Happy 14th Birthday Stephanie!

Friday, August 22,was Stephanie's 14th birthday. Our family tradition is to go out for breakfast. Stephanie chose to go to Cracker Barrel. Amy Bare and her kids surprised Steph by showing up with sunflowers and a special birthday greeting written on their tummies.

Coleman joined us for breakfast.

After breakfast, Mel's sister, Becky, took Stephanie out on her annual birthday date--shopping and lunch at Chik-Fil-A. Stephanie had a few girls over to play games and spend the night. What a great group of girls!

They decided to build a pyramid. It took several attempts. But finally...

they...

succeeded! Great job girls!

GCC Aerobics Class Field Trip to the Sound

On Monday, Mel's aerobics class from Greenbrier Country Club went to Mr. Basnight's place in Currituck.We went jet-skiing, tubing, played ping pong, volleyball, jumped on the trampoline, and kayaked.

Mrs. Parker's grandson, Parker. What an energetic little guy!

Jimmy Parker teaches at the club on Mondays and Thursdays. He seemed to have a great time jet-skiing.

Mr. Graf enjoying the day.

Cathy Tull and her daughter Victoria.

Debbie and Cathy, right before they tipped the jet ski.

Mel lost a bet, don't remember exactly what the bet was. She brought steak for the class. YUMMY!

Cheryl and Parker taking a little reading break.

Victoria and the Wasko girls.

The Gang. Rain or shine, we always whine! Thanks, Mr. Basnight for a great day.

Cape May Ferry

Brian joined us in NJ on Sunday afternoon after his trip to Texas. We took the Cape May Ferry to Delaware and then drove the rest of the way home.

Lynn Academy Feis, August 16 & 17, 2008

Stephanie placed third out of twenty-seven dancers on Saturday. Way to go Stephanie!

Above: The feis (pronounced "fesh") was held at the Atlantic City Sheraton where the Miss America Pageant is held. The girls are standing by the statue of Bert Parks in the process of crowning the new Miss America.

Below: Stephanie giving Dad her good news. Brian was in Texas at a home school convention.

Madison danced on Sunday and had a great day. She won three first places, a second and a third. Great job, Mooch!

Taylor placed first in her music competition. Yeah, Tay!

Kerri also placed first in her music competition. Way to go, Kerri!

Below: Madison telling Daddy her good news.

Below: the girls with Brian's mom, Nanny, and her friend and ours, Karen. Thanks, Karen, for supporting the girls in their dance and music and for genuinely enjoying going to the competitions. We appreciate you.

Friday--Atlantic City and Dinner with Uncle Bob

We went to Atlantic City on Friday. One of Brian's uncles, Uncle Bob, got us a room at the Trump Marina and treated us to a yummy dinner there, too. Thanks for your generosity, Uncle Bob! We had a great time hanging out with you and playing the question game. We learned a lot about you.

The view from our room at the Trump Marina.