Visit to Annapolis

Earlier this month, we went up to Annapolis to spend some time with Jacob's friend Jordan, who is a plebe at the Naval Academy this year.  We wanted to take him out to give him a break, and for Jacob to be able to catch up with him.

Talk about a happy guy!  This guy is ALWAYS cheerful, looks on the bright side, and has delightful stories to tell.  Every other sentence he is glorifying God for giving him these "opportunities".  We took him to lunch, and we all laughed so hard as he told us all the stories about academy life!

After lunch we took him out running errands.  Actually, he was trying to get a bunch of stuff for jokes to pull on other midshipman in honor of the big Navy vs. Airforce game.  

We ended up staying through dinner and the boys went to a movie as well.  It was a long and happy day.  You can't be around Jordan and not be affected by his pure joy.

Pumpkins!

This year the kids and I decided to carve pumpkins - what fun it was!  I have to say that each of their pumpkins represent their interests well.

Ryan on left (batman)  and mom on right (just an owl...)

Jacob on left (pumpkin "pie") and Hannah on right (Star wars imperial symbol)

We did this on Saturday night for our family night, and then we went down to the basement to watch home movies that we had never seen before.  WHAT A BLAST!  We laughed so hard, and some of us then cried... (ok, just me).  I felt so sentimental about the days when my kids were little, and then felt so much regret as I watched myself blunder through parenting and re-live all over again the things that we did wrong as parents.  I know this isn't the purpose of home movies, but that is kinda how I live it out these days - looking back with much joy and some regret, in addition to just missing my sweet little babies.  

As someone said recently "the most precious things in life are so fleeting, and they never return."

Who could resist?

I went to wake Ryan up the other day, and found this.  

Did I go ahead and wake him up?  NO WAY!!! haha

First Letter of Acceptance!!!

Jacob got his first letter of acceptance yesterday!  I know it will be one of many.  This is a backup to his backup (hehe) but it is still nice to get these in the mail!!

A visit to Virginia Military Institute

Earlier this month we went for a campus visit to VMI (Virginia Military Institute).  This was an overnight visit for Jacob where he stayed in the dorms, ate in their cafeteria, and attended a lot of seminars.  This school is a sort of "backup" for him, but we really liked it.  The rest of us stayed in a hotel about 15 minutes away in a quaint little part of Virginia.  Danny and I attended some of the seminars as well - a very impressive school indeed!

The campus was truly gorgeous!  It is one of the oldest universities in the nation, and you could just feel the history around you.  We even went to the museum on campus and saw Stonewall Jackson's stuffed horse!  (along with some of his other memorabilia)

When we pulled in, Danny and I thought it felt like a castle, and Jacob thought if felt like a prison.  Guess its all about perspective!

Jacob met up with a friend who happened to be visiting the same weekend. 

A happy coincidence.

Jacob came away with the confirmation that he would come here if that was one of the only options available to him (meaning, if he doesn't get Air Force or Kings Point).  This is a VERY strict and regimented school.  One student mumbled under his breath as he walked by "Don't come here!"

Hmmmmmmmm.........

Fall

Since this may be the last fall we have to live in this lovely home, I thought I better capture this pretty season.