For our family, this year was very similar to previous years (ex. same adult responsibilities and kids all one year older) except that it was our 20th wedding anniversary. Since we had gone on a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon and also for our 10 year anniversary, we thought it would be fun to do it again for our 20th. This time though, our kids were old enough to enjoy it too so we brought them along.

Dan is a sophomore in high school this year and soon 16. The PA driver rules are a bit stricter now than some states so we’re planning for a slow transition into driving. Dan is continuing to play baritone sax in the high school marching band this year, string bass in the orchestra and some drums, guitar and piano around the house. He also gets a few opportunities to play drums in the student worship band at church. Dan is a great handyman and enjoys helping with a lot of projects at home and at school.

Lauren is a freshman this year and decided to drop cheerleading and join the marching band on flute instead. She enjoys the camaraderie in the band and it’s nice to have her and Dan on the same activity schedule. Both Lauren and Dan are in the Indoor Drumline this winter and Lauren also plays viola in the school chamber ensemble. Lauren is developing into a young lady with a knack for math and science. She’s doing another science fair project this school year and our dining room is full of hydroponic lettuce with various sources of aeration in the water.

Natalie continues to be an avid reader in sixth grade and seems to enjoy following in her older siblings’ footprints at the middle school. Natalie loves to keep things lively around the house with jokes and stories. She, like the others, helps with lots of chores and activities to keep our household running smoothly. Natalie’s desk is a cornucopia of things to do and she’s enjoying time now with text messaging and on-line social media too. Natalie plays violin in the school orchestra and chamber ensemble as well as clarinet in the band.