Well. I started a post last week when Elizabeth had her pin removed. I shared the details, but never actually finished the story. So... it is now 6 days later and I still haven't finished. To make a long story short - the pin is out. It was a 2 second ordeal. Elizabeth was very brave. She didn't cry until he pulled out the instrument (something that looked like pliars). She cried hard until is was removed. They say there is no pain, but Elizabeth would argue that. She said it hurt for a few minutes, but settled down. It was very painful to the touch for the first couple of days. After about 3 days, the skin peeled off of the tip; revealing fresh pink skin. Her finger looks great! It is shaped a little different where the stitches were but I am thinking it is more a scar look then an abnormality. She is down to just a normal bandage (well.... a princess and the frog bandage).

As for other news. Em is home and I am thoroughly enjoying her being around again. She has been very helpful and has made sure to spend time with everyone in the family. She heads to camp on May 31st for 2 weeks of training before beginning the summer chaos. Jacob is nearly done with school. Sam is enjoying having his license (a little too much - he hasn't quite settled into our rules yet).

Both Sam and Erin were awarded academic letters last week. It was Sam's first and Erin's third. Erin also was given a certificate/bond as the student chosen by our School Board for going into education Last night, she was awarded a scholarship through the community foundation and then given 2 more awards. One was the Marines Distinguished Athlete Award and the other was the Ohio High School Athletic Association Archie Griffen Sportsmanship Award. Sam just went through an election process for class officers. His group developed a very cool marketing campaign. They called themselves the BLT's and used images of Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches on their ad's throughout the school as well as took some very cool pictures of the group. BLT's stands for Ben, Lyndsey, Travis and Sam. He was elected as the class treasurer. He is very excited. We are very proud of both of their accomplishments.