Presidents' Day Weekend Fun

Over the chilly Presidents’ Day weekend, we enjoyed downtime with Grace visiting us. She and Kit had fun out and about on their own, driving around in the minivan. I took Winnie and Emerson to the arcade & for a quick lunch on Friday. Emerson and I headed to the Strand to watch Dogman on Saturday. Bright and early Monday morning, he and I got in some sledding.

Kit Accepted Into DACC

 

Kit has been accepted into the Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) to study healthcare starting her junior year! This is such an incredible opportunity, and we couldn’t be happier for her as she takes this big step toward her future.

Kit's Campaigner Overnight

 

Kit had an amazing time at Salt Fork Lodge with the OBHS girls, meeting Young Life leaders and growing in faith. The weekend, which included YL students from throughout Central Ohio, was filled with worship, inspiring talks, and time to bond with friends.

Under the Desk

 

I walked into the office and spotted Emerson curled up under the desk, fast asleep. Nestled beside him was Tego, whose head shot up when he spotted me.

Hit Zone Cheer Competition

The Nitro team put on a great performance at their very first cheer competition, Hit Zone, held at the Dayton Convention Center! It was fun watching Winnie and Sarah fully enjoy the experience—cheer felt more relaxed than gymnastics and had an energetic atmosphere.

A New Driver!

 

Kit wasn’t able to take her driver’s exam on Tuesday after all due to a glitch in the system. We rescheduled for Saturday morning (after our Body Pump class), and guess what? She passed!

The examiner mentioned that if anything, Kit just needs to work on driving a bit faster. I’m sure that will come naturally as she gets more confident and familiar behind the wheel.

Congratulations, Kit! 

Winnie's 14th Birthday Party

 

Winnie celebrated her 14th birthday with a sleepover (3 days early)! She enjoyed pizza, chocolate cream pie, and lots of laughter with her friends from Berlin Middle School. It’s such a joy to see how polite, kind, and fun this group of girls is. 

Cones & A Helmet

 

On her birthday, Kit spent time practicing her driving skills by navigating through a maneuverability course set up in the back parking lot of my workplace. It was such a funny sight to see Winnie in the backseat, sitting beside a helmet. :) Kit seems ready for her driving test on Tuesday.

Hair Appointments for the Birthday Girls

Amanda got the girls birthday-ready!

Emerson Hosts Vincent

 

Emerson was thrilled to finally have Vincent over for a visit. Vincent is a close friend from class. Their friendship began on the baseball field, where they played on the same team a few years ago.

Kit's Sweet 16

 

Kit had a very sweet 16 with many of her friends celebrating her. Most of the prep occurred on Thursday night with a run to the mall for completing her outfit and Costco for getting mac & cheese, fruit, & raspberry cheesecake. She built the balloon arch--the perfect backdrop for photos with very special friends. What a super group of girls!

Tego Wego

 

Flag Football

 

Emerson started I-9 flag football today, and what an exciting start it was! In his very first game, he scored a touchdown!

Gym Wall Before & After

 

Why didn't we do this sooner?! Now we can find what we're looking for in the gym.

Snow!

 

Wicked Sing-Along

 

We just can't get enough of Wicked! On Thursday, we went to the sing-along showing at Polaris, and it was entertaining. This time was extra special because it was Emerson's first experience with the show. Thanks to the girls constantly belting out the songs around the house, Emerson already knew many of the lyrics—and he didn't hold back!

Welcoming in 2025

We welcomed 2025 (mostly before midnight) with our neighbors, and it was a wonderful way to ring in the New Year. Four of us had a great time at the Lubben's party, while Kit celebrated with friends at the Quatman's house. It was fun to meet a new family in our neighborhood. Meanwhile, the younger kids had a blast running around, with Joey stepping in to keep them entertained.