Presents

I sent Jenna to school a few weeks ago with some money to buy gifts for her brother and sisters at her school's Secret Santa Shop.  Jenna got off the bus Thursday afternoon and took her back pack and unloaded the contents under her princess chair. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on.

Yesterday was the last day for the assistant on Jenna and Andrew's school bus.  Jenna is very tight with Ms. Sharon and Ms. Kanani (Connie).  Apparently they have quite the ride home, showing their matching socks, sunglasses, bracelets and talking the entire ride home about their families.  Jenna is so tight with these ladies, that they suggested I warn her that Ms. Sharons last day was coming so Jenna wouldn't be upset.  Jenna got off the bus with quite the stash of gifts from Ms. Sharon and a letter from her with her phone number so they could keep in touch.  This is now the second bus assistant that has given me their phone number so Jenna can call them whenever she wants. 

Grant Reception

We attended a reception tonight where Andrew received an award from The Monocacy Foundation here in Frederick so that we can attend Joni and Friends camp again next summer!  Here's a photo of Andrew and Dave receiving the empty envelope.

FAMILY ADVENTURE!!! - CHARLESTON & MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

We decided to check out Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this Thanksgiving break.  First we drove to Charleston and stayed two days, and then on to two more days in Myrtle Beach.  Here we are in Myrtle Beach on the boardwalk with the Sky Wheel in the background.

And now the photos are in trip order.... Here are Ava and Jenna checking out Fort Sumter in Charleston in the chilly, chilly wind.

 Here we are next door at the Aquarium.  We saw Monsters of the Sea at the IMAX and toured the aquarium.

 Here's their large tank.

 Lunch afterwards on the water.  We sat in a little chilly outside, covered heated patio.  We walked around the markets in Charleston afterwards.

 Here's Jenna on the the carousel riding the Chimp at the Holiday Lights Festival that evening.

 Here's Ava in front of one of the many, many light displays.

 We met Santa!  First time this season.

 Here's Amelia on our porch outside our second hotel in Charleston.  We were above a marina.  We played Bingo and Jenna won wine in a portable cup (aka her trophy).  It was still cold, but SUNNY!

 Andrew loves being in the car on our trips.

Here we are on the beach at Pawleys Island.

 Ava at the dune.

 We walked a bit, came back to the car to find a family feeding seagulls cheese puffs.

 Now... Myrtle Beach.... and the waterpark hotel (The Dunes).  The girls had a blast.

 Here's Jenna outside our hotel.  Our room was on the 11th floor on the side.  Apparently, Ava and Dave are on the deck above waving. (We didn't see them).

A beautiful morning to walk the beach.

 Dave HAD to bring all three girls to the first haunted house he could find.  Ava chickened out.  The picture here shows the result afterwards... not much in the way of scary.

 Waterslide, waterslide...waterslide. Did you know Jenna met her first boyfriend who was working at the top of this waterslide.

 Here are the girls as the huge bucket empties and covers them.

Here's Dave checking out the view from our balcony.  Beautiful!

Now.. our traveling children want to know.............Where to next???!!!

Amelia's Junior Trip

Amelia's Girl Scout Junior Troop took a field trip today to Urbana Riding Club.  They learned all about caring for a horse and even got to ride and perform some tricky stuff!

Cal Ripken, Jr. and Quincy

Caught a sick Jenna tonight teaching Quincy reading flash cards on the step.

Dave met Cal Ripken at a Marshal charity event today.

Amelia Self Portrait

Austin

We won a trip to Austin to take part in the first ever LGS Awareness Day on Friday November 1st.  Mom and I flew to Austin, stayed in town and attended a reception on Friday night.  It was a great weekend to spend with my mom to explore, eat good food, have fun, and to rest!