Molly’s settled at UMHB and appears to be enjoying herself and making new friends. Yesterday, we hugged Andrew and he got in his car and drove himself up to Baylor to begin his sophomore year. Tomorrow they will start classes, as will Bethany, who is now a Junior in high school, and Blake, who is – I can hardly believe it – going into junior high.

God has been very good to us.

Bethany and I spent two hours today at the local DMV, trying in vain to get her learner’s permit. We left close to five, as she had to get to work. We were no where near even getting in the final line to the computer test.

I’ll vote for any politician who promises to privatize the DMV.

We are in Molly’s dorm, doing last minute things. We’re about to leave.

I love you, Molly, my precious daughter. I already miss you.

God speed.

Since yesterday I’ve been experiencing something rare: a week-long vacation at home. Man, I could do this full time (although, of course, I really, really enjoy having a job too!).

It started on Saturday; we went to San Antonio to hold an Oscar-tinged family birthday party for Bethany at my parent’s house. This included a red carpet entrance, then Beth was whisked away for hair and makeup by the girls. She was escorted into the festivities by Blake (in a little tux – ha), to hear a hilarious “lifetime achievement” speech written by eldest son and delivered by aunt Kim and cousin Macy. Following this, we showed her sixteen-year DVD, which Jill and I had worked on diligently into the late hours last week (we produce a DVD for each of my parent’s grandkids on their sixteenth birthday. I think this one came out pretty well!). This was followed by an Oscar-like awards ceremony, in which Bethany won every award (and gave an extremely believable and funny acceptance speech). We ended up with cake and cupcakes, baked lovingly and expertly by Molly, and then the opening of presents. All in all it was a great night. We came back here Sunday evening.

Since then, we’ve been working hard at taking care of lots of last minute details in preparation of taking Molly and Andrew to college this week.

Andrew had his wisdom teeth taken out yesterday too.

So lots of stuff has been happening. Here’s what’s not been happening: I haven’t been thinking about work or monitoring work emails at all. They know how to find me if they need me.

Here’s to another day!

Today we got our ride, a 2000 Honda Odyssey, past 200,000 miles.

Here’s to, hopefully, at least 50,000 more. She’s been a good car.

Molly turned eighteen today.

Bethany turns sixteen in less than two months.

Andrew turns twenty a month after that.

Blake is going into Middle school this fall.

[Bill checks to see if there are any good deals on time machines on eBay]

This past Saturday, my eldest daughter graduated from high school (Summa Cum Laude!). It was a great weekend of celebration all around for our family.

Saturday night, following the graduation and our excellent El Gallo meal at home, Molly and Andrew put on a short, impromptu concert for the family and extended family, with Molly singing Grace Upon Grace by Sandra McCracken and Faith My Eyes by Caedmon’s Call, accompanied by Andrew on guitar and harmonies. They sound so good together (I hope to get them to record Grace Upon Grace so I can post it). This was followed by an unplanned, unscripted time of blessing and encouragement as a family. Toward the end, Bethany, our younger daughter, stood up and spoke a sweet, tearful tribute to her older sister. Bethany just finished her sophomore year and is turning into a mature young woman so fast. I’m so proud of her and I had so much fun waltzing with her earlier in the night (to a High School Musical song. I’m a fan).

Someone asked me if I had any words to say. I did, of course, but the main thing I remember saying was that I’ve never been happier. I’m so blessed and privileged to be married to Jill and dad to Andrew, Molly, Bethany, and Blake.

Some pictures.

The Graduate. She got to wear all this extra stuff (National Honor Society cowl, Summa Cum Laude and French Honor Society ropes) – well deserved. Molly really worked hard in school.

Molly, with Andrew and Blake. Blake’s not smiling for some reason . . .

. . . so he obviously needed a hug. My nephew Sawyer is also in the pic, to the left.

Better!

I love this pic of Molly and Bethany. My niece Macy is also in the picture, to the right.

I don’t have any pictures of it (not that we didn’t take any, I just don’t have them uploaded) but the next day Molly also played piano for about fifty people for her Senior Recital. It was awesome.

Great weekend!