First Day of 11th Grade!

Today was Jackson’s first day of 11th grade!

Here are a few of the highlights from 10th grade:

We love visiting the library!

He went on his first mission trip with our church’s youth group and evangelized while there!

We went to German Fest!

Jack has been helping with sound and tech at church for years now, and a couple of months ago, he let me take a picture of him doing it!

We visited a train museum for our nephew’s birthday!

He helped me bake quite a bit!

We participated in our first charity run for a local pregnancy center that we support!

And we went to Oklahoma!
 

Jackson at Work

A few years ago after buying some land to build our home, Bryan took me on a date at a little cafe on what would soon be our new Main Street.  We sat at the old fashioned soda fountain and shared milkshakes.  While there, we got to know the soda jerk, his mom, and his grandfather who owns the adorable restaurant.  We fell in love with them, their place, and the small town.  Since moving here, we’ve visited the little shop for lunch—or just their homemade desserts—many times.  Today, we went back, sat at the old fashioned soda fountain, and was served by our son!  It was the sweetest treat in every sense of the word!

He makes a mean milkshake!

Jack is Driving

Jackson got his driver’s license yesterday!

So today, he drove himself to work and church for the first time!

Watching him drive off, I had to remind myself to stop blinking.

Way to Go, Jackson!

Yesterday, Jackson passed his driving test with flying colors!

So that meant the “You Are Special Today” plate and banana pudding—one of his favorite desserts!  As always, we are so proud of him!

 

4th of July!

This 4th of July weekend was full of lots of time together, lots of great food, and lots of thanking God for this amazing country!

On Thursday night, Bryan and Jackson went to a concert at the park and stayed for the fireworks!

On Friday, we had our patriotic meal!

Bryan grilled up some amazing cheeseburgers!

On Saturday, we loaded up America’s dog and went to Bryan’s parents’ house for another delicious meal!  

We are so grateful to God for this country!

Happy 16th Birthday, Jackson!

We spent the week celebrating our baby turning 16!

On Wednesday, we made him his homemade meal—pork schnitzel with cream sauce,  potato pancakes with apple sauce, fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

For dessert, apple strudel with homemade whipped cream.

On Saturday morning—his actual birthday—we surprised him with his favorite donuts.

After breakfast, he had to go to work, and then for dinner, he went with us to a gala for a local pro-life pregnancy center that we support.

Then today after church, we went to his restaurant choice—a Brazilian steakhouse!  He was so happy!

He may be 16–and taller than both of us!—but he will always be our baby!

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Celebrated our favorite guy today!  He is the most amazing Dad, a selfless provider, and the kids' favorite!  I am so grateful for the way he leads our family, and I am truly blessed to have raised our babies over the past 23 years with him!

Happy Father's Day, Papa Bear!  We love you so!

Sarah Found Her Dress!

15 years ago, as Sarah and I were picking up our bridesmaid dresses for Bryan's sister's wedding, she said, "Mommy, take a picture of me with this wedding dress!  This is the dress I want when I get married!"  Yesterday, she picked out her wedding dress!

Sarah with 3 of her 4 bridesmaids, (1 is out of state currently), her future mother-in-law, and her proud Mama!  We were all so thrilled to be part of her special day, and we can't wait to continue to celebrate her!

Jack Goes to Camp

On Saturday, we picked Jack up from Pinecove.  As always, he had a great time!

This is my new favorite picture of him!

His counselor praised him for leading the Bible discussions, being the first to help, calling him "sir" even though he's only 3 years older than Jack, and being bold in his faith.  We are so proud of him and so grateful for his heart for the Lord.

Jackson loved his counselor.

We missed him so much, and we're so glad he's home!