Warning - New Driver on Road!

It seems like just last month she was taking her first steps, and taking her to get a driver's license could not be possible already! But, after she studied for the past 6 months, making excellent grades in school, and being extremely responsible, I couldn't think of a reason not to let her reach this milestone.

After first being turned away because we didn't bring a school ID or report card, she finally gets through with her 2nd attempt. First up was the eye exam. Luckily, she wore her contacts that day.

Next up was her written test. Her study skills paid off. She only missed one question out of 30:

"If you're driving at night and approaching another vehicle on a highway, when should you put your low beams on?"

a. 100 ft

b. 200 ft

c. 300ft

After waiting 20 min to find out she passed, it's finally time for the picture as the adrenaline starts to rush.....

First, look in the mirror, practice the smile, fix the hair, and pretend you're not nervous.......(flash)!

A few minutes more and it's that glorious moment to hold her own drivers license for the first time! Yes, it's really a permit, but I present to you our newest driver in the family! Her smile says it all! :)

Breakfast in Bed

Our family tradition is to serve the birthday girl/boy breakfast in bed. Our two oldest have their birthdays close together, so here are the pictures of their birthday mornings.

Our son decided on Sara Lee Butter Strusel, a rare purchase in our household due to it's fat content. The oldest chose blueberry muffins with LOTS of fresh fruit on the side. The youngest was a little jealous, so she sneaked into bed with big sis just before we hit the lights on! Look at her wipe her eyes! A drama natural!

Company Picnic

Daddy's work had their annual family day! The kids had a great time riding all the rides, eating food that isn't really good for you, and playing all day.

Fall Sports

The fall sports have really kept us busy. Every day there is some event or practice, and sometimes all three children are going in different directions at the same time!

Our oldest daughter is doing both volleyball & cross country. For volleyball, I have tried for several games now to capture her awesome blocks, spikes, & serves, but since I can't use a flash, the picture is always blurred. This was the only action shot where she's looking my way. Sorry!

Her love of running fits perfectly with cross country. She's running at the varsity level and staying competitive!

Our son is quickly rising again in baseball after taking a 2 year break. He's such a natural athlete, but also knows what it's like to have to earn the coach's respect.

Switching leagues makes you a "no name" in the new league, but he's gone from batting at the bottom of the lineup to batting 5th, and from playing outfield every game to now their main first-baseman.

Our youngest gets Daddy as her coach in soccer. Although she admits her favorite part of the game is running through the tunnel and getting snacks, she typically scores 1-2 goals every game! Most kids this age get distracted so easily with a plane flying overhead, or their shoe coming untied, but it's still so cute to watch. :)

Camping trip

Now that the weather is cooler, the family wanted to go camping. It was a cold night, but the ones sleeping in the middle stayed warm.

For dinner, we had hobo stew, yeast rolls, and smores. For breakfast, it was boiled eggs, monkey bread, and fruit salad. Notice the box lined with foil. That was our oven - called a "box oven". You can cook anything in there that you would a normal oven, but may take a few extra minutes.

Knighting Ceremony

Eric & I received a letter in the mail that our son would be knighted in a special ceremony today at school. The parents were encouraged to attend and participate as witnesses in front of the students. As the proud parents looked on, one of his teachers (in green) talked about why he was chosen for this award.






He was selected by the teachers & his peers for best displaying the noble characteristic "prowess": distinguished skill, strength, bravery, and courage.

Afterwards, Mommy made sure he was embarrassed with lots of hugs & kisses!

Teenager in the House

In the laundry room, our teenage daughter has taped a note to the wall. Thought I'd share....

Friends Weekend

The weekend started off with a last minute (ie 8pm) decision on Friday night to have a bonfire. Within the hour, 10 teenagers were at our house! One text can get forwarded quickly! Great kids, though, and it was a lot of fun. :)

On Sunday, one of our favorite families came over for dinner. Our oldest tried out a new recipe: grilled pizza. It was absolutely delicious! The little ones giggled & played all evening, then complained when we told them it was time to eat.

The middle ones decided to "repair" a talking Elmo. Our God-daughter made the incisions while the boys used their engineering skills to locate and remove its circuit board. They made a great surgical team, but I think it's time for a new Elmo.

Apple Orchard

Today I had the opportunity to take the day off work and chaperone a field trip with the little one to an apple orchard.

We started off with a hay ride around the farm to look at all the apple trees and hidden surprises on the trail. Then, each child was given a bag and allowed to pick as many apples as they could to fill it up.

After picking apples, the kids had time play!

Once we got home and took a long nap (because Mommy needed it), we cut up the fresh apples and made a delicious apple pie. :)

New Room

Our oldest daughter got to redecorate her room recently. Everything she picked will go with her one day as she moves into her own place. I was proud of her for staying within her budget, yet picking out things that should last for years to come in both style and durability.