A fun 12 year old

 Miles was fun to celebrate as he turned 12.  We love all his personality and the joy he brings to every room!

His big gifts this year were his OWN guitar -- and his 12-year-old trip to Montana next month!

In other news, he's also having a good archery season and indoor soccer season.  :)

The danger seeker

 Miles:  Well, you were right, Mom.  I fell out there, but I caught myself so I didn't get too hurt.

Me: Why did you even go out there when I just told you it's too icy??

Miles:  Cuz' I go TOWARD danger, Mom, not away from it!

Why do I keep getting kids like this? I'm quite sure that gene is not in my DNA.

Here he is wearing the winning t-shirt design for his archery team
 

From the mouth of J-Rai

One of her school assignments this week is based on the Statue of Liberty and the beacon of hope that it was to the immigrants coming in the early 1900's.  She is supposed to write a paper about 2 of her own personal hopes and dreams for the future.

When I asked her what her 2 dreams are, she said:  1.) To be an author when she grows up, and 2.) To go to McDonald's.

I'm not sure if I'm extremely winning or extremely losing in this parenting game.

A couple hours later she had the hiccups and as she walked by I heard her mutter, "These damn hiccups."

So, maybe the answer to my above question is "losing."

(I honestly don't know where's heard that word but we had to have an impromptu lesson in swearing.)