Twelve

We celebrated Mason's 12th birthday last week. In a blink of an eye, he has grown into a young man. He is officially as tall as his big sister after a quick growth spurt where he grew a 1/2 inch in just three short weeks. He is spending this birthday in braces from head to toe. After a few complaints, we took Mason back to the orthopedic specialist only to find out that his foot is still fractured. Instead of another cast, Mason has been placed in a brace for the next five weeks.

Sweet Sixteens and Saxophones

Mackenzie attended her first Sweet Sixteen party which has led me to ponder if her sophomore year is going to be the year of 16's. It seems like life's major events go through phases for us. Darin and I have had phases of weddings, baby showers, 1st birthdays, 40th birthdays and an occasional baptism or first communion thrown in for fun.

Tonight's birthday girl chose a hummer limo ride for jewelry shopping, pictures at the pier and a fancy dinner.





Someone we all know and love will be celebrating her 16th in January. I heard a rumor that she wants a trip to New York to watch a talk show instead of a party. If that rumor is true, it makes my heart swell. She is just like her mother who much prefers traveling over spending money on a party that only lasts for a few hours. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. However, you notice that I didn't agree to actually take her to NYC. We will just have to wait and see what happens.



In other noteworthy news, we have another musician in the family. I was hoping he would follow in his sister's percussion footsteps but instead he settled on his own instrument, the alto saxophone.



Mason still prefers sports over music but decided to give band a try his 6th grade year. We decided to rent an instrument rather than purchase just in case he changes his mind.

Labor Day Letdown

We had high hopes of taking another one of our infamous family day excursions today but it just wasn't meant to be. All it took was 10 days with 700 kids and I already picked up a virus. Sadly, I have spent my entire 3 day weekend fighting a sinus infection. Truthfully it is best that we didn't go anywhere thanks to torrential downpours and flooding. As I type, firefighters are battling a blaze at our YMCA which was probably caused by lightning.

I would like to end this post and our Labor Day on an upbeat (pardon the pun).



Marching season has begun! Mackenzie is one of six bass drummers. This year's halftime theme is Hollywood Movies. The band performs the theme songs from E.T., Star Wars, Jaws, and James Bond.