March

Caitlyn just finished an after school program with the city called "Hands On History." They took a couple of field trips to talk about the history of the city and got a tour of Mission Inn. They got some quick classes on picture taking, interview techniques, etc. and made a final project to present at the end of their program.
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We went to visit with my family for Tomb Sweeping Day. My brother in law took us out to a big lunch when we were all done. We were so stuffed. Both Christian and Emily had homework to do still so we did not stay to visit after lunch and headed back home to get back to work.
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Caitlyn already registered with her first fall classes in high school. She has decided to give the IB program a try. We'll see how that goes, I guess. It hasn't gone too well for Emily. She has given up on the diploma program but is still hoping to get something out of the certificate program.
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Emily and Caitlyn went back to the dentist. No cavities again! They got their cleaning and got their molars sealed.
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Emily and Caitlyn finished the 3rd quarter of school. On the last day, Caitlyn had the day off and we went spent most of the day together shopping and Caitlyn took us out to lunch to her favorite Panda Express. Emily and her friends went to Castle Park after school.
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Christian continues classes and working on the problem with his truck.

Emily's Birthday

Emily turned 15 earlier this month. I can't believe that she will be learning how to drive soon. It's a crazy thought. We had a her grandparents on Christian's side over for her annual birthday luncheon, along with Marian. My mom stopped coming a number of years ago when her cataracts got worse. She's not comfortable driving to unfamiliar areas. They are supposed to examine her eyes to see if surgery might be called for soon, at least for one of her eyes.

We made Chinese food this year. She got a big gift card from Grandpa Caldwell and Jackie this year. Marian got her some shoes, clothes and another gift card for more clothes. She also got a fancy bath and lotion set from her.

We got her a soccer ball and another electronics kit to make an oscilloscope. Plus Christian put another kit together for her with all the parts she will need to make her first big project: a big LED cube. She saw the project online some time ago and wanted to make it along with some even bigger endeavors. 

On her actual birthday on Monday, her friends surprised her with a ton of gifts, along with balloons and cupcake. One of her best friends actually bought her a new pair of Vans high tops! She got a teddy bear and some clothes as well (although the clothes are too small).  She was really surprised and happy.

At home, she requested a special Italian dinner. A pasta we had some time ago that she really liked. Christian cured and cold smoked the pancetta just for the occasion. I also made some crusty sourdough bread to go with it and some angel food cupcakes with pomegranate/raspberry whipped cream. Plus she got a birthday note from Grandma Cheri (Christian's mom) along with some more birthday money!

Her growth spurts have finally started to slow down this year. She has not changed shoe sizes in the last couple of years and she grew lest than an inch this past year which puts her just shy of 5'6".