Championships for Marching Band

Austin drove over to Hershey PA to watch Julia and the AGHS marching band compete in the Atlantic Coast Championships. Here is a picture he got with his cell phone and a couple of professional ones. I love the action shot of Julia. The band came in 8th place. Not too bad for their first time competing.

Fall Beauty

I have really enjoyed our visits to Longwood this year. Fall was just as beautiful with all the mums and lilies.

Halloween

The girls were several different characters this year. Eliza was a cat, spider, and Raggedy Ann. Anna was a cat, spider, and the Wicked Witch of the East. They had fun at the church trunk or treat and the big neighborhood near our house. A little rain did not stop Eliza from going to just one more house about 20 times.



Julia decided to be the color purple.

Eliza's Soccer Season

Eliza had so much fun playing soccer this fall. She loved being goalie, but also did a great job on getting the ball down the field.

Homecoming and Candles

14 Sparkle Candles on her bday

We have had quite the fun and eventful week. On Wednesday, Grammy and Grampy flew in to Philly after returning from their vacation out west. The next day, Austin's dad flew in from Amsterdam and we had a nice dinner to celebrate visitors and Julia's upcoming birthday. My parents headed out Friday morning and I spent the rest of the day staining the deck and doing major yardwork, knowing Saturday would be full of activities.

Saturday started out with dropping off Julia and dontions to the HS for their homecoming booths. I swung back home to gather the troops and we went back to the HS to enjoy the Avon Grove HS parade. Then ran home to eat lunch and head out to Eliza's soccer game. Chris and Christie joined us there and then we headed back to the house to get dinner going. Meanwhile, I dropped Anna off to her party, then went to the HS to pick up Julia from her homecoming game (which they won 52-0). We quickly ate dinner and then it was time to get Julia back to the HS for her homecoming dance. Christie and Chris picked out a nice corsage for Julia's birthday to wear to the dance.

Chris presenting the corsage

Also, Julia's friends came over to share some desert and go together to the dance. (Julia was actually asked to the dance by a senior :), but since she didn't know him that well and dating is not on her to do list yet, we told her to go with friends and dance with him a few times there. She was happy with that). At 10 pm that night, Austin and I divided forces and he got Julia from the dance while I got Anna from her party. Whew!! These kids are really keeping us hopping!!!

Taylor, Hannah and Julia

I feel like Julia has grown up overnight. We looked through her baby book on Sunday, and I'm glad I have those pictures to remind me of all her different stages. She has blossomed into a beautiful young woman.

Julia's First Parade

Julia in her marching band uniform

Julia is in marching band this year playing the flute. This weekend the marching band played in the Mushroom Festival Parade. We cheered like crazy when she marched by, getting a few looks and missteps. So much fun!!

There are 70+ members in the band

Julia is the second one in

Vegetable Critters

Newborn Family

Longwood Gardens had a fun contest of creating something out of fruit and vegetables. The girls heard about the contest and went right home to create something. With just what we had on hand, they were able to make cute creations. Now the we know about the contest, we might do a little better planning next year :)

Cucumber Racecar