Andrew Plays the Tuba

If anyone knows Andrew you are not surprised that he chose the largest, heaviest instrument in the band to play. This year he was put in concert band, but actually doesn't play any instrument. In true Andrew fashion, he decided that wasn't going to be an issue and he would just learn how to play on on his own time. Mr. Welch was thrilled to have such a willing student! And with Kallie in his back pocket (and same class) I know he will rock this! Up next for Andrew? Marching Band!!!!

 

First Dental Appointment - Failed

Nick was so excited to go to the dentist. He had seen the older kids go, and now was his turn. He marched back, all brave and ready. Jumped in the chair - still smiling, looked at the tools - still smiling.  Then she put a bib on him. His eyes welded up with silent tears and looked at me. He burst into crying when I asked if he was ok. I went and hugged him and all he wanted was out of the chair! I tried getting in the chair, holding him - everything, and he wouldn't budge. So we left the appointment. Apparently bibs are a no-go for this kid.

We used the extra time to run to the store real quick. I let him pick out a treat. When we got home I looked back and saw this. Apparently the dentist was more stressful than I thought! We will try again in 6 months.

Dancing Queen - Kallie is 17

 Kallie is 17! It's still so weird to say that! As per usual, Kallie had no idea and didn't care what we did for her birthday. She didn't really want to have friends over and just wanted to have a chill night at home playing games as a family. Well that is something we can do! 

She had marching band practice that morning - and the boys had eye doctor appointments, so we weren't going to be home when she got home. I wanted her to have something fun to come home to so I printed out almost 100 pictures of her growing up and hung them from her ceiling in her room. Here is a video of it....

I think she was a little surprised! Xander and Nick were great helpers (as was Andrew) and loved looking at all the pictures.  She kept them up for a week. which was pretty impressive!

Nick loves these little curtains we put up for birthdays. I had to get him on video running through them. Oh and he totally wanted to be star of the show with Kal's 17 tiara and sash - as per usual. 

We love making birthdays last as long as possible - so we did a hamburger dinner with sundaes on her birthday - followed by hand and foot that we totally let her win (happy birthday) then a movie!

I bought a 17 year old happy birthday pack and they surprised us with a wine bottle with wine cup! Of course I had to blow that up! We had a great laugh at this.

  

Nick loving being a 17 year old dancing queen with Kal.

I can't believe she is 17!

The Dancing Queen with her backup boys. Love those two little shirtless tummies.

One naughty boy (not naming names) took a huge piece out of Kallie's birthday brownies before we even sang to her! The little punk! I made him take a shame pictures.  FYI 17 candles on a small pan looks like a fire ball.

Then for part 2 of the birthday we invited Karen (or neighbor) and the Furnesses over for dinner and cake. We had a yummy Hawaiian chicken with grilled pineapple and a Caesar salad - followed by a kit kat cake!

Nick, again, had to have his own little cup cake that he filled with candles and had us light multiple times. I love this little man and I love how much he loves Kal!

Last Few Days at Publix

During Ben's senior year he got a job working in the Deli department at our local Publix. I'm not sure he was sure he was going to like it, but it has been a great job and really helped boost his bank account for college! Kallie and I went over to get a sandwich after her foot appointment - and I think we surprised him. He was helping the gentleman in front of us and looked up quickly to acknowledge us and let us know he would be right with us. He looked up, said, "I will be right...." saw us, smiled, and finished. I love seeing that boy smile!

He made Kal a delicious (and totally messy!  All over my car...Kal!) hot chicken sub. He looked so grown up and professional in his uniform and hair net. I'm going to miss just surprising him at work :)

 

Nick Pictures

"MOM! Come take my picture with my cars!"  My favorite request....

 

Ferret Update

It's been a bit since I've done a ferret update. They are still as cute as ever.. They are getting older, and having a few medical issues, but still cute little ferrets.  Fidget has a non-cancerous growth over her eye, which is also causing it to bulge, but other than that she is perfectly healthy! Rascal on the other hand, is quite the old man. He is almost 9 now. With most ferrets living 5-8 years, he is out living them all! He is almost bald and has a hard time actually walking. He likes to crawl on his tummy (which is bloated) and falls over when he tries to actually walk. At the vet they put in a pump to hopefully help him with his energy, lack of hair, and bladder control issues.  UPDATE: So far so good with Rascal! I think this pump is going to work great!