Hannah's 13th Birthday

I can hardly believe that my little girl turned 13. She has seemed older than her age for a long time, but now it's official - she has entered the teen years! She is no longer a little girl, but a lovely, young woman who is full of compassion, joy, and kindness. She is blossoming into a young lady that I am very proud of.

This year we gave her a camera of her own to use in her photography - and she was absolutely surprised (I think!) and happy!

She was tickled with Jacob's gift and wanted to give him a sisterly hug, but he wanted no part of it. Typical brother... But good for Hannah - she doesn't give up or take no for an answer!

Hannah made her own cake again this year - she is so talented at the decorating. She decorated this cake with an amazing tree full of owls... There is no picture that does it justice - I am so proud of her. It was absolutely stunning.

Danny continued the tradition of a rose for each year. I remember when she was little we used to joke and laugh about the day that she would pass up the one dozen mark and he would have to buy two dozen to give her 13... And yep - he did. I can't believe that day is here already!

One of the owls she sculpted out of fondant... so beautiful.

Happy birthday my sweet, darling girl. I love you more than you will ever fathom. I loved our getaway to the Ritz and the memories we made there! What a special birthday!!

Florida 2010

The highlight of our trip to Florida this year was definitely going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - we spent a day and a half just exploring it - going into the castle, the shops, the rides, eating at the Three Broomsticks... it was all so magical. Definitely want to go back!

This is Ryan's collection of souvenirs, creatively displayed in his room at the house we stayed at. (Danny's parent's home) Among them is pumpkin juice, lemon drops and two wands!

Hannah and Ryan also thoroughly enjoyed pin-trading, which is something they started last year. It really is quite addictive and fun too!

Picture of luggage at Hogwart's Express

Danny and I had a very unique experience this trip. We sat at the Three Broomsticks sipping on butterbeer while all three kids went off on their own (together) to do some rides! It was the first time we have ever felt comfortable with that and let the kids go off - what a weird feeling it was for us. It was sad, really, to realize that the kids were old enough to do that. I actually miss the stroller days... well, kinda...

My oh so handsome Jacob at the pub - I just love this picture of him - he so RARELY lets me take a picture of him. He knew this one was for a frame I had purchased. Thanks Jacob - you need to let me do this more often!!

Hannah in Hogwart's robes with the conductor of the train - what a sweet guy he was - really in character! Asked Hannah if she had permission to be in Hogsmeade!! haha

Jacob enjoying his first butterbeer!! They were absolutely delicious! (non-alcoholic of course)

Hannah feasting on a huge, delicious, turkey leg!

And last, but not least, Ryan sipping on his butterbeer looking oh so dreamy with those big brown eyes looking at me... Ryan enjoyed this drink so much that we actually re-created them when we got home. They weren't exactly the same, but very very close.

The mischief of Ryan

The last couple months have been very busy, and so I haven't posted much at all. And perhaps because of my full schedule, Ryan has been left to himself more than I like. At times his boredom has driven him to do things he might not otherwise do!

Recently I was upstairs working on a project for Hannah's birthday and when I came down to the kitchen, I found that Ryan had opened every single drawer and cupboard in the kitchen and pantry! And the laundry room! It took me by surprise and all I could do was laugh! It did take me a bit to "undo" this mischief...

Anniversary Celebration!

This weekend Danny and I had the most amazing time celebrating our anniversary. Words can't describe it. Pictures can't show it. But the memory of it will always be engraved in my heart.

We went to DC and stayed at a hotel a block away from the White House, right in the middle of all the action, near all the attractions and museums. Even though we live nearby we totally felt like tourists.

We spontaneously took a carriage ride around the city... it was cold but it was very romantic and sweet.

This is the hotel we stayed at - The Willard - a 200 year old hotel with amazing views and an incredible feeling of the history surrounding us.

Isn't this spectacular? We could see the Washington Monument right outside our window! At night it was even more stunning!

Out the other window in our room we saw this view - the White House is off towards the back right... so neat.

The concierge sent up a bottle of champagne and fruit and chocolate on the house! We were so surprised and blessed!!

