Anna is 15!

Anna enjoyed celebrating her birthday with her buddies Abby and Addy.  They went shopping, went out for sushi and then had a sleepover.  And of course they took some pictures...it seems like that is all these teen girls do!  

Anna then celebrated her birthday with her BFF, Brooke.  They made a cake and had a sleepover and of course lots of giggling happened.  

On Anna's actual birthday the family went to Cheesecake Factory to celebrate and then when we went to Naples over spring break we celebrated again with dinner at Tommy Bahamas.  I'd say she had a good birthday that we celebrated over and over.  She also now has her restricted license and can drive to and from school!

Update: Anna's 15 year stats (from June appointment):

weight 118lbs 55%

height: 69 inches, 98%

BMI: 17, 14%

Christmas and trip to the lake over New Year's

We had a good Christmas! Things were a bit different this year, but that seems to be the case lately. We went to church on the 23rd, went to Clint's the night of the 24th and then went to Pa & Toots' on Christmas.  We also visited my mom quite a bit on and around Christmas.  She moved to a Memory Care facility in November so we are slowly getting used to the idea of this huge change.  We brought Christmas to her and made the best of it.  A few days after Christmas we went to lake for a 5 night get away.  We enjoyed Silver Dollar City the first evening and then spent a lot of time at the lake house (thanks to my backed up system that took me to the ER).  Overall it was still a lot of fun and we even ventured out to shop the day before we headed home.  We really enjoy our time way as a family of 5 (plus 2 dogs).

Wyatt just learned how to play chess

moving Ma's favorite chair to her new place

First half of 11th, 9th, and 4th grades

11th grade: Drew is taking a hard schedule this semester.  He's taking 5 honors/AP classes and pushed through and ended up with good grades for his first semester.  Drew had a great cross country season and had some amazing PR's throughout the season.  His team got 2nd at regionals and made it to state as a team.  It was a lot of fun watching Drew and his team this season.  He also went to an optional meet with his team in Sioux Falls and had a great weekend and a great race that weekend.  Drew enjoyed going to the high school football games this fall and had fun hanging out with friends.  He also worked  quite a bit each week.  Some weeks he even worked 18 hours on top of school and cross country.  It has been seeing how he manages his time and responsibilities.  Drew has also been on three college visit.  He went to Pitt State, K-State, and Central Missouri University.  He is definitely leaning towards KSU, but if he gets to run somewhere he may go that route.  We plan to visit a few other colleges in the next year.  At this point, Drew is interested in studying Accounting.  

9th grade: Anna has really worked hard her first semester of high school.  She is taking 4 honors/AP tests and worked her tail off to get all A's.  She has learned a lot this first semester and has done a great job about asking for help when she needs it.  She has kept busy with club soccer.  She traveled to St. Louis this fall for soccer and then her team won State Cup in November!  Anna has enjoyed all the high school festivities, she went to quite a few football games and went to Homecoming with Alec (who later became her boyfriend).  Anna has also done quite a bit of babysitting this semester and is doing a great job saving most of her money (she has really enjoyed some online shopping too).  Anna has been talking quite a bit about becoming a nurse when she grows up.  

4th grade: Wyatt has had a good start to his school year.  He struggled a bit with the transition to 4th grade.  He wasn't so sure he liked his teacher at first, but as time has gone on he really likes her.  He also didn't have many good friends in his class, but Wyatt being Wyatt has done just fine making some new buddies! Wyatt's teacher is touch and expects big things from him this year.  There has been a lot of homework and a lot of responsibility expected.  Wyatt will be more than ready for middle school (in two years) after this year.  He is also learned a lot.  Wyatt joined a new soccer team (and club).  He is enjoying being a Surf player, but has also struggled some.  His team has quite a range of skill so it can be frustrating for him at times.  Wyatt has enjoyed playing goalie for 1/2 of most games.  Wyatt played flag football this past fall and has also taken up golf.  He has been to the driving range quite a bit and even tried out a lesson.  He's hoping to get more into golf this spring and summer.