JOW Diver

I am now a JOW (Junior Open Water Diver)!!!! My certification dives were at a rock quarry that's now a lake. It was the second time that I'd gone diving in that lake. If you have ever been certified, you know that you have to learn scuba vocabulary, such as BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), the O-ring, regulator, wet suit and dry suit, etc. You have to learn how to set up your air tank and you weights and learn what the best style of equipment to buy is. You have to take knowledge review quizes. When you finish, you really feel accomplishment! It is a lot of fun!

     

This is me with Greg, one of the instructors.  

    These are two more students and Rena, my instructor.

This is one of the other diving students.

 The visibility was about 10-15 feet all around us. That's not too bad for a lake.

This is me. The fish were very curious. And slippery!

I was trying to smile. :)

 My certification photo!!!! This is Rena, my dive instructor. Can't wait till I get to go diving in the ocean!!!!!

Marching Band

Our first parade as eighth graders has come and gone. Marching in such hot conditions takes its toll!

 This is my friend with the flutes.

This is me with the other trombones.

This is my band director, Ms. Kamada. She's the best!  

Marching is exhausting work, but it's very worth it!

P.S. One of these photos hides a banana (yellow car). Can you find it? Click the photos to enlarge them.

Cupcake Wars!

  Recently, at Robin and Darren's house, we watched The Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. Four contestants compete to see who can make the best cupcakes. One of the contestants was from our area! Unfortunately, he didn't win, though.
  A few days after we got back, Mom looked up his cupcake bakery on the internet. We visited the bakery and tasted a couple of the fabulous cupcakes. Some of the ones that were on the show were even on display!

The cupcakes were so delicious! 

Visiting Virginia Beach

Okay, so since we haven't been keeping up the family blog lately (as in the last two years), I'm going to start a new one up. About a week ago, we visited my aunt and uncle who we haven't seen for, like, two-and-a-half years! It was great to see them after so long. During that week, we squeezed in as many activities as we could.

 Beach Fun

 Mt. Trashmore

 Bowling

 Getting Ready for Church

 Ethan's Baseball Game

 On Friday, we drove to Washington D.C. Immediately, we started touring. Just our luck, in a few hours, Robin called us and announced that she had heard about a tornado warning where we were. After a bit, it started sprinkling, which quickly turned to a downpour. Soon, we were drenched, but we had the best time!

Friday

 Saturday

Sunday at the D.C. Temple

We love and miss you guys! See you soon!