Today we took a long, leisurely stroll around the art gallery - I had never been there before - it was so beautiful, I was blown away by some of the paintings. I could have spent the whole day there. Danny obliged me - I had never been to an art gallery before so he took me, and I definitely want to go back.

Thank you honey for such a wonderful, memorable, romantic time away!!

Update from Hannah!

Hey, this is Hannah, the main blogger's daughter! Mom's been really busy lately doing dishes, laundry, cooking, taking us to classes, teaching school, doctor appointments, etc.... She asked me if I could do a post for her to catch her up on her blog. So I did! I'll just post a bunch of pictures and say what we did in them and when...

I got a handicap tag in September...

I got a sewing machine (that I use a lot) in late September...

We got a wheelchair in late LATE September. It was mainly for me because of my back, but everyone can use it if they have to. The only reason that I'm in the picture and not somebody else is because I was the only one who would let Ryan take a picture of me!

We've had a lot of board games in October. Well, not really. Just this one time. I won this game of Monopoly. We've mostly been doing school, doctors, and everything I said before...

We sadly lost our beloved dog that we've had for almost 10 years on October 21st. Ginger was such a good girl... We found out on a Tuesday that she had cancer and by Thursday she was gone. The house and yard seem so empty without her. We really miss her so much... This year has been a hard year in so many ways, but we never thought losing Ginger would be one of them.

The bunnies are doing great...

The Polaris, not so much. Ryan crashed it into the fire pit October 26th! He is fine - and was able to laugh about it when it was over!

Grandma and Grandpa have arrived and have already started working really hard, as usual. It's great to have them here! Not for the work they do, just having them is great! We've been playing a lot of Farkle, the bestest game EVER! Of course, we made them play Settlers of Catan with us. Grandma loved it (partly because she won) but Grandpa didn't like it too much. He likes action... like Farkle! Settlers is a slow game... I can see why he wouldn't like it. Oh well! I like it...

And, finally, Ryan also crashed the wheelchair! At least we know who not to trust to drive! haha

Jacob is Fifteen!!

One week ago Jacob turned 15 - time is really flying by now. I remember when Matt hit high school, those four years went by in a blink. I am trying to slow down the blink this time... I want to cherish every moment with this wonderful boy!

Jacob is outwardly a quiet, sometimes serious boy, but then he comes out with just the most funny outbursts and makes us all laugh harder than anything! He is a very responsible young man who is now serving the church on the sound crew as well as consistently serving at home. He enjoys his classes and considers going outside to shoot one of his favorite pastimes. He also loves to read. He has a close friendship with Hannah, and the two of them make each other laugh more than anyone else can. I love it.

Jacob's birthday cake - Hannah, Ryan and I worked to surprise Jacob with a book cake! Our first one! Hannah and Ryan actually did most of the work and I think it is one of the best cakes we have ever made!

Jacob had Jeremy over (his best friend) to spend the night - we ate buffalo wings and then went to a surprise showing of Cirque Du Soleil! It was absolutely amazing! The talent in those people just blows your mind. You are enthralled from the moment it begins, and wonder after wonder just unfolds before your eyes. Incredible!

But even this amazing show isn't as incredible as Jacob. Truly. Happy Birthday Jacob!!

Here is a recent picture of Jacob and Jeremy...

Back to School

School time is back again! We have cracked open all the new books and are diving into Ancient History, Math, Reading, plus tons of other subjects. I always enjoy this time of year, but the kids have a different opinion. (no surprise) I feel like the summer was so long and unproductive, though, that it feels good to have some purpose and routine back in life. May God bless our school year!!

This is Hannah's new work station for this year. She has a pretty sweet setup! This is where you can picture her doing all her school, writing her papers, e-mailing her friends and cousins, working on her blog, etc.

And this is Ryan's new workspace! He has personalized it with all his favorite things - and he feels left out without a computer of his own, so if you look closely you can see his computer made of paper and cardboard! haha

My workspace...

Somehow we didn't get a picture of Jacob's desk, but he can be found ALL OVER the place doing school. At his desk, at the table in the basement, at the kitchen table, in the guest room, and even upstairs in the bedroom!!