Fall Visit

Mom and Dad were here for several days, buying us amazing food,

working on the yard, hemming curtains (!) and spoiling

all of us.

Sunday morning we had a few moments to document their visit.

And get some fun shots of the newly turned 12 year old.

#12

She turned 12 last Saturday. 

The milestones called years seem to be passing quickly

despite my desperate grasp to slow them down.

Mom and Dad were in town so she enjoyed shopping 

with Grandma and an afternoon of soccer games.

Birthday morning she opened a few small things

The evening was...more presents! 

Amelie delivered gifts - this lovely wrapping job from Machen.

Her big, very much a surprise gift:

Mom and Dad surprised her with a trip to PARIS over spring break.

It took a little while for that reality to sink in

(I'm still doubtful it has).

So thankful for this precious daughter.

First Day of School

First Day of School!

This year finds another big change in that Demaree is joining 

Machen at PMCA.  It's worked well for them to take the bulk 

of their classes at PMCA and a few others at home 

(piano-teacher, French -Rosetta, Math).

It's been a great couple days for everyone.  The big kids love their classes and teachers.

I'm loving having round 2 of littles, re-reading books, subjects and having more

time to soak it in.  

(Amelie is DYING to wear a uniform, so I found a

 super small PMCA shirt for $1 and she wears it everyday!)

Machen (8th grade), Demaree (6th grade), Charlie (4th grade) and Amelie (1st grade)

The End of Summer

Summer's end has come much too fast and with few pictures.

Our days have been full of friends, lots of swimming and lots of outside.

We said good bye to some dear friends but not before spending lots of time before they left.

Charlie's team played in a tournament and we had a full day of SOCCER.

Charlie loved it, scored several goals and is turning into quite the skilled player.

The line judge was questionable... 

This one keeps us on our toes and laughing all at once.

She jumped on her bike and started riding without training wheels.

Now she flies around singing all kinds of made up songs.

And her taste in clothes is...interesting.  But she doesn't doubt herself and is

very confident in her choices.  :) So thankful for this "spice" in our lives.