Young Adult

Our oldest is now 18!  She wasn't excited to be woken up for breakfast in bed, although she did appreciate the fresh watermelon.

The entire day was planned.  First, she went to work while I cleaned the house and got ready for the party.  When she got home, she enjoyed all the sweet cards, gifts, pumpkins, and watermelons.

Next, the family went for a jog on the Swamp Rabbit.

And to eat, her preferred restaurant was Don Pablos.  But, we accidentally got her an On the Border gift card, so we went there instead.  

It's hard to believe our oldest can now vote, buy lottery tickets, get married, apply for a credit card, enlist in the military, go to her own medical appointments, sign for a loan, or buy cigarettes, all without the consent of her parents.  It's time like this when we have to trust in our daughter to make good decisions, know we raised her with our best efforts, and pray that our Lord will always guide her.  Happy 18th Birthday, my sweet baby girl!

Birthday Celebration

Our son turned 15 over the weekend and, to my surprise, spent the day with his family.

Although he's not much of a morning person, he did appreciate his breakfast in bed:  homemade waffles with blueberries and chocolate chips inside. 

  

For his restaurant choice, he requested India Palace, and for his home-cooked meal the next day he wanted meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.  

His cake was a bit unique, though.  Half joking a few weeks ago, he mentioned he wanted a cake with the Declaration of Independence on it.  I'm not sure if he was in the middle of studying US History, or just watched a documentary on PBS, but it surprised him that I took note of it.  Thanks for all the cards & wishes!

Ears Pierced

Our youngest wanted her ears pierced for her birthday, which is 2 months away.  But since she's planning to be the flower girl for her cousin's wedding, we decided to do this early.

She chose pink crystal hearts, clutched the teddy bear tight, and closed her eyes.

She was all smiles afterwards.  In 8 weeks, she plans to trade the original earrings for some soft pearls, and show them off with her hair up at the ceremony.

Riding the Swamp Rabbit

A friend and I decided to ride our bikes to the end of the Swamp Rabbit trail.  It was a beautiful weekend, nice & cool.

She's a retired Army Colonel, and despite the 10 yr age difference, she's in better shape than me!

We decided to stop at a local brewery on the way home for one of the best, fresh brews you can get in SC.

Camping Togetherness

With the cooler weather, we decided to enjoy a weekend camping trip.

Although the teenagers were reluctant to have that much family togetherness, we actually had a great time.

Early the next morning, we enjoyed a long hike through Table Rock State Park.
 

Good Ride

After 200,000 miles, it was time to say good bye to an old family friend.  The van had taken us to Texas and back twice a year for over 10 years.  We saw the kids grow into, and then out of, the built-in car seat.  And, the VCR player was priceless.

But it was worn, it served its time, and we had captured memories of it's former days.  The trade-in quote of $800 just didn't seem right.  After all, what is wrong driving something that won't start unless you connect two wires below the steering wheel, or having to use the visor to hold up the felt ceiling, or making sure the gas tank is always full since the indicator no longer worked?

It was time to donate, as that gave us the highest value.  Our little one was sad to see it go.

In it's place, the oldest now sports a slightly used SUV with plenty of bells & whistles.  She just looks a bit too happy with the trade.

Recycle

Our youngest has a social studies project for her class this week.  Each student was to take a picture of somewhere they go to often in our community.  It could be the bank, the library, the post office, the grocery store, the park, etc.  Once they capture the picture, they are to explain why they go there and why that place is important to a community.

The little one had soccer practice tonight, so I asked if we should take it at the recreational soccer fields.  "Nope," she replied.  I then asked about the fire department since we drive by it every day.  "Nope, don't want to do it there, either."  Well, where do you want to take your picture?  "At the recycle, Mommy!"

So off we go.  She talked all the way there about how she was going to pose for the picture.  And that's my little one in a nut shell.