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.

Christmas with the Jumps

 

On Friday, we celebrated Christmas with the Jumps and families. A highlight was playing hilarious minute games that Meg organized.

First Christmas with Ilene

I went to get Ilene after our morning festivities. She enjoyed eating and watching Home Alone 2 with us. She was touched by Emerson's gifts from the Penguin Shop at Shale Meadows: a BFF pin and a loved grandma magnet.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

What a Merry Christmas! The kids woke bright & early. We love that Kit texts to make sure it's safe for them to come see what's under the tree. Santa brought Emerson a Nerf gun & a stocking full of darts and favorite candies. He practiced his aim much of the day! Winnie dialed into her creative outlet & taught herself how to crochet over the last day!

Christmas Eve 2024

Christmas Eve was a relaxing, slower-paced day. Thankfully, the girls helped wrap gifts. The kids and I made Oreo balls and buckeyes while Seth worked. In the evening, we went to church & then had lasagna at home. We put out a plate for Santa before the kids continued their tradition of a Christmas Eve sleepover (this year taking advantage of the pit sectional).