22 times 2

And me!  I almost forgot (of course!).  I don't remember much about my birthday...I know the day before I took Cora to Omaha for her last VB tournament.  Then we went to the outlet mall and I got a few good deals (two pairs of shoes!).  And while I was gone Gil and the boys planted a bunch of new flowers and trees.  He has done a ton around here this spring and it looks soooooo good!  Then the next day was school and the athletic banquet.  Oh and we went to fiesta brava on the Saturday before after Mikey's cold rainy conference track meet.  We also went to Great Wolf Lodge in KC over Easter break at my request and got our family pictures taken on May 3.  Oh and we hosted Easter with John and Carolyn and had Thomas' first communion.  Here's to 22 times 2!

 

Cora Clare, 15

Cora turned 15 last week right after school got out (as always) and a day after our new neice/cousin Sophia Dawn was born!  Her birthday ended up being a rainy day and in the middle of all the males of the family getting a stomach bug but we still made the most of it!  We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast and got her a desert pizza from godfather's along with homemade pizza (the most popular birthday request this year).  The day before John and Carolyn came up and we had cake and went to Tommy's baseball game.  Cora got a kindle for her birthday this year and that has been her main occupation ever since!  This freshman year for Cora has been a busy but good one.  She went to homecoming with Kole Krusemark, played a lot of varsity volleyball when Kiya was injured, she and I got tickets to a Nebraska volleyball game!, She did a great job in basketball, she got a car (or we got a car...) and finally her school permit a couple days before her birthday, she played club volleyball for D-League, she did great a track and got on the often first place 4x100 team, she participated in band and FFA and did some amazing art projects.  I'm sure that is not all, but that is a start.  Cora you are quirky and fun and hilarious.  You are such a delight and we are so glad you are ours.  Love you sweet girl :)  

 

Judas Maccabeus, 17

Jude turned 17 this year.  And attended prom on the same day.  The very next day Thomas had first communion.  It was a full weekend to say the least!  I got the full experience of being a junior parent and working post prom:)  Jude has had a great Junior year I'd say.  He showed at state fair, made state XC once again, helped with harvest (grain carting), played a lot of basketball and showed his stuff, grew taller (pushing 6' 4"), PR'd in his track events, and became the president of the FFA.  He has taken the ACT and will agin in a couple weeks.  He also was the only Allen recipient of the academic all state award and got it for all three sports!  Right now Jude is at Boys' State in Lincoln and going to have an awesome week I'm sure.  Jude's enthusiasm, intelligence, leadership, perseverance, and confidence inspire me.  We love you so much Jude.  Keep going for it!

 

Luke Kirby turned 11

 Lukey Pie turned 11 this year.  He is all fun and laughing and a ball in his hands!  This year he played football and basketball and started the saxophone.  He got a rock polisher for his birthday and some new kicks.  He (and all the boys) have also gotten really into collecting basketball cards.  This week (in May!) he is cheering on the Spurs for the NBA finals and loves to watch "Wemby." We made him a candy cake and stayed home from church class to celebrate this sweet boy.  We love you so much Luke!  But I might have to put a brick on your head!