Family In Town

 As I stated in the previous post, the last time that we saw any of the family, it was three years ago for Jozsef's High School graduation.  It was a treat to have some of the family visit, even if it was for just a couple of days--which we packed and made use of the best we could.  

The first day we took the family to the Chick Fil A that the boys work at to have lunch.  While there, we were introduced to many of the co-workers and a couple of bosses that the boys work with frequently.  All were super friendly and my dad had a great "shop" talk with Drew, the "big" boss of the location (food prep is common grounds for the guys).  After we had our fill of good food and conversation with the staff, we headed over to the bowling alley for bowling and billiards,  Grandpa made it all the more fun by awarding each strike and spare with a $2 bill. 

From the bowling alley we went to Buffalos for dinner and then we returned home for some games before calling it a night. 

The second day was all about graduation topped off by games and conversation while we caught up with each other in life.

The third and final day was a bit of a divide and conquer as we had more things we wanted to do than we actually had time for.  The two older boys and I took my niece out around town and did a senior photos shoot while we toured downtown.  We topped off our time with a trip to Snowmies for tasty snowcones to balance out our heat.  

While we were gone, Sonja helped Grandma make a tamale dinner complete with Spanish  rice and she gave us the recipe so that we can make more another day, which was really good because we all very much enjoyed the dinner.  The last few hours were packed with more talking and games (cribbage matches abounded) before we had to say our good byes since the flight out was set to leave early the next morning.

It was a whirlwind visit--certainly too short after a three gap, but we took what we had and enjoyed all that we could.  We consider ourselves blessed that we could have family to help us celebrate.  If we follow the current trend, we won't see them again until four years from now when Connor graduates High School....We won't dwell there.  Thanks for making the trip out McMahons!  It was good to see you!  <3

School's Out!

The end of the school year has arrived and to punctuate the end of this season we were blessed to be able to celebrate Nikolas' graduation from high school!  

To join us in the celebration, my parents and my niece Kylee traveled out for a few days.  The last time we were able to spend time with them was for Jozsef's graduation three years ago, so it was really nice that they could make it out.  

We took the opportunity to honor all of our kids moving up--Connor graduated 8th grade, Nikolas and my niece Kylee both graduated High School, and Sonja completed Elementary school this year

My niece Kylee and my parents-  the Grands McMahon

The Grands and the Grandkids present

We had intended to have a backyard ceremony for Nikolas, but five days of solid rain and high humidity shifted us to plan B which placed us in the living room for graduation.  Nikolas donned the traditional cap and gown and walked down the hallway to make his entrance into the living room to the sound of the classic graduation march.  John, as acting school Principal, coordinated and facilitated the ceremony which was opened with prayer and a formal welcome for our guests before John made a short speech.  I, acting as School Administrator and Lead Teacher also gave a short speech before Nikolas took front and center to present the speech he had written.  John presented Nikolas with his official diploma and everyone clapped, shouted praises, and deployed small confetti cannons.  :-)  

The official declaration of graduation, presentation of the diploma, and the handshake

Diploma in hand--it's real now!

He's so done!

When the ceremony was over, we had a luncheon followed by gifts and cake.  The rest of the day was spent just playing games and spending time together. 

John, Me, and My Parents

The girl cousins--Sonja, Kylee, Hannah

Riley made a Lego mini figure Graduate for Nikolas

These cousins spent their youngest years as a trio.  They aren't in the same space often, but they have no trouble clicking back together when they are 

Nikolas is thrilled to be done with High School.  His plan is to increase his work hours and spend time exploring options during this gap year.  With so many things rapidly changing in the world around us, all of what Nikolas thought he would pursue has been altered and now he goes back to the drawing board to craft a new plan.  In the meantime, he is blessed to have a great work environment and team to function with and learn from while he serves in leadership and strives to increase his skills across the board.  We trust that this is a time of molding and fashioning Nikolas for the next phase of God's leading in his life.  ;-)  Congratulations Nikolas!    May you continue to lean into the Lord and grow in His wisdom as you trek on into your future in this world! 

Twenty One

 

Riley made a Lego sign for Jozsef's special day--complete with a Stargate!

Right after Hannah's birthday, we had the joy of celebrating Jozsef's birthday.  This year marked the year he became fully legal--he's 21!  We had a full day of balanced rest and celebration--just what Jozsef was looking for.  After a restful morning, we went out for a hibachi late lunch/early dinner.  

Our servers were fun (yeah buddy!) and the atmosphere was certainly celebratory as Jozsef ordered his meal and his first adult drink.  :-)  

The official carding of the drink purchaser :-)  

The food was great and we left very satisfied.  The rain kept us from any outdoor activities, but we shifted gears and went home for cake and gift opening followed by the re-emergence of the treasured Stargate series (the absolute favorite of Jozsef, and he's successfully indoctrinated the other children). 

"All things lead back to Stargate", says Jozsef, and the crazy thing is, that is often true!

