Top Ten (or so) Spring 2014

Spring is usually full of activity and compared to last year, this one was quite the whirlwind blessed with birthdays, spring break, end of school-year concerts, recitals and more.  These were some of our highlights:

1.  Zach spent hours learning dances for the spring Time Travel Showcase with Grace Studio.

2.  Prince Charmful (Nate) steals the stage and surprises his family with his acting skills in the middle school spring play "Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother."

3. Spring Jazz Band concert...trombonist Alex surprised us with a jazz solo!  He also participated in a week of European Honor Band in Weisbaden.

4. "Hold on to 16 as long as you can..."  While most American boys get driver's licenses on their 16th birthdays, Alex receives 16 random stupid things; 16 twisty-dos, 16 assorted bills, 16 things to make a mess, 16 yummy things to share and a day of climbing at the ropes course with his friends!

5. Mike remains busy sending troops all over Europe and Africa --on Memorial Day weekend, Mike conducted USAFE's Ceremonial Marching Band at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Versailles, France.    (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson) 

6. Spring Break Finland:  searching for snow in the Arctic Circle since Germany had none this winter!  Selfie in front of 3 boys with snowballs = not a good idea!

7. Nate's 14th Birthday and trip to the ropes course followed by dinner at our favorite pizza joint.  Whipped cream instead of frosting with fast melt candles makes for a short photo op!  

8. Alex's induction into National Honor Society...a club full of  cute girls new friends...

9. Zach's lead role as the circus "barker" in his 3rd grade class play.

"Tickets! Hurry up for the merry go round!"

10.  Zach played kid-pitch minor league baseball while Nate & I assistant coached.  

"Good eye, good eye!"  was frequently heard on the field! (Duh! It was over the backstop!)

11.  Nate fences in several more tournaments --how we ever really know what's going on is a small miracle!  Having friends & family watch is an awesome ego boost!

12.  Spring isn't complete without prom now, I guess.  Although, the 16 yo has yet to attend, the younger enjoys the party, the dancing, the dressing up and the cute friend date!  

13.  The one time it rains this spring, Paul the cat discovers his love of fishing.  He was also caught trying to dive into a larger bucket.  Interrogated about the mess, he gave only a blank stare....