Cell Phone Photography

Amanda is now a professional photographer...self-portrait photographer, that is. She has mastered the art of holding out her cell phone, pointing towards herself and taking some pretty cute pictures. Sometimes she includes her best friend Kaitlyn, her sister Lauren and every once in a while, me. Here are a few she snapped today on her "monochrome" setting.

Pesky Little Sister

Need I say more???

Moving On

Today was a big day for Amanda. She had her 6th Grade Promotion! She's been looking forward to this day for years. She's always had the idea that real life starts in Jr. High. Hope it lives up to her expectations!

Twins!

Yesterday Amanda and her best friend Kaitlyn dressed up for the "twins day" being held at school. Kaitlyn's mom took them shopping at Ross where they found these matching tops and headbands. They looked so striking and were very proud of their outfits.

There is never an ounce of drama between these two, which is a rare thing in the sixth grade. Kaitlyn is a little on the shy side but when she and Amanda are together it's constant laughter and silliness. I think this is a friendship that may be around awhile!

Back-2-School

Every year on the first day of school, I take out my camera and snap a few pictures of each of the kids. I love documenting these momentous days but as they have grown older, they've also grown more and more annoyed with this little tradition. Since last year's pictures were full of rolling eyes and impatient frowns I actually considered giving them a break this year. Boy was I surprised when the evening before the first day of school they all said, "You're taking pictures in the morning, right?". It's a nice feeling when someone asks you to take their picture instead of groaning when the camera comes out! Here is Lauren on her first day as President of a large Corporation. Oops, I mean the first day of 3rd grade. When I look at this picture I get a little flash of her future. Anyway, her day went great. She loved her teacher, she was excited about the three thick text books she gets to use this year and she was relieved to find that the little boys who made last year miserable were NOT in her class.

For the first time ever, Amanda loves her teacher! I can't even tell you how happy this makes me. She always seems to get the one teacher that should have retired already. She has made friends with a couple of girls who like to avoid the girl drama that Amanda seems to get sucked into, against her will,every year. Thank goodness for that. I think the 6th grade is going to be a great year for her.

These next few words come out with a sniff and damp eyes...Austin started HIGH SCHOOL this year! Can that really be right? Wasn't I just IN high school? I'm not sure what is more upsetting, that he's growing up or I'm growing old! So far Austin loves the 9th grade. I hear the most about French (I guess Spanish was full) and Geography class. I love that he comes home excited about the things he's learning and tells me all about it. It makes me want to do High School all over again, minus the teen angst.

Miss Manda

Me: Okay Manda, pretend you're a Supermodel!
Amanda: .........................................

New York Fashion Week, here she comes.

Amanda's Adventure

Monday morning Amanda headed off to Science camp with her 5th grade class and we were so sad to see her go. Aaron and I were fighting tears as we dropped her off at school. We just really didn't like the thought of spending the next four days without her. We had a heck of a time deciding whether she could go in the first place because we are pretty protective parents. Sending her off to a place we've never seen with people we've never met was just plain scary. It took a lot of faith to let her go and you can bet we were praying for her every day. I'm so glad we allowed her to go because she had such a great time! They did lots of hiking, fun activities and were fed really well (leave it to a Mom to ask her what she ate while she was gone!). Being the social and adventurous kid she is, she loved being there and didn't get home sick at all. We're happy she had so much fun and made some great memories but we are even happier that she's back home with us now!

Go Manda!!!!

I was so proud when a few months ago Amanda was voted Most Athletic Girl for her school yearbook. She has won the admiration of her classmates because she can run like the wind. I think her new title inspired her because she decided to try out all the team sports, starting with Spring soccer. She hasn't played soccer since she was four years old and used to stand around trying to chat with other players during the games. She's over that now and she gets down to business.

Practices and games always start with a warm up run. It's supposed to be a slow jog but Amanda can't stand to be beat so she kicks into turbo and runs flat out. This little guy got close but she still smoked him.

A little bit of stretching (Amanda's someone you can always lean on),

A pep talk from the coaches...

...and then it's on! Amanda has worked so hard this season and has gotten better and better with every practice and game. At Saturday's game she was awesome and everyone was cheering for her. It's got to feel great to hear everyone calling your name.

Happy Birthday Amanda!

Darling Daughter

Lately, Amanda has been the kid who is least likely to let me take her picture. That is, until yesterday when she got her new hairdo and she suddenly felt inspired to pose for the camera. I love that I was able to catch the many sides of Manda: beautiful, sweet, fun, zany and as you see in the last picture, full of suprises!

Quite the Multitasker, She Is...

Not only can she walk and chew gum, she can check email and play gameboy at the same time!

Snail Girl

Amanda has always had an affection for bugs. No bug is too creepy, crawly or slimy for her to pick up and examine. As a little girl, she was especially fascinated by snails. When she was about 4 or 5 she asked me to drive her to the local Pizza Hut (which I did) , not too eat, but to scavenge for snails under the bushes. She's ten years old now and she's still at it. Nothing makes her more gleeful than finding an icky, slimy snail.