Track and Field Day

This was our first year to be a part of Morning Son's track and field day.  It was such a great day.  They have the usual track and field stuff like the 50, 100, 400, 800 meter runs but they also have silly events like the balloon toss, three legged races, fire man dress up relay, cowboy toss, etc.  They also have the potato sack race which I was talked into participating in ..... we will NOT be posting those pictures!  Let's just say I fell at one point in the race...not pretty.... :).
This is a picture of D with his teacher, Mrs. Struck.  She is an absolute GEM!  She has been so kind to Daniel and has made his first "real school" experience wonderful.
D doing the cowboy toss.  He never made it to the "ringer".  The boy who had his turn following Danny said, "this one's for you Danny!"  and he threw his ringer and it wrapped on the highest point possible - everyone cheered so loud and they all yelled "Way to go Danny!"  What a sweet class.  Dan also attempted the 400 meter dash.  When it was obvious he wasn't going to make it around the track, his brother Jake ran out to him, picked him up and put him on his back and the rest of the 2nd grade class joined him and they all ran around the track again with everybody totally cheering.  It was REALLY touching....  Can you believe I don't have a picture of it!!!!!!!  UGH!  A friend said she would email me hers - she got a couple of great ones.

Sammy did a great job in the Fireman relay and here is a picture of him and his buddy before they did the three legged race.  Sam loved the whole day...

This is Jacob's class, a few kids are missing.  As you can see, it is overloaded with boys.  They are a great bunch though.  Jake has really turned out to be a runner.  He loves it.  He really likes the long distance stuff and does really well.  He won a number of the "real" track events. Way to go Jake!  I especially loved your run on the 400 with your brother on your back!  I love your tender heart!

Noah's Ark

Tuesday Sam and Dan were in their Spring musical at Morning Son.  It was named Noah's Ark.  As you might be able to see by the group shot, the kids all came in  "two by two" (they had animal hats on).  Samuel was one of two "dog" narrators and Danny was a tiger.  It was a really cute program.  Only once did Danny almost slip off the front of the stage with his crutches...... For some reason I thought I was going to be able to catch him from the forth row back and stood straight up....  Oh to be a mom...

Last Game

This is how cold it was at T's last game.   :)

Strike Up The Band

  Jake and T had their final band concert a few days ago.  Both bands sounded so good (T is in the Jr High band and Jake in the 5th/6th grade band).  Taylor had his first solo on the drum "set" and did a really nice job.  I think both boys are glad it is summer now and that they won't have to practice as much......  We'll see.... We are thinking about signing them up for summer lessons.....

T's Last Game

  T's baseball season is over now.  He was able to play catcher most of the time, as well as 1st base and he pitched a little.  I think he enjoyed the season.  Now it is on to dwarf baseball for the rest of the boys.  

Flying over Fergus!

Pictured above is Hillcrest and the one below is my parent's house.  Fun!


Young Eagles took 8th graders from Hillcrest (those who could stomach it) flying over Fergus Falls this past Thursday.  The kids were able to take about a 25 minute flight in a little Cessna around the Fergus area.  They were able to get pictures of their homes from the air and pictures of Hillcrest and whatever else they wanted.  What a great experience!  I was fortunate enough to be offered a ride as well.  Even though I am NOT an airplane person - big or small - I was brave and took to the air.  I am so glad I did!!  The pilot took me right over my mom and dad's house on Jewett Lake.  I called my mom from the air and she was able to come out onto their deck and wave at us as we circled around and around their place.  What fun!  

Getting Older!

May 6th I turned another year older!!!  These years just seem to be flying by.... May 6th was an absolutely beautiful day - sunny and warm.  What a great gift!  The day started out with Jacob sharing, along with other Hillcrest students that went to Mexico, in chapel at Morning Son. He shared what he thought God had taught him on the mission trip a few weeks ago.  He said he learned to be more thankful for the things that we do have.

(Jake was a little shy for the camera.)

Matt Abel is pictured below with Jake.  Matt was one of the great guys Jake was able to get to know while in Mexico.  Matt loves the Lord and is an awesome example for Jake!

After chapel I was treated to a wonderful lunch with a number of my friends at my friend Carla's house.  The food was delicious and I so enjoyed the visiting!  Thank you so much Carla for your thoughtfulness!

Then for the finally for the day!  This is me before I blew out my candles on the cake the boys and Jeff made for me!  How about those flames!  Is there really a cake under there!  After I blew out the candles, you should have seen the smoke!  We really did think the fire alarms were gonna go off!  I think this should be the last year for candles.   :)

This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.   Psalm 118:24

Taylor's Confirmation

Last Sunday Taylor was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church here in Fergus.  Pastor Dave Foss has been his teacher for the last two years as T has studied Luther's Small Catechism.  What a great day.  We had family and friends over after the service to celebrate along with Taylor. Thanks Grandma Grace for bringing the infamous banana cake with brown sugar frosting!  And thanks to Bee and the cousins for coming to town to mark the day.  We will continue to pray that T will keep on growing in his knowledge and relationship with the Lord.  We are very proud of you Taylor!

Heritage Academy

The home school group Danny is a part of, Heritage Academy, had their end of the year party last week.  We celebrated an Australian Christmas together.  The kids just finished up a huge unit study on Australia, so this seemed appropriate.  Everyone had so much fun!  We had leg of lamb and pumpkin soup - I guess that is what they traditionally eat for "Chrissy"  down under.  It actually was really good.  The kids also had a "Knowledge Bowl".  Danny studied and studied the 127 questions and had them down cold.  Jeff and I gave him a prize as the big winner for the day!  Ask the kid what the imports to Australia are, and he can tell you, along with quite a few other things! Great job D!!  Thanks for coming, Grandma Grace!