First Day of School

I know this is over due for those family that check in. But here are our first day of school photos! Taylor and Drew both had their first day on Monday. Taylor is now at the Jr. High in 7th grade, and Drew is entering 3rd grade. We had them get dressed the night before for photos because Taylor leaves much earlier than the others. Toby doesn't start until next week, but we had him put his first day outfit on too. Why can't they all just start at the same time?

Preschooler

3rd Grader

7th Grader

God is Good

Last Day of School

Well, nine months ago, I dressed up my youngens, stuck them on a bus and told them to get an edumacation! I DIDN'T tell them to grow up while they were gone, but they up and did that anyway!! Here is our photo from the first day of school, August 2009, Taylor heading off to her final year of Elementary school, Drew a big 2nd grader and Toby off to Preschool! Don't they look so excited!
And as is tradition in the Mills' house, I made them (the older 2 at least) drag out the same clothes and take a last day of school photo. This year, they humored us and did as they were asked, then quickly ran back into the house to get clothes on that fit! At least that was the case for Taylor! Drew just wanted to have something to complain about! But I think you can see from the photos, they have grown WAY TOO MUCH!
And for Taylor's final day of 6th grade, they participated in the traditional "clap out" led by the 6th grade teachers. I only shed a few tears...
but Taylor was ALL SMILES! She's ready to move on! (and by the way, she's holding her Young Citizenship award she was presented with for the quarter!)
These two are getting to be very close, and it is so much fun to watch. Toby really admires his big brother, and Drew is learning to take the time to include his little brother in his mischeif!
And a final shot of Taylor getting off the bus! She wanted to ride the bus home for the last time! Next year, mom will be picking her up after school! Looking forward to that time we will have together!!
Another year gone by, if only they would stay little!

God is Good!

Awards and Parties!

The final days are just for partying, right? Movies, games, parties, awards... just plain fun! I had the chance to take the day off and celebrate with the kids for one of their final days of school. Drew's class party was almost over, but he and his buddies did a little photo shoot for me! This one is my favorite! Taylor and Drew said this was going to be their first album cover, cause these guys are going to be famous rockers one day! They sure look the part, don't they?

Taylor had a great year with Mrs. Kubb. Like any pre-teen girl, it was full of ups and downs, but she appreciated having Mrs. Kubb to talk to about things!

Yeah, so trying to get a shot of all Fiftysome kids being serious is never going to happen, so I just snapped away and this is the best one I got! We have our own commentary at the Mills' house about what is going on in this photo... what do you think is going through these kids minds? We certainly had a good laugh about it!
I was in charge of the games for the party, so I went straight to Minute to Win It! WOW! If you are ever looking for some good clean fun to have with 12-18 year olds, check it out! Here they are playing Chocolate Unicorn, trying to stack 5 cookie son their head. It was great... and messy!
We also had their awards ceremony. The 6th graders get to sit on the stage and be individually recognized. It is a nice program, and it was an honor to see my girl up there this year!
Taylor receiving her Pennant and marker so all the students can sign it!
Waiting with one of her best buds Anneliese as the remaining classmates are called up!

There'll be a few more photos coming of the final day! But this day was filled with lots of fun and celebration!

God is Good!

Moving Up to Junior High!

Time, where does it go and how can I stop it? Taylor is crossing a mile marker this summer that always just seemed so far away! She is leaving elementary school life behind and moving up into Junior High! There have been many events these last few weeks, and this is the one that kicked it all off! She had a "Moving Up" party with her sixth grade class from her elementary school! They rented a bowling alley, had pizza and pop and just an overall good time. Taylor had to leave early for Ohio Light Opera rehearsal, but luckily, they were right across the street! So here are a few photos with the kids she's called her classmates for 7 years!


One of her BFF's posing for a photo. Luckily, they are both in OLO this summer so they will have lots of good times ahead!
I was too busy talking with the other moms and didn't get a lot of photos, but here is one of Taylor after what I guess was a lousy toss of the bowling ball!

The Sunday following this party was also her first weekend in the Junior High Youth Group at church. She is now a MSM'er! Her first question "When are band tryouts?" She is also going to Jr. High camp this summer, which will be a lot of fun. We had to forgo the Mission trip because there are two OLO plays that week and Momma can't do that much running. I feel bad for her, but we do the best we can, right! I'm sure camp will be just as fun!

God is Good

He did it! Hooray!!

A few weeks ago, we packed up and headed out for Lynchburg, Virginia! After four long years, many late nights and a ton of hard work, Nate completed his Bachelors Degree in Religion from Liberty University! We are so proud, not only for him finishing, but finishing strong, Cum Laude! Here are a few photos from our time at LU!

Toby made sure Woody was nice and safe on the 7-8 hour trip!


I think it was finally sinking in, not only that he finished, but how well he did, when he received his cords!
A little time touring the campus, Nate and Taylor take a moment to check out the soccer field!
Here's what Toby thought of the Baccalaureate service!
Nate's in there, honest!
A great message from Glenn Beck!
A photo of the graduate!
Too cute!
And walking across the stage to get his "degree".
The kids celebrating with daddy outside Thomas Road Baptist where his school ceremony was.
And celebrating with dinner out!



After a busy day, we spent some time with some great friends Scott and Nina Meinke and their children. We got to go to an LU baseball game as well! Then Scott took us on a little tour that included the Snowflex. This thing was unreal! People were snowboarding and it was 80 degrees out, without a glimpse of snow to be seen! It was fun watching them come off the jumps, etc. Drew said he wants to try it next time!
An amazing trip! One I'm really glad we made! But we are SO glad to have Daddy back full time! Now it's wait and see what God has in store!

God is Good!

BONES

Drew's second grade class did a wonderful production of "Bones". They were all different bones that got all mixed up and needed to be put back together. It was filled with humor, songs and a little learning! They all did a wonderful job! Here area few photos from the program.

A Group shot
A fun photo of Drew in action!
And here's Drew, believe it or not, doing his favorite part! He got to play the drums on a few songs! He really did enjoy it, but I guess he was just taking it seriously!

God is Good!

Fine Arts Festival

The end of March we had the Fine Arts Festival for Wooster Schools. Drew had a painting on display, and Taylor got to sing several songs. I would love to upload some of them, but our computer's memory is shot. Hoping to find a way soon to be able to load/create my videos again and share with all of you! Until then, here are some still photos (taken with my broke camera!)





God is Good

School Pictures

Another year, another school photo! Such precious Kids! We haven't gotten Toby's back yet, but soon, I'm sure!

God is Good!

First Day of School

Well, here we are again! I never even got Toby's last day of school photos up, but let me just say, he grew so much!! And then over the summer, darn if he didn't grow again!! (with boys, there comes a point when you can clearly tell they are growing, and it has to do with the reach for the potty:) )

So, here are Drew and Taylor on the first day of School... 2nd grade and 6th grade! Mommy was already at work, since I go in at 6:30 now, and daddy stayed home to get them on the bus!

Some solo shots... (with attitude)



And Toby sneaking in for a photo! He doesn't start until next week!

And here they are getting on the bus at the sitters house!


First day was a success! They enjoyed themselves and were glad to have mommy home when they got there! Then, once the kids were in bed... daddy started back to school! One more year for him! Hooray!!!

God is Good!