We took Ian out to get a little experience behind the wheel before he started Driver's Ed. He did a really good job his first time out!

Now, he's a couple of days into the 3-week Driver's Ed class and drove on the road today! They've increased the difficulty of the class and the testing process, so he's looking at considerable homework...just what he wanted to do over summer vacation! Well, in the end, he'll be able to get his permit, so I think he'll live. :o)

Labels: driving, family, Ian

Today was a pretty amazing day for Christopher. He turned 16 and got his driver's license! He drove by himself for the first time and got keys to both vehicles. Ian totally loves riding shotgun, too! Tomorrow, they will drive to school, instead of taking the bus, which they are thrilled about!

This is a picture of Christopher's birthday present. He needed a better instrument, since he is going to be pursuing a career in music education...and with being in Jazz & Symphonic Bands next year...it was just time. He had no clue he was going to get his new trumpet today, though--it was so much fun being able to surprise him!

Ian wrote an amazing report on Alzheimer's Disease for Science. He wrote another really good report recently on Creation vs. Evolution, too. He's really developing a nice writing style and ability to express himself in writing. Makes a mom proud!

Special bonus! Almost 16 Song from the collection of Silly Songs with Scott. Enjoy!

Labels: birthday, Christopher, driving, Ian, Silly Songs with Scott, writing

What a busy summer we have had! Christopher took Driver's Ed. in June and July, so he's been driving on a learner's permit for almost two months. He's doing really well and we are conficent that he will become a very responsible driver. He does enjoy driving and is very careful to follow the rules of the road. He hopes to save enough money to buy his own car when he turns 16.

Ian went on a mission trip to Niagra Falls with the church and had a great time ministering to the people of that area. He worked on various projects--inside and outside (including pulling weeds one day) and really learned a lot from his experience. He is now playing Freshman Football at school. His team is 2-0 so far, so they're doing very well. He's #57 on the team. (If you click on this photo to enlarge it, you will see him just above the ref and below the Trojan head.)

Both boys are marching in the High School band. They play different instruments, but somehow ended up walking into the stadium next to each other...maybe the band teacher just has a sense of humor...I'm not sure. The songs this season are mostly from the three Shrek movies, which is the reason for the green t-shirts. They'll wear their normal band uniforms for the rest of the football season.

Yesterday was Grandpa's memorial service. It was great to be able to honor him with a military service, even though it was hard on us emotionally. I think many of us had to start the grieving process over and it brought up a lot of sad feelings that we thought we had already dealt with. We're really going to miss him. Many friends and family traveled to Augusta, MI to attend. We were able to get a four-generation picture while we were all together, so that was nice. This song has brought me a lot of comfort:

Dancing With The Angels - Monk & Neagle

Memories surround me
But sadness has found me
I'd do anything for more time
Never before has someone meant more
And I can't get you out of my mind
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know

Chorus:
You're dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You're dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you're dancing with the angels

You had love for your family
Love for all people
Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come

There is so much that I don't understand
But I know

Chorus

Bridge:
We're only here for such a short time
So I'm gonna stand up
Shout out
And sing Hallelujah
One day I'll see you again

Labels: band, church, driving, family, school