First Day of School!!!

Today was our first day of 11th, 8th, 5th, and 1st grade!! I think everybody but Luke was ready to head back. 

Today Rachel starts her Junior year!! Only one more year after this....I can't believe how fast it has flown by!! Rachel really enjoys school and has been excited to start for awhile. With band she has been practicing for a month, so it already feels like she has been in school.

Rachel is in band and orchestra again this year. She is an officer in each club, so that means more time commitments. I am so glad she has activities she loves!

Rachel enjoys playing the clarinet, piano, and cello. She worked at the pool again this summer. She also worked some at the church playing piano and in the nursery. When she was not working she was at camps. She went to church camp in Colorado and band camp in Canyon. She has had a very busy summer. I don't think she ever takes a break! Rachel is still holding at almost 5'10". Her little brother is about to catch her!!

Luke is starting the 8th grade today! He was not thrilled to go back....but the day is here, so he is going. Luke will  start football today too!

Mr. Serious was tired of pictures!

Luke likes to play basketball, football, video games, and games on his phone. He spent a lot of time at the pool this summer too. He has grown five inches since the first day of school last year!! He is 5'9" and weighs about 116.

Katybug is starting 5th grade today!! She was SO excited to start back! She even went to the school two days last week to help the teachers get their rooms ready. They really did work them! Kate has Mrs. Russel for homeroom, but she has three other teachers she rotates trough throughout the day.

Kate loves doing gymnastics, dancing, riding her bike, and swimming. She is still playing the piano, but she does not like it anymore. Kate is 4'10 3/4".

Wade-o is in the 1st grade!! He has Mrs. Nelson. He told me this afternoon that she was more of a pre-K teacher because she didn't make them do any work today. Haha. I bet he will be surprised tomorrow!

Wade likes to ride his bike, play video games, legos, swim, and play with his friends. He is also going to start baseball this Fall. Wade is 4'4 3/4". My baby is so big!!

And a big bonus for Mom....Rachel drove herself to school today!!

We are really praying for good teachers and a fun year with lots of learning!! It goes so fast!!

Summer Vacation - Port Aransas

Just like that our Summer Vacation is over!!:0( It just never lasts long enough!! We decided to head to our favorite beach spot again. We tried some knew restaurants and they were really great! We played in the big waves and made castles in the sand. We watched dolphins and sea turtles off the jetty. The weather was perfect in the mid 80's.

 A little beach football.

Our master builder.

 Kate met a couple of friends. They helped her be brave enough to surf the waves. Kate is scared of the ocean and what is under the water that you can't see.

Kate wanted to go to the rocks. She said she liked them because they were a little dangerous! We saw lots of sea turtles swimming by the rocks. That was pretty cool!!

We made it to the end of the jetty. It is a long way to the end! Someone offered to take our picture. Luke and Rachel had stayed behind at the condo.

This picture was taken right before Chris and Kate slipped on some algae on the big rocks. They got a few scrapes and bruises. Kate was right about it being dangerous!!

The dolphins love to jump in front of the big ships that come through the bay.

The beach carts are a fun way to get around town....even if Luke does not look like he is having fun.

This is a true reflection of how my kids behave. I was getting the camera ready for our family picture and snapped this.

Wade and I played at the beach until the very last minute!! He loves diving into the big waves and letting them push him back!

Rachel's Sweet Sixteen Party

Rachel wanted to have a party for her Sixteenth Birthday!! We thought that would be a fun idea. Aunt Cara helped us with the decorations. She made the banner complete with musical notes and a cute photo collage.

We can't believe how much she has grown and changed in just sixteen very fast years.

Her very delicious cake!!

Time to sing Happy Birthday!! I tried to get a picture of everybody, but I think I still missed a few.

We had some fun outside games. 

And the girls played some card games inside.

Uncle Beaubie had the hottest job!! He grilled the hamburgers and hot dogs. They were delicious!

I wanted a picture with Rachel's friends. A few had already left, but these are sure a sweet bunch of girls!!

With Cousin Tenley

With Aunt Johnnie and family

With the McLeod Family

With Granny

With Granddad Bob. He managed to find a way to look taller than Rachel for the picture. ;0)

With Grandmom Wanda

With Grandpa and Grandnanna

Us with the Birthday Girl

With Aunt Dena

And with the Keller family from Arizona. We were so glad they were able to make the party.

The birthday girl on her actual 16th birthday!! Looking very grown-up!

Rachel loves all things musical. She plays the piano, clarinet, and cello. She loves to relax by watching Netflix and hanging out with her friends. This summer she is working at the pool as an attendant, at the church in the nursery, and also with the kids praise and worship team at the church playing the piano. She is excited to go to Band Camp in Canyon. She is also working to finish Drivers Ed, so she can get her drivers license!!

We are excited to see what this next year holds for you Rachel!! We love you so much!!