Our First Driver

 What an experience to take my girl to take her driving test. I was probably as nervous and excited as Aliza was. I knew she was ready and would have been shocked if she didn't pass, but watching her drive out to do that first parking task, I was holding my breath. I knew if she got the parking successfully, she would have no problem. I was right. When she came back from the road part of the test, she was grinning big! I remember what it felt like to get my license and I was so excited for Aliza to feel that feeling of independence and responsibility.

It was POURING rain as we drove to the MVA. Probably the heaviest rain Aliza had ever driven in. We had time to practice parking and then enough time to drive the test route. By the time we pulled in to the MVA, the rain had pretty well stopped and it wasn't raining when she took the test.

Right after lunch Aliza had the moment she was hoping for. She took her brothers and sister to Cook Out to get shakes. I wanted to cry, but I was too busy smiling. A friend who was a few weeks ahead of me told me it's a proud and sad feeling when you watch them drive away. That's what it was! I'm so proud and excited for Aliza and sad about the passing of time and the letting go. I did sit on the porch the whole time they were gone. 

 

Josiah wasn't sure about going with Aliza for her first drive alone. Anna had was all in. No hesitation. Isaiah was super excited for Cook Out, but as he was walking out the door, he said it felt strange to be leaving without me. He turned around and said, "Don't worry Mom. I'll be back with my shake and then we will snuggle." Being the wonderful children they are, they had a Starbucks Chai for me when they got home. (Starbucks is right beside Cook Out.)

 

Completely unrelated to driving... Anna likes to look at old photos and zoom in and crop out a funny face or herself when she was little. I found this one of Josiah and it make me laugh out loud. I'm pretty sure this was a family photo from the Sunday Aliza was baptized.