned our posts.  Me, well, I got bathroom duty.  While I did bust a few moves in the hallways, I didn't garner the audience I had hoped.  And, the little one still left with a smile knowing I hadn't ruined her life completely.

Eric's Swim

My husband is quite the athlete, especially at swimming.  He really enjoys our neighborhood pool all summer long to do his daily laps.  So when the opportunity came up to do an open water swim on a gorgeous lake, he couldn't resist!  But to be honest, most people don't do a 1.2 mile swim as their first competition.

The weather had turned a bit cooler and he decided to wear a wet suit.  These not only keep the body's temperature warmer, but the slick outer layer provides less resistance than skin and also adds a slight buoyancy.

The competitors were grouped into heats of 20 to stagger the start times.  Can you find Eric?  Nope, me neither.

Then, they were off!!  Can you find him now?  Nope, still difficult.
 

 Oh, there he is!!  Quick, grab a picture of him coming out of the water!

He said it was tough.  The waves were against him going out to the halfway point, then with him which made it easier coming back to shore.  Look at his results....first place in his age group!

Way to go, Eric!!  So proud of you!

23 Students

Our oldest came home from college with 22 of her friends from the cross country club.  There was a XC meet that Saturday morning nearby, so they all decided to crash at our house.

We used all the blow up mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows we had...

And still only found space for 11.  The rest slept on the floor with whatever they brought.

For entertainment, the group decided to attend a Faith Hill & Tim McGraw concert.  

Of course, I wanted to go, too!  So did my co-workers.

Then the little one wanted to go, and we couldn't leave her behind.

Seats were a little high up, but when you had to get that many block seats at the last minute, you take what you can get.  Still a good view, though.

Later in the show, I stopped by to say hello to someone I knew with a suite!  Then decided to hang out there a while.  The views were amazing!

Fabulous night.  Totally worth it!

Violin

With our youngest now in 5th grade, she has the option to take violin lessons at school.  She jumped at the chance, which worked out well since we still had the instrument at home.

She's first learning how to care for the instrument and the sound each string makes. It's so wonderful to hear those first few sounds.  (Pluck, pluck, pluck....)  I can't wait for the first concert!! 

Cards

Occasionally we feel like having game night.  But for us, it's usually a card game like hearts or spades.  The stakes are high, with the winner obtaining a package of twizzlers or coca cola gummies.

With brownies, milk, and popcorn to enjoy throughout the game, there really are no winners or losers.  But for those interested, the prize went to the little one!  (Hint, the guy in green usually feeds cards to her.)