libby's graduation

Libby had her 8th grade graduation on the same day as Josh's. We had to divide and conquer. Libby earned lots of awards too. Clyde was extremely proud to give his girl the awards. So, thus endeth her middle school career...now on to High School.

libby and josh

5th grade graduate

We had another Wardling graduate from Elementary School. I am so glad that this year is over.

After the award ceremony, all the grades come out into the hall and cheer for the graduates. It is my favorite thing that RF does for their 5th graders. On the way down the hall, Josh stopped to get a hug from Penny and a fist pump from Jacob.

Good bye elementary school for Josh and hello Middle School.

kindergarten graduate

Penny graduated from Kindergarten today. The Kindergarten classes had a celebration and we parents watched and a few cried. It is bitter sweet to have our last Wardling have these milestones. These moments are sweet to enjoy. Congrats Penny!!

A/B Honor Roll

We are so very proud of Josh, earning his 12th in a row Honor Roll. He shows such enthusiasm as well. We love you Josh!!

not for the squeamish

The above picture isn't for the squeamish. Jacob was playing, tripped and fell, and ended up with this lovely piece of bark in his hand. According to our county school system, no splinters or foreign body objects can be removed by staff. (Really? Not even by the medical personal on staff?) I left work early, toting in our car's first aid kit and had minor surgery in the nurses office. Jacob was quite brave, as that sucker was deep in his flesh. Seeing me made it worse for him emotionally and then of course with the alcohol cleansing wipe hit the open flesh wound, didn't make the situation any better. He opted to come home for the rest of the day. I joked with him because he was supposed to walk laps at recess for something stupid, and told him that he would've done anything to have gotten out of it.

blue tank

Back in September, we were involved in a car accident. It took us a while to find a new van. I was still pretty shaken and I wanted to feel as though we were driving a tank. We had a new Kia van as a ental. I liked it, but was a bit hesitant to buy another Kia. We drove at least a dozen vans. My favorite was the Toyota Sienna, because it was way cool but more importantly, it felt heavy and safe. We had the same feeling when we drove the van that we ended up buying. It is a heavy car. And now we know that it can take a smack...

While at work on Monday, I heard this awful noise and looked out the sewing room window to discover that someone had hit our new and very parked van. He was texting and looked up when he had hit the van. There was a bunch of damage to his car. He could barely open his car door to get out. His fender was off, headlights out and broken. The front sides of his car were seriously damaged.

 This is just a bit of the damage to our car. I'm afraid that besides needing a new bumper, a paint job, that the majority of the work will be electrical. We will soon find out.  Thankfully, there is no argument over who's fault this is.

The funny thing is that the shop is right next door to an attorney's office. The main attorney came out and said, "I usually don't come to accident sites, but when they happen in front of my office, I must get a look." He and an associate were out taking pictures. Doubt anything will come of it. Again, clear case.

on the Appalachian trail

Josh needed to finish a hiking requirement to be second class in scouting. He went on Saturday to compete this requirement with his scout leaders. One of them sent this picture to me.  Thank you! Josh said," the view was the most beautiful view I have ever seen." The hike also wore him out. It was something like 10 miles. He didn't put up an argument when it was time for bed. We love that he loves scouting.

new blog

 I started this new blog in January, but did nothing with it until I knew that our old one was officially full. Well, as of today, it is officially full. As I said in the last blog, I am sad. Star Wards has been awesome in my attempt to keep up with the happenings here at the brown house with our Wardlings. I feel like I am starting a new journal, when the book is still new and not broken in yet. This'll be fun. Now onto Star Wards chapter 2.

We were supposed to have a fun cub night at our house 2 Wednesdays ago, but due to rain we postponed it. Right after we made the call to move the date, the sun came out and we could've had the scout night. whatever rain, whatever. So we pushed it back a week and had the final Pack meeting here @ the brown house. Fires were started, games were played, wieners were roasted, and s'mores were eaten. Fun night. Jacob was given the wrong award. That will be fixed soon. :)

The following night was Libby's 8th grade dance. She and a gaggle of her friends were picked up from school early, got dolled up, ate here in the Emerald City then delivered to the dance in a limo. The girls were thrilled! I attempted the Charlie's angels pose with only a few of them getting into it.

I only asked them to stand still for a photo...

The following night, Saturday, aka last night, we attended the seminary graduation and dance. We were responsible for the food. This was Libby's first church dance, since she is only 13 and can't officially go for another month. Erin wasn't feeling too well and stayed home. We were sad that she couldn't make it.

We are partyed out.