Middle School here she comes!

Who knew this poor child would have attended six different schools BEFORE even entering Middle School?!? She attended a private PreK program in Snoqualmie before attending Cascade View Elementary for Kindergarten. Then we moved to Mason where she attended 1st and 2nd grades at Mason Early Childhood Center, third grade at Western Row Elementary and 4th and 5th grades at Mason Intermediate. Then we moved to Windermere and she attended the last semester of 5th grade at Bay Lake Elementary and will now transition to Bridgewater Middle School to start 6th grade. Fingers crossed she will finish middle school at the same one she started at... :)

Although the transition into Florida schools was far from easy for each of the kids, Sage had an especially rough time. Thankfully, by the end of the semester, she had adjusted quite well, gained a few close friends and came to really enjoy her teacher. She had also joined a singing group called the Lyrical Lyons which she really enjoyed and I have to admit I was thrilled when I learned they'd be performing at the 5th grade moving up ceremony because at least that guaranteed her getting up on stage...one way or another. What a pleasant surprise it was though when we found ourselves whipping out our camera throughout the whole program as Sage's name was read for one award after another. It was so cute to see the excitement on her face as she walked up on stage, especially when they read her name for being a recipient of the Presidents Education Award! Admittedly Jack and I giggled wondering if there had been a mix up but sure enough her teacher confirmed she got the award because she earned the award!

Leave it to Sage to end up front and center...



Ms Donaldson, Sage's teacher!



Friends...




Good bye 5th grade...

Happy Half-Century to this man!

Well we didn't get to celebrate Jack the way we had all hoped to, (in our new house out on the lake) since we have yet to see even a roof go on the darn thing, but we didn't let that stop us from hunting him down at his office to highlight his age in donuts! We arrived to find a decorated office done by members of his team who had also showered him with cards and gifts. He is loved!



If you were to ask Jack what's one birthday wish he has, he'd tell you it would be to see his whole family out on the golf course as much as possible. None of us are great but he'd love to see us all improve together! So in the spirit of working towards that goal it only made sense that Jack should get new clubs and a new bag as we settle into the Florida golf lifestyle!

We sure love you Jack! You are an amazing caretaker, loyal friend, hard worker, and the most driven person I know. Not only do you have a compassionate heart, but you are young at heart. We love your stories, dinner discussions you lead and life lessons you share. You mean the world to us and we are so grateful to have you in our lives. xo

Happy ELEVEN sweet girl!

You know you have fabulous Sunday school teachers when on your birthday week you receive this! They are so sweet, from sending postcards while they travel to remembering birthdays, they sure know how to make Sage feel special!



Of course it wouldn't be a complete birthday without the traditional crepe breakfast!



I don't think Sage's dinner choice would be a surprise to anyone! Lucky for us they have a Blaze Pizza at Disney Springs...albeit, a very overpriced one but equally as good as the one we left behind in Mason!



Of all the things Sage could want for your birthday, slime supplies were at the top of the list...



I don't know what I was thinking when I thought I may get out of having a "friend" party for her this year. It doesn't take long for this cute girl to make friends and before we had even settled on a day she had secretly been discussing with friends the best day to party together! Dad's job definitely has it's perks...



What a blessing Sage is in our lives. She is loved by everyone, and although at times she squabbles with her brothers, it's evident how much she adores them and looks up to them. She loves to cook, watch Studio C videos on her ipad, swim, babysit, sing, and make slime! She continues to always be a good friend and adores being a helper to the younger kids. Happy Birthday sweet Sage. We sure love you to the moon and back infinity!

West Orange High School water polo season wrap up!

Suprisingly, the facilities here in Florida are nothing compared to what we had in Ohio but that didn't stop Connor and Ty from having a great season and making new friends. Aside from a few photos I captured at their Boca Tournament and posted about already, I didn't take many photos but thanks to a kind parent, here are a few fun shots from the season.



It woudln't have been such a successful season had it not been for Coach Dailer (Jen). Both her and Coach Eccleston were great but Jen was especially helpful in making the transition onto the team as smooth as possible. She really looks after the kids and they all love her! Like their past coaches, she was also very complimentary about the boys both with their skill and their ability to take feedback and be teachable...things that make my heart happy.



Another school, another letter...



With twins participating in the same activity, it's always a bit difficult to see one receive an award while the other doesn't, especially knowing they both worked equally as hard. But how much it warmed my heart to see how happy Connor was for Ty when he received Rookie of the Year...again. I guess if you have two coaches from two different states award you with that award, it must mean something! How proud we are of both our boys though for all the hard work they put in and the great example they were to their teammates. Ty really killed it this season with goals and steals. Proud of you Ty Baby!



We will now look forward to watching the boys play at yet another high school for their sophmore year as they transfer over to the new Windermere High School this fall!

Guys Trip for Jack!

Jack always loves getting together with this group of guys for their annual Tycation, in memory of our dear friend Ty Bailey. This year they all met back in Arizona for some golf and guy time! Surprisingly, this time Jack managed to take a few photos...





What a fine group of men. So grateful for the friendship Jack has with each of them.

Take your Child to Work Day...

And if that isn't possible, have your colleague take your child to work...lol! When Jack learned SeaWorld was hosting a 'Take Your Child to Work Day' on April 27th, a day he wasn't even in town, his colleague Melissa quickly jumped in to make certain Sage didn't get left out and still got the opportunity to participate which was so nice of her. She also made certain to capture much of the day in photos. Sage sure did have a great time...and of course loved she got to miss school to participate.

It would only make sense that bubbles would greet us as we arrived at the office for check in...



Remember this is a company that owns an amusement park themed around Sesame Street...



Looks like there is a new CHRO in town! Time to get settled in dad's office...



Melissa shared with Sage what Jack's typical morning routine is...



Sage took it upon herself to leave notes for Jack's direct reports who seemed to be missing...something I'm sure Jack spends much of his morning doing...haha!



Of course personalized business cards are a must...



It's even better when you meet a new friend! Sage and Mackenzie hit it right off...



It would only make sense that the kids would get to spend half their day doing a park visit and riding roller coasters. Loved they thought to take a selfie of themselves while at the park together.



What a fun day it was!

Drivers in the house...

One word: Frightening. I'm not going to lie...



After successfully completing an online driving course and exam, these two handsome boys are now eligible to drive. Granted with us but if I have my way, it will only happen when it's with their dad! Here in Florida first time drivers are required to have their permit for a full year before qualifying to get their offical drivers license. Of course we didn't learn this until a couple months after their 15th birthday so being the boys didn't get their permits until mid April, there is no way they will qualify to get their license on their birthday! But I'm really ok with that. Yes, I'd love to have them driving themselves to their various activities but after moving to Florida and witnessing so many accidents on our local roads, I'm ok with a little delay. Between the tourists, foreigners, illegals, senior citizens and texting teenagers here in Orlando, it's one scarey scene. Someone is going to have to drive with them though because they are required to log in fifty hours of driving before they can even get their license. Deep breaths... deep breaths... :)