catching up, still!

The end of the school year is always fun and packed full of activities!  So here I am trying to catch up before the new school year starts...

Kyler had a great 7th grade year.  It's hard to believe that he will be in his last year of middle school.  We are thankful for all of his accomplishments.  Sadly, he has decided to give up band for this next school year.  His "likes" go way beyond what his schedule will allow! :)

He received two trophies this year - highest math average in his pod and
highest overall average in his pod!

Kavan received many fun awards this year.  He was the only 2nd grader this year to receive perfect attendance (that was his favorite award - can you guess why?).

He loved his teachers and was pretty "sweet" on Mrs. Clark! :)

Karlee had a great 4th grade year.  Her teachers, especially Mrs. Brown, were so great and pushed her academically.  She received many awards - and we were thankful for all of the opportunities she was given this year that made learning fun!

Awards, friends and an ice cream party!

Mrs. Brown and Karlee

I don't have any pictures of McKenzie at the end of the year.  But, she also had many accomplishments academically and musically.  She earned her letter in band this year after meeting a lengthy list of requirements.   - And we are proud to say that she pulled a B out of AP Government and Math to end the year with all A's and B's!  Whew!  And now she's driving!  :) Double whew!

We've had more...

Birthdays!

Kyler turned 13!  I'm glad he still has that big ole' grin!!!

We had a fun family get together with a "Cafe Rio" dinner and an eclair cake!  Yummy!

Then on his actual birthday, he went to dinner at Red Lobster and saw "The Avengers" with Layne, Uncle Kirk, Collin and his good friend Keaton.  When they got home, he opened some gifts from us and we had some chocolate raspberry cheesecake!  So fun! :)  What a great birthday!  And what a great kid!

Kenzie turned 15!!!  Oh my!  

I had to work on her birthday, so Layne took off from work early to take her to get her driving permit!  She passed - missing only 2 questions!  So, they headed to a church parking lot to work on some "real driving."  After about an hour of "driving practice" they went for ice cream and a shopping trip.  They had a lot of fun and Kenz was so excited about her permit!

Side note:  This past Sunday Kenzie drove us home from church.  Layne was in North Augusta so it was just me and the kids!  It was the most quiet car ride we have ever had.  The kids were a little nervous about Kenzie driving.  She did really pretty well - for her first real drive - until we got to the left turn to our road.  I told her to start braking so she could slow down for the turn.  Our conversation went something like this...

"Okay, start braking when you get to the yellow signs."

"Okay."

"You need to start braking."

"I am."

"You need to slow down."

"I am."

"Please put your foot on the brake."

"I am."

"Please push on the brake."

"I am."

"Braaaaaaaaaaaaake!"   -  "Mailbox on the right!"

As Kenzie goes into the left turn very fast, Karlee yells, "We're gonna dieeeeeeeeee!"

Thankfully all turned out okay.  The mailbox will still be on the right as Kenzie gets better at taking that left turn!

When I got home from work, we had pizza and gifts before the kids headed to their church activity.

After church, we had ice cream cake!! :)

Then we had a friends and family day at the lake!  It was a lot of fun!  Great weather, yummy food, and good company!

Still no luck getting the candles lit at the lake!  But, I bet we'll try again!  Kenzie did get bonus singing as I was determined to have at least one candle lit!  :)

Yummy cupcakes!

Mmmmmmm!

So cute!

Fun gifts!

362 kisses until she turns 16!  :)

And fun on the water!

Two teenagers in the house... I'm glad they're still best friends!  We love them!  :)

Layne is how old!?!

So, Layne celebrated his 42nd birthday this year - and we celebrated by leaving the kids with my mom and dad and heading to St. Augustine, Florida!  We had the best time ever - so fun, so relaxing - and have decided that it should probably become a birthday tradition!  :)

I don't think the kids missed us at all...

The school's Spring Carnival.

Kavan and his friend and classmate.



Karlee checking out the treats that her teacher was selling!

Nice Hair!

Kavan and Karlee climbing the wall.

When Layne and I got home, the kids surprised him with birthday decorations, dinner, and a cake!

German Chocolate - his favorite!

Still blows them all out with one little puff - I still can't figure it out!

What a fun weekend!

Thanks mom and dad! :)