Happy New Year!, Part 1

Well, it's the new year, and as always I have recommitted to updating the blog and keeping you in the loop.  Let's see how long this resolution lasts!  LOL

Of course, if you got our Christmas letter, you've gotten the gist, but this will provide more details and pictures.  When last I wrote, it was Mother's Day.  Let's see what's happened since:

May 13 - Margie got the lighting equipment for new YouTube show and needed to test it out.  I ended up capturing this great picture of Lyn!

May 18 - I filmed my first episode of The Declutter Show!  This episode was just me cleaning out my own linen closet, and unfortunately, it never aired, because, you know, life changes.

May 24 - I filmed my first guest episode.  We made great progress:

That night, Lyn attended the Thespies, which is the Edison High School version of the Tony Awards. It is also the night they recognize graduating seniors, and Lyn was presented with the recognition cords that she wore with her graduation gown.

May 28 - Margie and John attended a "Mormon Gambling Night"--i.e., playing for cookies instead of money.  John quickly realized it was better to be the dealer because "the house always wins".

May 30 - The church youth leaders held a senior recognition night.  They asked John to say a few words.  Lyn was presented with a gift of chocolate, "because she's so sweet."

June 2 - Lyn's day ended better than it began.  She had gotten a job teaching art for a 6yo birthday party.  On the way there, she got into her first car accident (in the parking lot, no one injured, thankfully, and no damage to our car--only the other guy, which insurance paid for).  Then the birthday party was a mess because she and the mom hadn't communicated well.  BUT she ended the evening by gong to "Mormon prom."  She didn't have a date or a group of friends, but she went anyway.  She found a flouncy dress that she loved and altered it to make it modest.  And she invited a non-member friend, Rhea, who eventually met her there.  She had a fun time.

June 5 - Last day of school ever!  Well, not ever--she is heading off to college, after all.  But you know what I mean.

First day of school (kindergarten) and last day of school.

June 10 - Yet another senior recognition/graduation.  This time, it was Seminary, the religious education program that Lyn attended every morning before high school (i.e. very early in the morning!)

June 11 - Graduation! This time, it's the real deal.

We were lucky enough to have a friend on the School Board, who was sitting on the stand and snapped this picture of Lyn shaking hands with the principal.

June 13 - I filmed my third and final episode of The Declutter Show.  It was fun (but a lot of hard work) while it lasted.

Before

After

June 17 - We visited Dan's father Gene at Sunrise in Reston for Father's Day.  He and Cecile were living there for a time after Cecile suffered a severe accident in May.

Three generations.  No family resemblance at all.

June 18 - John started his new job!  It was a volunteer position working at a new summer-long Cub Scout Day Camp.  He manned the games station.

June 25 - June 29 - John attended High Adventure.  He did a lot of fun things, including rock climbing!

Margie went to camp, too!  This year, instead of walking around with the Cub Scouts as she has done in past years, she was on staff manning the folklore station and introducing scouts to a different special guest from around the world each day.

End Part 1.  Part 2 coming soon!