John's 8th Birthday - striper fishing!

For his 8th birthday John wanted to go fishing with Uncle Peyton, Grandpa, Will, and Daddy. Since Uncle Peyton couldn't make it I got to take his spot! We found a guide service and left early on Saturday morning. It was really interesting to see a whole different part of Lake Buchanan. We fished with one of Ken's employees for striper bass and had a blast. The fish were biting and we got to pull in some really big fish. The weather was cool and comfortable.

The boys loved cutting up bait and putting it in the water to stir up some action

John pulling in a big one!

Ken Milam's place needs a little upkeep :-(

Ready to fill up our cooler!

This is such a cute picture of John - this is the bait we used

I love fishing! Look at this beautiful fish

This was our haul. We fried all these up and had a yummy fish fry a night or two later,.

The dock

On the way home we stopped at this crazy biker restaurant and ate outside - burgers and fries

Me and the boys!

End of School Year 2017-2018

How can it be the end of the school year! Alivia is graduating from 6th grade, Will graduates from 4th grade, John from 1st grade and Matthew from Pre-K. This was a big year for Alivia because she will move up to School of Logic next year so those kids get to wear white shirts. The ceremony was done during a special chapel. Alivia spoke briefly about her favorite scripture and why and then Mrs. Kinslow put on her new tie that she will wear next year. Each child gets a rock from their teacher with a character quality that spoke to them during the year. 

Matthew got this rock from Mrs. Hiller (Pre-K)

Each child gets a rock - John got Humility from Mrs. Alexander

Alivia got this rock from Mrs. Dongarra

Alivia speaking about her favorite verse

Placement of the tie!

Gosh, I love Mrs. Kinslow and and am so glad she is the Head of School and my best friend!

School of Logic girls! Love them! Kayla, Alivia, Anna, Caroline and Abigail

Alivia is thriving in a small school with teachers that love her well

Me and my beautiful girl

Alivia and Caroline

The new ACS School of Logic

Matt and Will to Cleveland and Pittsburgh

Matt took Will with him on a business trip. It was a huge deal for Will to get to go. John is already begging to go with Matt on a trip soon. While  they were there they took along Flat Stanley since John needed to have him travel for a school project. Since they were close to Pittsburgh they drove over and saw Bob and Ruth as well as to Grove City College (Matt's alma mater).

Eating in Cleveland at The Winking Frog restaurant

Joey is always a good sport

This is hilarious

Dinner with Nana, Flat Stanley and Matt in Pittsburgh

In front of Nana and Pop Pop's house in Pittsburgh

I'm so glad Will got to see Grove City College. It is such a wonderful school

They happened to be there for Parent's Weekend so that was extra special

Bob, Beth, Zach and Matt

The whole gang at Grove City. Bob, Ruth, Beth, Mrs. Floss (Beth's mom), Zach, Matt, Will, Josh and Rusty

Visiting a dorm room - ha!

Spring 2018

Here are some highlights from the spring. . .

Homeschooling. . . Ah homeschooling continues to take up my Tuesday/Thursday and Friday.

John is making leaps and bounds with spelling since he has started Take Flight with Shonna. He is about 6 months in - only 18 more months to go!

Alivia made this amazing model of a Roman house for a project she is doing

Look at the clay masks and the scrolls and lifeline trees!

Girl Scout gathering a a local garden was really fun. I really love this troop - the girls and moms are really fun but I see this coming to an end soon. We just don't have any connection points with any of the girls so it's sort of a hassle.

My fearless co-leader, Karen Evertson

Another Girl Scout meeting at our house where we painted pots and planted plants

Mother's Day Brunch at Austin County Club was especially meaningful this year - we are so glad Mimi is on the mend.

This is John's gift to me this year!

This is Alivia's gift to me

Will made this mug for me

Matthew's letter to me

The Taylor Family - Avery 11, Paige 9

The Risingers - Alivia 12, Will, 10, John 7 (almost 8), Matthew 6

Guinea pig play date with Blair up the street - look at all those piggies!

I took the scary step and decided to have the right stapedectomy with Dr. Walter Kutz in Dallas. It went really well - I am so relieved that I don't have to wear hearing aids on the right side anymore!

John's 8th birthday!

Beautiful boy!

We hosted chicks from the school that hatched in Mrs. Williams' class. While they were with us almost overnight they turned into adolescents and were able to get out of the play pen! Ah!

Daddy took the boys for a COLD day at the Bertram ranch to shoot. (They came home early)

Daddy, Alivia and Will ran the Cap 10K!

We hosted the group from Haiti - and will continue to do so until we leave this July

John and Will went fishing with Dave Kendall and caught some beautiful fish

Star Wars Student Party. That's Alivia dressed as C-3P0! Anna in the yellow, Caroline as some blue character, and Abigail and Josiah (Chewbaca)

Caroline and Alivia - Caroline WON the prize for her costume.

Fellowship kids! We meet about twice a month for fellowship and Bible reading/devotional with 4 other families