This post is about a week late, but here are the required first day of school pictures for our kids. AJ is starting 9th grade, and Essie & Chloe are starting 6th.
We now have two middle schoolers and a high schooler!
The girls are feeling weighed down by school supplies and basketball practice gear.
Bonus shot: We went to a friend's wedding at Talon Winery, so here we are in our wedding finery.
Seven years ago today, little Amsalu landed in America. Due to insane sports schedules, we celebrated on Saturday with the traditional Ethiopian Chinese food (A.J.'s choice).
Today, A.J. is a 15-year-old high school freshman who is loved by everyone who knows him. Our family, our schools, our church, and our community are richer for having him among us.
AJ's high school soccer team participated in a camp at nearby Centre College last week, and AJ was named to the All-Camp Team, one of eleven players honored.
On July 4th, Amy fulfilled a life-long dream of driving a float in our little town's Independence Day Parade. Wilmore's own Crazy Chicken Lady pulled a chicken float with live chickens. The float was a hit, even though the weather was not.
We snuck away over Memorial Day weekend for a little family time just across the West Virginia border. After a great night at a deeply discounted hotel suite, we spent Memorial Day at Camden Park, a small family-focused amusement park.
Essie & Mom selfie on the sky lift
Essie on The Whip
The Scrambler
I couldn't help but take a picture of this sign just for the bottom two lines.
Sling Shot
A.J. LOVED the Big Dipper rollercoaster
Dad and A.J. were the only brave ones to try this ride out (at first)
Chloe on The Whip (again)
A.J. finally convinced the girls to go on The Rattler with him (& then they immediately got back on it for a 2nd ride)
This Spring, AJ ran both Middle School and High School Track, in addition to Middle School Soccer. That's a busy schedule - for AJ and for Mom & Dad.
High School meets were a new challenge, competing against much older athletes. AJ ran the 4x800 relay and participated in the triple jump for the high school. At the Regionals, his relay team finished 6th and AJ finished 7th in the triple jump.
For the middle school, AJ ran the 400m and did the triple jump during the regular season. He was the conference champion in both events. At the middle school meet for the state of Kentucky, AJ placed 10th in the 800m run and 9th in the triple jump.
West Jessamine Middle School Track Team
Middle School Boys
West Jessamine High School Boys' Track Team
AJ running the 4x800 relay for the high school team
