New Years Eve 2025

 Happy New Years' Eve!!  The kids had a huge New Years' party at our house with tons of high school, middle school and elementary kids.  So many kids that I lost count, lots of noise, lots of running, lots of ping pong and air hockey, lots of JackBox TV.  We brought out the cash cube for fun and put monopoly. money inside.  Everyone got a chance at catching as much cash as they could.  The winners ended up with some prizes at the end of the party.  As the clock struck 12, Kaylee & her friends, and Cooper and his friends did a polar plunge into the pond.  CRAZY!!  It was memorable and fun.  By 1:30am all the boys left the house and the girls had a sleepover to ring in the new year.  Fun times!!

Christmas 2025

 Christmas was a lot of fun this year.  Jaxton came home for 2 weeks and we loved having him around.  We made Christmas cookies, we opened pajamas on Christmas Eve with the traditional golden tickets attached.  Colton was our conductor this year and off we went in the "Big Van Express" to see the lights at Franke Park.  Simplx has a display for the second year now, and its super fun to see all lit up!  We did not travel this Christmas like we have for the last several years and I enjoyed slowing down and spending time with everyone.  Merry Christmas!

TaeKwonDo

Owen continues to thrive in tae kwon do.  He’s earned his green belt, purple belt, and working towards his blue belt. He absolutely loves his classes and his teachers. It’s great to have been able to find something that he loves.

Cheer Season

 Kaylee was on the Oak Farm High School cheer team this year, so she got to cheer at Cooper's games.  She is a natural!  She has no fear of heights and no fear of doing crazy tricks in the air.  She trusts her friends to support her up there and has performed all kinds of neat stunts!  Their dance routines are awesome as well and she is a smiling beam of light out their performing her heart out!!

Basketball Season

 Cooper's senior year of basketball has been phenomenal.  He has worked so hard the last 4 years of high school with his teammates to improve and be successful as a team.  They've met at 5:30am at all the different YMCA's before school, after school, late at night.  They joined multiple leagues in Fort Wayne and in Kendallville to improve their skill.  They even played in an adult league to challenge themselves against seasoned players.  Cooper has a passion for the game that is second to none and it is so much fun to watch him play and observe his drive.  Nate has enjoyed coaching since Cooper was in middle school.  He has grown with the team and become a great mentor to the kids.  Enjoy this last season of ball, Cooper!!! 

Nathan also played for Oak Farm for the first time this season as a 5th grader.  He shares the same passion as Cooper for the game and he played hard.  He's fast and nimble and confident and he is so fun to watch!  The season is going great so far!!

Crossover Ceremony

 

The Arrow of Light Scouts had their Crossover Ceremony.  This was a very special occasion for me, as I began leading this group of boys when they were in Kindergarten.  Some of them have been added to the group in later years, but most of them have been around since Kindergarten.  I have gotten to know the boys and their families really well.  I have been able to watch them grow up over the years and see their curiosity and minds develop over 6 years.  It was hard to give so much time and energy, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to serve them.  I hope that our time together had an impact on each of their growth and that they have memories that will stick with them forever!

Nathan

Nathan receiving his award

Walking on the trail, hearing all the Cub Scout Values

AOLs - Jacob & Levi were missing

Bradley

Hunter

Matthew

Ryan

Oliver

Wesley

Us Leaders, getting recognized: Chad & Jenni, Amanda & me

Part of the Crossover Ceremony, they honored each group of scouts.  Owen earned multiple awards for his Bear rank as well, so those photos are here as well!  Now that I am finished being a leader for Nathan's group, I am so excited to focus on joining all of Owen's cub scout meetings!! 

The 3rd Grade Bears