Volleyball, Volleyball, and more Volleyball!

We were able to get Natalie & Kate to play on the same team this year.  It was so fun to watch them play together.  Kate was the setter, and Natalie was the middle hitter.  It seemed like a very busy fall, but we look back with great memories of this season overall.

As a parent, it was such a delight to see them side by side on the court.  I loved it when they would give each other fives and discuss strategies for the next play.  

It was Kate's first official team season, and she ended up with the Rookie of the Year Award.  She was the youngest player on her team, but no one would have guessed it.  She played the majority of every game and did such a good job!

Natalie received the MVP award for the second year in a row.  She was a valuable asset to her team and always came away from games with new bumps and bruises from giving it her all each and every time.  

They were sad to see the season end and continue to practice almost every day as they anticipate next year.  

Back to School

Let the second year of homeschooling begin!

Summer Marches On

Scott got his license on the first day he was eligible, and it's been a game changer for all of us!  Someone told me that the day your child is potty-trained and the day they get their driver's license are two equally freeing parenting moments.  I would now agree. 

Scott loves his car that he received from his great grandmother.  He takes excellent care of it.  Don't dare try to have a snack while in his vehicle.  EEK!  Even transporting a carryout pizza home is questionable.  The pizza must go in the trunk. 

In July we attended Jon's extended family reunion in Pennsylvania.  We combined it with a trip to tour Gettysburg and the Flight 93 Memorial. 

Jon's parents and his uncle coordinated a multi-hour tour of Gettysburg.  I've never counted a field trip as a day of homeschooling, but after this day, that might change.   We learned a lot!

Jon & Scott got a wood splitter that has been so valuable to them.  They are going to town with every dead and fallen tree in our vicinity.  

Jon & Scott enjoy taking the Polaris to off-roading parks a few times a year.

While the boys were doing this, the girls and I took a trip to visit Molly & her family at the Columbus zoo.  

It was great to catch up and be amazed at how quickly all of our kids are growing up!

Highlights from Early Summer

Shortly after vacation, Natalie celebrated her 14th birthday, and Scott celebrated his 16th birthday!  

Then the countdown was on for Scott to drive.  He had to wait until 16 and 90 days before he could get his license.  

The kids had such a great time going to Holiday World with their cousin and grandparents!   (Unfortunately, only one of the cousins could come as the other was at camp.)  They were braver than I would have been and even had Grandpa & Grandma riding crazy tall & upside down roller coasters.  Perhaps the breeze felt good since it was a very hot day.  What a fun memory for everyone! 

Kate perfected warm, buttery, homemade bread.  It makes the house smell so good and never lasts long around here.  

The girls had fun at volleyball camp which officially started the busy volleyball season.  

Goblin Valley

This place is so cool!  It's called Goblin Valley State Park and has crazy rock formations.  

Scott used his drone to capture some great video and this family photo from above.  

The girls had the best time treating this place like a giant playground and climbing on all of the various rock formations. 

It was a great day to end the trip before the long drive home.