September Graduation Party

We had 3 graduations this year!  Whoo Hoo!  Kiara, Jacob and Joseph all graduated high school-so cool! 

                           We had family, church folks and friends over to help celebrate with us.

We played games, had good food and had an official ceremony on the front porch.  So proud of all of their hard work and efforts!  We can't wait to see what is in store for them next!

 

Blandford Fair—Jess, Sky and Lexi

Jess and her girls had the priviledge of opening their little fair in their hometown.  They went all out with a new hitch for their ponies.  They sported flags.  It sure was a foggy morning but there was a lot of excitement in the air.

Jess competed for the first time in a long time.  She and Jasmine make a good pair.  They brought home many ribbons.

The girls also competed on Jasmine, Emma and then got these 2 critters dressed up for some fun.  They played games too.  It was a fun family day.

The girls compete on lead line still because of their age.  It was fun to see their smiles and all of their ribbons.

              Jess and Jasmine have been together for a long time!  Sweet relationship!

And then there was these guys!  The weather threatened all day to rain.  The cart was staying for the next days festivities so they moved it with their new 'horses' with a whole cart load.

                                                     Lots of smiles for sure.

And then there was this!  Devon enjoying ice cream at the fair!  He was saving some for later, I think. 
 

And then there were 2!

Our first day of school this year ....Becca and Devon started their school year in early September.  Perhaps one of the earliest years to date.  It has been a long time since I had only 2 students.  They start their year as freshman.

                                       Becca loves to read and is good at English. 

                      Devon (and Hope) loves math and learning about fixing things.

                        And we are off to a good start!  Excited for the school year!
 

Kiara’s 19th birthday

Happy birthday to this kiddo!  We were so fortunate to have her home to celebrate.  She didn't disappoint and asked for her favorites-chicken noodle soup.  Have to admit that cake was delicious!

 

Kiara’s Graduation Photos

Kiara and I headed off on a photo adventure.  My girl with the constant smile loved being the center of attention and had some fun ideas about her photos.  The above photo was at our train station and was a request of hers.  So fun!

The stockades as well as some funny jumping pictures were her big idea.  We laughed until we cried. 

This is the door I used in the boys shot and I had to use it here too!  Love it!

 We visited the Common, the Raymond train station, Onway Lake and did some shots in the woods at home.  Such a fun time and we had great photos too!

LTC Camp

So while I was in PA at my folks place, Jacob and Michael were at the NH LTC Alert Cadet camp.  It was Jacob's first time in leadership and Michael's first time being at the First Aid Camp.  This shot was sent to me by a friend of both of my boys encouraging each other as is tradition at the last formation.

Lots of scenerios for the sons to practice their skills.  Michael's car was included too.  See the hand on the ground?!?  Fun stuff for sure and they love making blood to go with it all.

                                                         Hooray Cadet Men!

Lancaster, PA- Week 3

Another week spent in Lancaster, PA hanging out with my folks while my sister traveled.  This time, Michaela and Gabby joined us for the week.  We spent time in the pool!

         Some of the kids headed to Oma and Suzy's house to visit with them too!

We took an Amish Buggy ride with the kids and played on the playground while we waited.  It was a cool spot on a muggy morning. 

Our ride was lovely and Becca got to drive a bit.  Our host was fun and chatty.  She answered my many questions and told us about how the Amish in Lancaster Country are moving away from farming and starting to own businesses.  They are also putting up greenhouses to have produce year round.

We all had fun celebrating Opa's 85th birthday.  We had carrot cake for him but waited until Jason arrived to do a bigger celebration. Ham loaf, noodles and whoopee pies all were a big part of it.  We tried a shoofly pie whoopee pie and all we could say was mmmmmmmmmmm!

 A fun photo of everyone before we headed out.  The crew had a fun week!  We headed home and arrived late that night.