GTLO

Bekah and I saw the legendary "Get The Led Out," a tribute band to the legendary "Led Zepplin," here in Newark at the Midland Theatre.  Wow!  What a good show.

Christmas Party

We enjoyed a fun-filled evening with the Shannons and Dishons (11 kiddos including ours) at our house for a Christmas party of sorts.  It was a chili feast - after which the kids performed their version of The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker

What fun! Charlie and Clarissa got to see BalletMet's "The Nutcracker" with us at the Ohio Theatre for the first time.  What joy - to see the wonder and fancination on their faces.

Candlelight Tour

Chilly, but super-fun night at the Granville Candlight Walking Tour.  The Praise Team played under the tent and the kids got to visit with Santa.

Anniversary

Celebrated our 9th Anniversary!

High Adventure

Bekah just finished a weekend of high adventure outdoors with the SHBC Womens Adventure Group (WAG).

Tennessee Vacation

We just returned from a fun-filled Tennessee wedding/vacation. Bekah's cousin, Zack Crane, and his fiance, Shannon, were wed on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in Jackson, TN. While in western Tennessee, our family, and many of the Cranes stayed in Chickasaw State Park. Then on Sunday, we traveled to eastern Tennessee for a several-day visit with the proud Crane parents (including a day in the Smoky Mountains). The kids got a lot of experience playing in lakes, rivers and streams. :)

Hot Summer Night - Concert on the Lawn

Our church had a 4th of July concert on the lawn and, indeed, it was a hot summer night. I was a lot of fun; fun to sing and play great music together. Bekah and I were blessed to be able to also share three songs that we had written. Happy 4th!

Robert's 40th Birthday

Thanks, everyone, for an awesome party celebrating Robert's 40th Birthday!! You did great job keeping the secret from the gray goat! It was a great time, and he appreciated all your birthday wishes. You all are a lot of fun! He did get to shoot off 3 rockets this evening, so he's content. But he's taking it easy after a big day, you know, he's not as young as he used to be. :)

First Broken Bone

It's official--Abriana has a broken first metatarsal in her foot. (She tripped and her foot folded under from the toes.) She'll have to wear a "boot" for 4 weeks (24-7 the 1st week), and then they will re-X-ray it. The doctor said it was a pretty big fracture, that she "must have gotten it good." Robert and I have never had a broken bone (nor have Clarissa or Charlie), so we are pretty surprised! Especially since she has had it the past 2 days with no swelling or bruising.

Homeschool Co-op Recital

Clarissa sang "Your Hands" by J.J. Heller at our co-op end-of-the-year recital, and I could barely listen or I would lose my place on the guitar. So sweet. Her first time singing into a microphone--whew! Charlie did a great job with his preschool choir too!!

Clarissa's New Kitty

As a reward for finishing Kindergarten, Clarissa got to pick out a pet for herself - with a little guidance from Mom and Dad. Her new kitty's name is Marli; a little, female tiger stripe. GREAT job Clarissa!!

Clarissa Wins Local Coloring Contest

A local bookstore, the Bookworm, held a coloring contest for their grand opening. Clarissa and Charlie both entered the contest, and Clarissa won for her age group! She will be awarded an Art Kit on May 7, 2011 at their grand opening day. Aaaaannndddd... when Bekah was in Kindergarten, SHE won a local coloring contest and was awarded an Art Kit!! (No lie.) AAANNNDDDD... both Clarissa and Bekah have hair like Kit Kittredge!!! (No lie.) ...Guess it runs in the family.

Midwest Homeschool Convention

Right about now, Bekah should be having a good ol' time at the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati - one of the largest homeschool events in the country. (This also marks the first time that all three kiddos have spent an entire day being watched and cared for by someone other than us.)

The McIntires

We have been praying for and spending a good deal of time with the McIntires - dear friends whose 11-month old daughter was recently diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (a malignant/cancerous tumor). Please pray for Izzie and visit their CaringBridge site for more information at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/izziemcintire.

Sfuras in Newark

We had a blast "catching up" with the Sfuras this evening! It doesn't get any better than a chili dinner 'round a hearty fire with close friends.

Dolly Sods Backpacking

Another great Dolly Sods experience under the belt - this time in late winter (Mar. 5-7). See pictures and videos at the following links.

picasaweb.google (pictures)

youtube.com (video)

Cinderella

Bekah, Clarissa and Nana attended BalletMet's Cinderella at Columbus' Capitol Theatre. Bekah said, "It was the best ballet I have ever seen in my life." Wow!

For the 'boy's night out' - Robert and Charlie are aiming for the local "Rocket Shop" or the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

Jazz Violinist

Clarissa, Charlie and Robert attended a free concert at the OSU Newark campus: Christian Howes, a jazz violinist. Their favorite instruments were:

Clarissa: Violin

Charlie: Drums

Dada: Piano :)

Charlotte's Web

Clarissa, Charlie and Bekah had a fun time seeing "Charlotte's Web" as a play, put on by Granville High School. They were able to meet Charlotte and Wilbur in person. :)

Birth Classes

Bekah started teaching birth classes for the local organization Heartbeats of Licking County recently. It has been awesome to see God use her skill and passion for childbirth in this way!