Zack is 16 years old, and in 11th grade. This year he got his license and car. Having the ability to drive himself to and from all his activities is awesome... or, should I say, his parents not having to drive him to and from all his activities is awesome! School is going well - Zack was named again as one of the top 25 kids in his class.

This summer we started visiting colleges. A bit early, but we are planners! We visited about 10 colleges, both local and away. One week we made a 1700 mile journey from Ohio to New Jersey to Indiana and back. While Zack hasn't chosen a college yet, he is leaning toward majoring in either engineering or computer science.

Zack continues to play the trombone. Good thing, since he got a new, fancy one last year! He is first chair in "Symphonic Winds" which is the highest concert band in the school. Although his trombone teacher (our friend Kyle), takes credit for him being first chair, Peter likes to point out that he was also first chair trombone in high school. Zack just completed his 3rd year of marching band and was chosen as a Section Leader for the trombones. The marching band went to Hollywood over Thanksgiving break, and Zack had a great time. They marched in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and got to visit lots of sites in Hollywood / L.A. / Beverly Hills.

Recently, Zack decided to delve into the wonderful world of app development. His first app, ColorSwitch, was approved in November and is available for download on the App Store! This was quite an accomplishment since programming an app, and then getting it approved by Apple, is no small feat. It certainly represents many long hours of effort, as well as a great learning process. His next app, Sevens Challenge, is currently being field tested (by family and friends), and he hopes to submit it to the App Store in the near future.

Jackie is 11 years old, and in 6th grade. She is doing very well in school, getting straight "A" report cards. At the end of 5th grade she was given the "Most Motivated Learner Award." I am sad to say that Jackie is moving on to the Junior High next year. We've been in the same school together for 5 years and I am now spoiled by commuting with her and having her in my classroom before and after school every day. What am I going to do without her?!?!?

One exciting development was Jackie getting glasses. While most kids probably don't want glasses, Jackie has wanted them for years, but never needed them. When she started complaining that she couldn't see the board, I thought it was just another ploy to get glasses. Turns out she really did need them! I thought the excitement of glasses might have quickly worn off, but she still loves them. Weird kid, eh?

This year she continued to run in the "Girls on the Run" program at school - completing several more 5K races. I believe she is up to 9 at this point. She also danced (ballet), and participated in the drama club where she preferred to contribute behind the scenes. She is currently in the 6th grade student council.

One of Jackie's most exciting new activities is band - following in the footsteps of her brother and parents before her! She has been playing piano since she was 4, so that serves as a great musical foundation for her. Jackie chose to play the flute, and is currently playing my old one (circa 1979 which makes it 35 years old! - Holy cow!!!) It has been passed down from me, through 2 nieces, and now to Jackie. The music store indicated that it was great quality and worth keeping so after a little tune-up, it's back in business. Her first concert is December 18th, which will include her being part of a flute trio.

In an effort to de-clutter and simplify his life, Peter got rid of both of our fishtanks this year. He gave all the fish back to the pet store, and has the tanks stored away. I have no doubt that the one or both fishtanks will re-surface at some point, but to paraphrase the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld, I told him, "No fishtanks for you! Come back - one year!" I know it may sound cruel, but the fish, especially the salt-water ones, are not cheap!

Peter made it his mission to be able to park all three of our cars in our 3-car garage. Seems reasonable, but it proved to be quite a challenge. After much effort and projects to organize our stuff in there, we are now able to fit all the cars and all the stuff. We've already had enough snow to cancel school, and Zack was thankful to have his car in the snow-free garage! Peter was finally able to convince both kids to let him redo their bedrooms this year and they turned out great. You know how he loves his projects!