First Day of School

Eden and Miriam wanted in on the action too!

 My school kids are growing up!  Joseph is in 2nd, Peter in 4th, Hannah in 6th!  And yes I cut Peter's hair....yes it is a mohawk....yes it will be cut before church on Sunday!

 Taking our secret gate!!  Thanks Alan for installing it....so much time has been saved by having it!

 This year Hannah is old enough to be a crossing guard and she couldn't be more thrilled!  She takes her job very seriously!

Home again....home again...jiggity jig!!

Peter's Birthday

Happy Birthday Peter!

Peter, who has never wanted a friends birthday party, asked me a little over a week before had if he could have a birthday party! I was completely and totally shocked, but pleased. Looking at our crazy calendar really the only day it would work was on his birthday. Alan was scheduled to be gone, but as the old saying goes, "The party must go on!"

We decided to keep it simple so we just played capture the flag with pizza and cake. We had the kids come over right after school and stay until right after dinner. It was a huge hit! All the boys had a great time running around and the weather could not have been better! It was perfect, because it was simple and little prep work and with little time it couldn't have been better!

First Day of School!

It was an interesting first day of school. The day before Hannah and Peter started getting a cold and I told them the night before that I didn't think they would be going. I got up the next morning to find them ready and waiting to go.....they still had another 45 minutes until we had to leave. How can I deny them the first day of school? I let them go after they told me that they felt fine. Sorry to all those who might have gotten this nasty little cold.

Hannah is repeating the 5th grade this year for social reasons. She is perfectly fine with it and hasn't had any problems with kids teasing her. The school district strongly discouraged this decision, but we really felt like this was the right thing to do. After meeting with Hannah's teacher from last year we got the impression that even though she couldn't go against the school district, she thought it would be a good idea as well. So instead of being the youngest in her class she is now one of the oldest. She was able to get the teacher she wanted as well!

Peter is now in the 3rd grade. He is one of the tallest kids in his class. He has only about an inch until he passes up Hannah! Peter's teacher had to miss the first week of school because of her mother's death, but Peter was able to meet her the following Monday and really likes her. We have heard nothing but positive things about his teacher! Always makes you happy when you get a good teacher like that!

Joseph is a big first grader this year. He is so excited to be able to go to school all day long and loved his class. He doesn't have any of his friends in his class, but I am not worried. Joseph has never had a problem making friends! We don't know much about his teacher, but it made me a little nervous that his class was waiting lined up outside like they are supposed to and everyone else's teacher had already come and gotten them and I saw his teacher run out and exclaim, "I'm so sorry, I forgot you!" Should be an interesting year!!

I also get to start school this year!! I am going to be attending Bellevue College working toward getting my BA degree in Interior Design. Having already gotten an AS degree I won't have to take many general ed classes. Just a couple of art classes that I am getting taken care of this quarter. Alan doesn't teach this fall so he will be watching the girls while I am in class. I am nervous but very excited for this next step in life.

All in all it was a good first day! I was able to get some things done at home with three gone and they came home with all smiles!!

Rain Gutter Regatta

A new exciting experience making a vegetable boat!

Blow Peter, BLOW!!!

He took a good 4th place. Well done Peter! The avocado shell with no sail took first.....go figure!

Nothing like a good book!

It started with one......
Then 3......

Then 5......

One can't resist a time to just lay around reading!!

On My Honor...

It's offical.....I have a scout! and so starts our trek to the church every Tuesday evening for the next 20 years!
He is excited, so we are excited! Bring it on!

A day to remember

Peter made the decision to be baptized and to follow in the footsteps of the Savior Jesus Christ. He read The Book of Mormon before his appointment with Bishop Allen Kimball to be interviewed for baptism. He took Moroni's challenge and prayed about the words he read. It was sweet to listen to him tell us about it. Of course, mom had to take pictures before he went for his interview.
It was a special day......family and friends gathered around us as we witnessed Peter make this commitment to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so proud of him!!

Peter with the primary president, Sister Agler.

Peter with his grandparents who were able to attend. (Left side Drake.....Right side Boss)

Peter was able to bare his testimony in Sacrament Meeting the following fast Sunday. He started to get antsy and then started writing. Then without asking or saying anything he got up and walked to the podium. He gave a beautiful testimony...

"I know the church is true. I know our Savior lives. I know Joseph Smith translated The Book of Mormon. I know if Heavenly Father didn't make the earth we wouldn't be living. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

What a handsome little man!! We love you so very much, Peter!!

Last day of.....SCHOOL!!!

The sun hit them just right and none of them could open their eyes! It makes them look like they are so sad that it is the last day of school. They were excited to get home so they could be with all their cousins who were coming that day for the Drake family reunion!!

My yearly measuring up......Hannah is 3 years older than Peter, whereas Peter and Joseph are only 19 months apart. All to soon Peter is going to be taller than Hannah, Mom, and Dad!! Poor Joe might just be short.....but he may grow a little later!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Peter!!

Happy 8th Birthday Peter!!

Peter had a great birthday! It was the second to last day of school. It seems a little late to be in school, but such is life. He was excited to have some of his cousins there! It made it really special.
Peter LOVES Star Wars!!

I always love the surprised face of excitement at getting what he wanted!

He got a set of scriptures and a scripture case. I love this picture because you can see his dimples. Ever since Hannah got a clock for Christmas Peter has wanted one!

What a big, great, lovable kid Peter is. He is one who has always enjoyed being at home or with his family. He is growing up fast but he is my first to get a hug and kiss before school. He is also the one who still wants to hold Mom's hand. He may be shy, but has a lot of love to share! I love you Peter!!

A day of clamming

My visiting teacher invited our family to go clamming with them. I had to buy a clamming licence.....never thought that I would get one of those! We went when the tide was the lowest all year and had a great time! Miriam just wanted to jump in our wholes to swim. She finally made it and had a blast! Eden was far more particular.....didn't want to get her hands dirty! The older three just ran around and played and discovered......crabs, clams, starfish, hermit crabs, sand dollars, shells of all kinds, sea anemia, barnacles, and little fish. We stayed until the tide came in......What a great day!! So fun!