Summer 2018

Hello.

Another busy summer for us here in Gettysburg.

Madi began her summer by taking a trip to India for 2 weeks to help with a organization to help children in remote areas.  It was quite the adventure.  Despite a few bouts with some illnesses, it was a great trip and a great experience.

Abby and Andrew ended their school year well.

Andrew had a good summer.  He had a good summer of running.  He was able to connect for mountain runs once a week with a neighboring school team and also attended Cross Country Camp at Shippensburg University.   Here is a pic with one of his teammates from the camp.

 He also played basketball summer league basketball with the varsity basketball team as well as attending team camp at Susquehanna University.

He also got a job at the Taco Bell that opened in town.  He worked for a few weeks.  It was a good experience.  We went on the first day of work....and his last day of work. We snapped a picture :)

We went to our annual vacation to Williamsburg with my family.  We had a good time going to Water Country, Busch Gardens, and Virginia Beach.  Here are some photos.

Madi and Abby had the chance to go to Philly and see a Taylor Swift Concert.  It was a great sister trip.

They got out of the concert late, but Abby was still going strong.

They next morning they went to the Philadelphia Aquarium.

In addition to these adventures, Abby spent her summer swimming whenever possible and make slime!  She made lots of slime.  She even got her grandparents and Ms Linda, our neighbor, involved.

We also rode bikes and ran as often as we could.  Abby completed two 1 mile races with a local running club.

We had gathering for July 4th.  Here is picture of the kids before we went to fireworks at Gettysburg College - an annual tradition.

Andrew turned 17 in July.   We had a small birthday gathering to celebrate him.

Madi was very busy once she returned from India.  She worked a Famous Footwear and also signed to become a Mary Kay Consultant part time.  She is off to a successful start.  She had the chance to with Rebekah to Dallas end of July.

Andrew attended the local media day with his coach.  Here is the pic.

I changed command in June at my base.  I was a member of the Maryland Air National Guard for 20 years.  I enjoyed it very much and will miss the opportunity and the people.

I was able to participate in one last unit event with the graduation of a new Lt at Maxwell Air Force Base.

I have transferred to the IRR, Inactive Ready Reserve, while I investigate some opportunities to continue to serve.  We will see what happens.  Otherwise, I will probably retire in the Spring.

Madi headed back to Liberty University for her second year end of August.  Andrew headed back to Gettysburg High School as a Junior and run cross country.  Abby is entering the 3rd Grade at Lincoln Elementary. 

School started.  Here are the traditional first day pics.  Abby was obsviously more excited and showed her many moods

Madi drove down end of the week and then we followed Saturday to move her into her dorm for her Soph (Really Jr) year at Liberty University.  Known roomate and new digs make it all a better start for the year.  She is looking forward to it.  Here is the pic when we left, not quite finished...

Abby worked over the summer on a play for church.  She performed great and it was a great experience.  Pics were tough to come by, but here are a few.

Looking forward to fall.... 

Spring 2018

Hello.

A busy spring as always.  The weather was very cold and rainy for most of it, but turned nicer by the end here in PA.

Madi finished her first year at Liberty University.  She has grown to love it there and looks forward to continuing there next spring.

We did go down to visit her during the spring for a weekend.

Rebekah and Abby did take advantage of an offer from Madi's roomates's family to come down for a few days to visit in Orlando for spring break.  It was a neat experience for all.

We celebrated her birthday the weekend she got home from school.  We ate at one of her favorite local restaurants, Montezuma's.

Andrew had a very good spring at school and athletically.  He earned his varsity letter for basketball at the end of the year banquet and looks forward to playing next year.

His Soph track season went very well.  The weather was cold, rainy, and poor for most of the season.  He continued to improve throughout the season.  He earned some honors during the year and ended up forth at the league meet and the top area miler at the end of the season.

A couple action shots....

He had the cool opportunity to run the Distance Medley (1600 leg) with three Seniors who broke the school record.

Abby had a good year finishing out 2nd grade.  She was a slowed down a little by a dislocating knee cap.  We got it evaluated and went to PT.  We have a plan for her activities.  She has gotten used to wearing a knee brace for recess and other activities.  She kept herself very busy with Awana, Andrew's events, and playing around the house.  

She did take to making slime.....alot of it.  Miss Linda even helped.

On Memorial Day weekend, we took our annual pilgrimage to the pool for the first day. It was hot so that helped.  Abby took her first jump for the summer.

Abby and I walked in the annual memorial day parade in Gettysburg.  Abby was dressed for the occasion.

This summer, we will take our annual vacation to Williamsburg, VA in June. Madi will be working at the Outlets, babysitting, and doing Mary Kay.  Andrew will be focused on preparing for Cross Country and Basketball seasons.  He may also get a job locally.  Abby is looking forward to the pool and her summer activities....mainly biking, and maybe some running...

Hope you have a good summer, look for another post at the end of the summer.....until then!