What's been going on with Thomas.....

 I love this picture above- someone took it during our homeschool field day.
Below, T is practicing a speech at Classical Conversations.

 One of the experiments at CC was to build something that could protect an egg if dropped from about 7/8 feet.  He didn't advance to round 2, but it was a fun learning experience!

 Lately, one of the things Bug enjoys is listening to a Star Wars book with the Audible app, as he follows along.
Below, enjoying the annual church softball game.

 And here is what he is most proud of....his chicks.  He named them, and wants to put bands on their feet to tell them apart.... still working on that.  This has been a great experience for him, he buys the supplies, and makes sure they have food and fresh water.  Hopefully, they should begin to lay eggs between September-November.

 Below is their "in between" home, after they could start living outside, and until they got to where they could fly up to the top of the fence/gate.

 There is a cover (bottom of a plastic tote) over the food, because it is open on top.  And, Corbin made two "lean to" pieces, to provide extra shade.  This is "phase one"- later we will add a cover for the top, and build a new home (hutch) so that the "brooding box" (where they lay their eggs) actually sticks out of the coop, and Thomas can collect the eggs without having to go inside, he'll just lift up the roof of the brooding box.

New Blog Link

http://jkcdjsistersblog.blogspot.com/

Anne Marie and Andrew's Birthday Gathering

 

Starting from Anne Marie going clockwise:

Katelyn, Jenna, Amy, Andrew, Thomas, David, Heath, Hayden, and Hunter.

 

Hey! Anne Marie here. :)

Last night we had some of our closest friends over to celebrate my 17th birthday and Andrew's 15th birthday. We had tacos for dinner, played a few games, talked (A LOT) and had ice cream and cookies for dessert. For one of our games, we quizzed everyone about Andrew and I. The 1st and 2nd place winners got a 10$ Chick Fil A gift card. We are so thankful for this group!

 

Andrew's gifts. :) Our friends, the Quicks, are huge Duck Dynasty fans like us. They were sure to deck Andrew out in DD merchandise. ;) The Crenshaws (Amy, Jenna, and David) gave him a Starbucks gift card.

 

The Quicks gave me a camouflage hoodie. When I went out to my car this morning, I found something on my steering wheel from their middle boy, Heath! I got such a kick out of that surprise! Also, thank you, Crenshaws for the Starbucks card!

 

We are so incredibly thankful for God's goodness and for the people He has placed in our lives. He is SO GOOD!

 

"He put your feet on a wonderful road
    that took you straight to a good place to live.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
He poured great draughts of water down parched throats;
    the starved and hungry got plenty to eat." Psalm 107:4-9 (MSG)

Mario and Luigi at Spooktacular!

Satin Strings performed at their Annual Spooktacular! Jake and Xandie (his tennis doubles partner in junior high - also in the orchestra) teamed up as Mario and Luigi.

One More Clip

Playing to the parade crowd.

Texas Country Reporter Festival - Waxahachie

On the bus headed to Arlington to spend Friday night.

Satin Strings prays together before they perform.

Jake said his family coming made it a "perfect experience."

Both the Crowells and Nienstadts had very busy days - activities before and after the performance, but they navigated the traffic and a crowd of thousands and made us feel so honored with their presence.

Toby watching Jake and the orchestra prepare backstage.

 

 What can I say about this pic? I am one blessed Aunt JuJu!

 

 So grateful for these sisters! Missed the other two.

 Again, what can I say about this picture?

You can see sweet Hannah raising her hands and cheering for Jake.

Hugging Faith in between songs. When the group took a break from strolling through the audience, Jake stopped right in front of the blondies who wiggled into the front row.

  Serenading the blondies!

Thanks for making a video clip for us, Ryno!

 

Gotta love Aunt Jo!

Marching in the parade earlier in the day through downtown Waxahachie.

A wonderful two days with the Satin Strings and my family!

Texas Country Reporter Festival - Waxahachie Video Clips