First teen in the fam

 Noah, 

What an exciting year it has been. As you enter your teenage years, Dad made sure this would be an unforgettable birthday. He woke you up on a school morning and you guys headed to the airport. He took you to North Carolina to play golf, ride go-carts, and watch the Golden State Warriors. Although you were hoping for an iPhone on top of all that, you still had a blast. We are so grateful for the teenager you have become. You are a servant here at home always taking the initiative to help around the house without being asked and you model that so well for your siblings.  You rarely complain but if you do it's in the form of a sarcastic joke that makes us all laugh.  You help us get through the long bike rides and hikes that dad plans and you are learning to persevere through hard work.  You bring your friends and family much joy and you will use any excuse to make us malted chocolate chip cookies! Happy birthday Noah!

Love M&D

Your new favorite thing to eat is street tacos

He always loves coaching you

staying up later and laughing lots with the DeVries

Harper's Ferry Hike

Mmmmm!

Happy Birthday sweet teen

11 year old Chloe

Chloe, 

You finished elementary school with a bang! I think you earned every award Ms. Rohr had to offer, my favorite being the leadership award:) Despite middle school getting off to an overwhelming start for you, you handled it well.  The Hermione inside you was concerned she added too many details to her paper, but I just got your first report card and you pretty much have straight A+'s.  You are a perfectionist, but oftentimes put too much pressure on yourself. You are learning that your best is not always perfect, and that's OK!! We are proud of your hard work and diligence. This year you embraced your dad's favorite sport, volleyball. He loved coaching your team and watching you grow in a new sport. You are so helpful and creative when it comes to Elijah and Grace, and despite the many conflicts, everyone enjoys playing with you.  We know these coming years will offer new challenges, but hope to see you grow in love and dependence on the Lord as he faithfully guides you. We love you so much!

Like Father, like daughter is more like it in this family

You're getting so good 

getting more adventurous, and it was yummy salmon!

5th Grade Medieval Feast prep

The feast!

You subbed in for me at Grace's Mother's day tea

fishing with the fifth grade

Elementary years come to a close

First Volleyball season

This year you just wanted to go out with your bestie and get your first manicure. 

Happy Birthday!

 

Grace turns 6

Grace,

My babiest girl is 6 and I’m sad to say goodbye to those little years. Kindergarten got off to a rough start with MANY tears the first 3 months, However, the day after you finished school, you were tearful too because you missed Ms. Stoy. You became so courageous and developed so many friendships and your classmates loved you too. You have grown leaps and bounds in every area of your life. Your love for your family is my favorite. You always make stuff for us and draw lots of family pictures. Playing with your siblings is your favorite regardless of what they’re doing. Chloe may have been watching little girly princess shows at your age but you jumped right into Star Wars and the Mandalorian! This year you also joined them in swimming and you want to play basketball too. Oh, and how could I forget! Dad thought you were ready to take off your training wheels, and within minutes you were off!!! It's been a joy to see you become an adventurous little girl and we love you much! 

First day of school

F

My little helper

Reading like a pro

Easter

Friyay and Hawaiian day

Just hanging out with your brothers

fueling up for a long ride

Happy Birthday sweet girl

Elijah turns 8

Elijah,

You are still smiling and still brightening up our days with it. This was an exciting year for you as you played your first year of basketball with dad as your coach! You are doing an amazing job and we enjoyed seeing more of the athlete in you in both basketball and swimming. One of my highlights has been working in your classroom. You are such a diligent and efficient student. You get so excited when Ms. Deibel asks a question that you know. The “ooohhhh!!!” with your hand shot high in the air made me giggle every time. Your most common phrase is "Mom, watch this," And you love to impress us with your lego creations, magic tricks and so much more. You are very sweet and affectionate, and I love all the little notes and pictures you make for me to use as bookmarks. We love you so much and soak up every snuggle we get with you!

You like to impress us with your Samson strength

You are an adventurous eater and love trying new foods, especially if it's spicy!

Gettysburg: Anything battle and artillery-related, you are there

Happy Birthday, E's!