PROM #1

 The three oldest attended the PA homeschool prom near the end of May.

Yeah, don't mind me, I'm playing catch-up.

For the past few years, we've been able to get the girls' dresses at a free prom shop.

I'm thankful for such an awesome program.  It's really a great community program, you just can't go with something in particular in mind.  You absolutely have to go with an open mind and try things on.

There were some challenges with size this year, but it worked out.

Prepping

It was raining, so we didn't get a ton of outside pictures.

This guy needed a bit less prep.

Came home from work, showered and a quick snap before they were off.

I wish you could zoom in on those shoes--fancy!!!

Elvis vibes.

A good time was had by all.

THREE

 Mr. Bigstuff turned 3 at the end of May.

THREE.

He is officially bigger than his next brother up, not quite as tall, but he outweighs him by a few pounds.

This boy is a force.  He knows what he wants and is not afraid to make some noise.

He still loves to snuggle though and says the sweetest things.

We were done with diapers about 6 months ago and he moved to a "big boy" bed some time ago as well.

Definitely not a baby anymore.

Happy Birthday, big boy!

CHASING DREAMS

My second born has always had a dramatic streak.

You may not recognize it if you don't know her, but from very early on it was evident. 

In fact, we joined our fine arts co-op originally just to get a theater program!

Well, as the end of high school loomed, she decided to try out for the Sight & Sound Conservatory. It was basically a year long application process.  An application and essay had to be submitted and approved first.  She made the cut and so the next step was actually auditioning.

Applicants had to prepare two songs and a monologue in addition to learning a dance that was taught on sight.  They had individual interviews lined up as well.  

April rolled around and we made arrangements to head out into PA for the audition.

We drove out on Friday afternoon after co-op, checked into our hotel, grabbed dinner and turned in for the night.

Almost there!

Saturday morning we had breakfast and puttered for a bit.

I think we had to be at the location for 12pm or something like that.

Bean was the very first one in her group called up for her audition.

The whole process, from arrival to departure, was probably about 2 hours.

We had ordered some lunch/dinner to go and headed home.

She had a lot of fun and gained some insight into the process.

Then the wait was on.  

We found out at the end of April that she did not make the cut for this 25/26 year.

While we all were disappointed, we trust the Lord's plan for her future.

By the way, I didn't mention that the conservatory only accepts around 10 students per year, so it is very competitive and it is the only one in the country!  There were applicants from all around the country there that day!

She is determined to apply again once the time rolls around and in the meantime work towards this goal.

We're proud of you, Beanie!  It took a lot of courage to put yourself out there.

Keep this in your prayers!

PARABLES

Mid-May co-op presented their annual play

"The Parables."

"How might the parables look in our lives today?"

Sound and backstage help

Miss Martin

Miss Martin, the teacher.

Some of the parables included The Good Samaritan, The Unmerciful Servant, The Sower and the Seed, The Talents, Building on the Sand etc.

Three shows spanned two days.

I'm glad the theater teachers made this happen this year, especially since co-op was different.

Can't wait to find out what the show is for this coming year!!

 

PRIVATE LESSON RECITAL

Our co-op has been very different this year.

We still met on Fridays but it was not a regular class schedule etc.

We unfortunately had issues with our previous building prior to starting in the fall and after much searching and prayers, were graciously offered use of the building we used to use.  Our coop had grown very much since we last used that building though and so with this and a few other providential things  that came up, the board made the decision to have the year look different.  It was either that or not meet at all, so I am glad for the approach they took.  The kids were able to take a couple of classes this year including pottery, art, stage crew, theater, french horn lessons, cooking, voice lessons, and piano lessons. We did not have any concerts this year, but we did have a brief private lesson recital. 

These girls performed "The Next Right Thing"

twice as it turns out because the first time the mics didn't work.

Bean played "The Graduate" by The Arcadian Wild

and these girls sang "Impossible."

Lovely job!

I'm so glad we were able to do this.

As much as we missed the "normal" co-op year, this was a nice break!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 Sweet 16!

Craaaazy!

She completed her driver's ed, 6 hours behind the wheel and passed her test to get her permit.

Can we say CrAAAAAzy again?!!

It is a super hectic time of year, so we are waiting on a birthday party, but we hope you had a wonderful day and may the Lord bless you with many more!

"WE'RE GOING TO THE ZOO, ZOO ZOO.."

We joined one of our co-ops to visit the zoo!

We actually hadn't been to this zoo in the daylight in many years!

We had done the holiday lights but had never been in the African Cats section or seen the giraffe enclosures up close either!

We had a beautiful day for it!

It was our first time navigating the route 80 sinkhole mess and yes, it was a mess.

I have such sympathy for those forced to travel through it every day--my husband being one of them. Depending on where you are going it adds at least an hour of travel time to the commute.

I'm glad I don't have to do it every day.  Our travels don't usually take us past exit 28, thankfully.

Anway, the zoo was nice and they are working on even more exhibits so we will have to make another visit in the next few years.