Prom

So how does a homeschooled Sophomore end up at a public high school Junior/Senior Prom?  He serves as an escort for his good friend, that's how.  :)

Laura, Jackson and Marvin before prom.

My two wonderful boys - Jackson and Jonathan

Jackson accompanied his friend, Bridget, to her Senior Prom last night.  They, along with a lot of their friends, got all dressed up and headed out for a super fun evening that began with dinner at the lake.  Then it was time to take photos.  The day had been gray, dreary and rainy but a few specks of sunlight tried to come out and brighten things up.  Sort of, anyway...

Bridget and Jackson

I love this one....   :)

James and Rachel, Jackson and Bridget, Marco and Mikayla

Then it was off to Grand March.  They had been running a bit late but they made it in time to take their walk around the gym - complete with a spotlight on them.  Although Jackson and Bridget WERE the second to last couple to enter the gym!   :)

I was trying to use Jackson's camera and clearly don't know what I am doing because my photos turned out dark.  Oh well.  Jackson was handsome and Bridget looked lovely.

Jackson and Bridget during Grand March

Thanks to Bryan K. for this wonderful photo from Grand March!

After Grand March we gathered Jackson, Aaron and Joey together for the 'buddy shot'.  This is one half of 'the group' that has so much fun together.  Don't they all look spiffy?

Jackson, Aaron and Joey

Then a few more photos with friends.  What a fun evening.  What great kids.

Jackson, Bridget, Aaron, Lena, Tim, Lara, Joey, Emily, Jared, Emily, Miles (Aaron and Lara's brother), Mia and Mason

I told them to get ready for a 'wacky' shot...

I love how half the group did it!  ha!

cute...   :D

Jackson and Bridget

You can see an entire album of photos at this link.

Kate visits the horses

Goodness... it just seems like yesterday that Kate was a newborn in her infant seat while Alicia and I put up the cowboy wallpaper border in the mudroom.  Now here she is a lovely young woman with an interest in horses.  Maybe that wallpaper border made an impression on her.    :D

Alicia and Kate came over last week to visit the horses.  It was a sunny afternoon and the horses were glad to have Kate come and pay them all that attention!  She made the rounds giving attention to all the horses, starting with Bella, our new baby.

She took a moment to lead Governor in the octagonal pen.

Then she stepped over to the outdoor arena to have a chat with Bob, the Haflinger...

...and have her photo taken with several horse friends. (and Marvin!)   :)

Annie, Marvin, Dick, Shadow, Kate, Runner and Bob

But I think she had the best time with Shadow.  I know HE definitely enjoyed all the special attention she gave him and the handfuls of grass she fed him.  :)

"Here Mom, you come and watch!"

"Now YOU try!"

Kate definitely made a good friend in Shadow.

Here is a link to a complete album of photos from the visit.

Kirk Banquet

Saturday evening we attended the annual Kirk Banquet at Truman.  This is always a much looked forward to event, partly because of all the people we get to see and partly because of Dennis's amazing food!  This was Dennis's last year in charge of the dinner, however, because he is retiring at the end of May.  That made it doubly nice to see him honored that evening.  Everyone loves Dennis!  I wish I had a photo of him, but I *do* have photos of at least part of the meal.

I missed getting a picture of the salad, but trust me, it was lovely and tasty.  :)
Here is a (blurry) photo of the main course.

And here is a photo of dessert.

Alicia, Kelly and I had to chuckle a bit, though, at the name of the main course.  It was something like 'Chicken Lisha'.  We decided that having 'Chicken Lisha' paired with the super salad that reminded us of Susan's Salads, it could be just another awesome Ladies Luncheon!   ;)

After the dinner we headed over to Baldwin Hall to hear Michael Beschloss speak.  I had been looking forward to hearing this presidential historian and he did not disappoint.  He was fascinating and entertaining.  He is quite soft spoken and needed his microphone turned up, but other than that, it was a perfect evening.

me with my handsome fellas...

'Thank you' for then and now...

Last Friday evening we were honored to attend a very special dinner put on by our dear friends Matt, Brenda and their kids.  Their invitation was absolutely precious...

It began as an idea for Matthew's graduation celebration and grew to include all three kids.  They wanted to gather folks who they feel have made a difference in their lives and honor them through serving a meal and entertaining.  It was a lovely concept and an absolutely fantastic evening!  Again, we were honored to be there.

The food was delicious and Matthew, Megan and Melina worked hard at serving.  Then they provided the entertainment for the evening, beginning with a group dance that they will be performing at a contest soon.

Melina, Megan and Matthew

Megan, Matthew, Melina

They played a song using their clarinet, flute and trumpet.  Matthew sang and his Dad even joined in for one song.

Matthew and Matt

Brenda and Matthew

Then there was plenty of time for visiting and enjoying the evening.  I don't think anyone wanted to leave!

Master Dustin Stephenson, Matthew, Senior Master Stephenson

Grandma Kathy and sweet baby Dane

I love this photo of Megan and Marvin

Melina and Marvin

Megan and Jackson

Grandma Sue and Jonathan

Master Graham, Jackson and Mister Ordonio

Laura and Megan  (I love this girl!)

What a great photo!!  Rolena, Sr. Master and Kathy cooing to baby Dane.

Mixed Fruit Salad with Noosa Honey Greek Yogurt

This isn't really a recipe, per say, but it is one of my very favorite things to eat!!  I slice up fresh fruit (your choice, but I like pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries or blackberries, and grapes) then toss it with Noosa Honey Greek Yogurt.  I love Greek Yogurt of any kind, but Noosa is my hands down favorite because it is so creamy and smooth, plus the flavors are wonderful.  The Noosa Honey is not my favorite to eat plain, but it is AMAZING as a dressing for fresh fruit.  Give it a try!