Before you know it, the day was done but the joy remained.  The man-child is now fully man, and we couldn't be happier.  Welcome to all that is adult, Jozsef!  Happy Birthday!  We love you! 

One Growing Girl

 The littlest of the bunch just celebrated her birthday.  She's nine now. :-)  

We had somewhat of an unconventional celebration for her.  As is happened, we were invited to another gathering on the day of her birthday.  I was hesitant to accept the invitation, though we all wanted to go.  It was decided that Hannah needed to give her approval--and she was more than happy to have a party for her birthday. :-)  The host family heard that it was Hannah's birthday and they were sure to make an issue of it.  The party included a festive song and a gift for the birthday girl.  Add that to smores, games, and fellowship and there was lots of fun to be had.  Not to mention that her Sunday school class sang to her and we had cake and gifts at home before the party.  

What a full day!  And what a happy girl!  Welcome to nine Hannah!  We love you! 

Wheels

 Nikolas, being an employed young man and a newly licensed driver, has been planning to make his first vehicle purchase.  The journey from transportation dreams to reality is always interesting.  Like many dreams, where you begin verses where you end is usually not the same vision.  Nikolas began dreaming of fun sporty cars and moved his way into sturdy and reliable work horses.  Not that owning a fast car isn't great fun in its own way, but that when you are a young man, those modes of transportation are fraught with expenses of various kinds, which is why so many men own race cars in their golden years.  :-)  

When Jozsef embarked upon his vehicle ownership quest, he did not begin with many preconceived notions about which car he needed, rather he pretty quickly decided to go with a reasonable car that would fit his budget and his personality.  Enter the HHR.  :-)  Now, Jozsef did admit that a truck would have been great, but he was well aware of the cost and was not willing to spend such money.  Now that Nikolas was in the market, there were many conversations about vehicle models and their pros and cons as well as their expenses.  In the end, the boys devised a plan to combine their purchasing power and to buy a truck so that they could add a beneficial vehicle to the family.  Though the truck would be rightfully theirs they found great advantages to having a truck to load up for hauling and/or towing and they loved the idea of having 4x4 capabilities because we do actually get quite the weather out here.  The boys also decided that sharing a vehicle was far more economically beneficial for the both of them rather than each of them owning their own car, paying their own insurance and paying gas for two cars--especially when they always carpool to work and they both still live at home.  Now, don't go worrying about when they move out--they've already discussed several scenarios and potential resolutions for how to handle the truck ownership and the possibility of needing another vehicle.  :-) 

With a target model and price range decided, they began the search in earnest.  In truth, Jozsef, having already purchased a vehicle, gave some input but truly let the brunt of the truck search fall on Nikolas so that Nikolas could lead the hunt and gain the knowledge that comes with such a first big buy.  The search lasted about two months and entertained many discussions before a very promising Dodge Dakota surfaced.  Nikolas got very excited and a bit anxious as he realized just how competitive the car market currently is, yet he remained grounded in God's faithfulness and did not neglect praying over the situation (and we joined him) which helped to let him go into the deal open handed.  Still, things moved very quickly and before we knew it, John and the two older boys headed out in the HHR to see if the listed Dakota looked as good in real as it did in photos.

The guys were greeted by dealers who were quite experienced and very client oriented.  The truck had an impressive history--one owner who took great care of his truck and barely put any miles on it.  Jozsef negotiated a trade in and got almost as much as he paid for it (minus $500)!  Such a blessing!  God was definitely in the details and the boys came home beaming!  :-)  Nikolas had made his first vehicle purchase, Jozsef had successfully negotiated his first vehicle trade in, and the boys were officially truck owners.  Oh happy day!  

Now the boys will set out to personalize their new ride and they will enjoy every God given moment in it as well.  :-)  Congratulations Boys!  

Moving Up

 This school year is a milestone year for more than just our graduating senior, though his is a huge mile marker.  The ending of this school year also means that Sonja completes Elementary School and moves into Jr. High next fall while Connor exits Jr. High and begins counting down his High School years.  There's a lot of celebrating going on over here! 

Though we don't traditionally make more than a nod and a mention at leaving elementary school, we do more overtly acknowledge eighth grade graduation.  Connor had the fun of taking graduation photos and he will receive his certificate of completion at the end of the term--which is right around the corner! 

Of course, Nikolas had a photo shoot and we'll enjoy a graduation celebration in a couple of weeks.  We had so much fun on his photo shoot.  Our top photo lady, Heather, helped us capture some great memories of Nikolas looking quite dapper in his cap and gown and we couldn't be more grateful to her for her time and talents.  

Congratulations to our students for all of your hard work and tenacity in getting this far! 

Licensed to Drive

 It's official!  Nikolas is the newest driver of the house!  He had a few delays to deal with--not by his own accord but rather due to cancel culture and a computer system update at the Motor Vehicles Department that appears to have set the department back rather than help them to jump ahead.  However, the wait was worth it and now Nikolas can cancel one more thing off of his list of "things to do in growing up". :-) Congratulations Nikolas!  See you on the road!  :-)