Christmas 2020

 It was a very different Christmas.  We watched church from home and didn't get to do our normal family get togethers.  We were able to do an outside Christmas exchange with the Howell side and then a zoom dinner later in the evening.  The next day we did a screened in porch exchange and played outside with my side.  I'm glad we were able to celebrate even though it wasn't anything like we always do. 

Winston Henry Howell

 On August 22nd we picked up the newest member of our family from Bedford, Iowa.  He is the a Fox Red Lab.  He's technically a dark yellow lab.  Winston was born on June 27th.  We are in love with our little guy.  I had come across his breeder back on Facebook and it happened to be the day he was born.  He is from a littler of 14 puppies, 6 boys and 8 girls.  His parents, Star and Kimbo are both hunters and great family dogs.  We were the first to put down a deposit on a male puppy in the little so we had the first pick on males.  We drove to Bedford right before the puppies turned 6 weeks and got to meet all the little boys.  We had seen pictures of them ahead of time and didn't know which one to choose other than we had decided on a black nosed pup.  We ended up picking "Henry."  Mike said he smiled at him and Henry also came up to Anna at one point.  

We have always liked the name Winston so that was an easy choice and we decided to use Henry as his middle name so he could take a little piece of his past with him.  We woke up early on the morning of August 22 and headed to pick up our boy, we were scheduled to pick him up at 9.  

He cried a little on the way home, but finally settled when he laid on the floor in the car. He slept most of the ride home.  Since Winston has been home (nearly 8 weeks) he has been such a great dog!  He sleeps well at night, although it did take a night or two to settle in.  He does wake early most days, but I'm hoping eventually he'll sleep in past 7.  

Potty training is going well now, but I wouldn't say he's completely potty trained just yet.  I just make sure he gets outside constantly.  He getting very close though.  He loves to play with his toys, he loves squeaky toys and has only destroyed a couple toys.  He absolutely loves bones.  He likes the pressed rawhides that Patton loved.  He also really likes the Himalayan Cheese dog chews.  

Winston is a fairly calm pup.  He gets a bit rowdy first thing in the morning, but can be distracted by a bone or a game of tug of war.  He does really well if he gets a mile walk in each day.  He has chewed on a table or chair here or there, but nothing too damaging.  He's a quick learner, he knows sit, down, shake, come (with a whistle-but this is a very new skill), rollover, holding a sit.  He's excellent on a walk.

Our good friends, the Mounts got one of Winston's brothers and that has been so much fun getting the together.  We get them together about once a week and let them play and try and go for a walk.  They play pretty rough together but it is so great because they wear each other out.  

Winston is tired each night by 8 and pretty much sleeps hard from 8 until bed time.  We usually have to drag him outside to pee one more time before bed.  He then sleeps all night.  Winston has already claimed to be a couch dog and loves the coolness of our leather couches, but he also is very snuggly and loves to be held.

Here are his weight updates: 

8/22  12 lbs 6 oz

8/24 13 5 oz (vet)

8/24 14lbs 

8/29 15 pounds 4 oz

8/30 17pounds

9/2  17lbs 2 oz 

9/8 20 ponds 6 oz pounds 

9/12 21 pounds 4 oz 

9/19 23.4

9/26 25 lbs

10-3 26.8 lbs 14 weeks 

10/10 28 lbs 2 oz 15 weeks

10/13 28lbs 6 oz

Drew's first cross country meet

 On October 13th Drew ran in his first cross country meet.  He did amazing.  He ran against other 7 graders from his school and one other school.  He placed 4th with a time of 6 minutes flat.  The course was a mile long.  It was his best mile time yet.  He led the race for a good amount of the race.  We are talking strategy and he can't wait to race this next week.  He gets to run in a total of 3 meets this year.  I'm so proud of his hard work and absolutely love he has a passion for running, like his mom!

Drew update (July-October) 13 years old!!!

 Dear Drew,

It has been a while since I've updated.  Life is still quite different around here.  Covid is very much on everyone's mind still but we are starting to do some normal activities. You were able to go to a shortened HUW Williams camp this summer, that was probably you highlight of the summer.  Other than that you had weekly soccer practices.

You have played a lot of video games since my last update that seems to be the best way for you and your friends to communicate.  You had some friends over to swim a few times and rode bikes with friends and tried to fish at the nearby neighborhood ponds on an off.  The hot summer weather made bike riding a bit hard, but you did find some cooler days here and there to bike.  Looking back I'd say your favorite memories from this summer might be your wiffle ball games you organized up at Sunrise Point.  You would bike up there and play for hours.  As much as this summer was a disappointment, it was also a nice relaxing one and you got to enjoy just playing.  

You've enjoyed interacting with Willow. You have gone up to Anna's room to visit her quite a bit and you loved grooming her when she was shedding a ton.  You would sit down there and just pull out her loose fur.  

You got braces in June and had your canine exposed through an oral surgery in early October.  You are doing great with both.  You were so brave during the oral surgery procedure, dad and I were so proud of you. 

This summer we went to the lake three different times.  You really enjoy tubing the most.  You also began to make huge progress in skiing.  You now ski easily without the training bar.  You also gave fishing a go and unfortunately no one caught anything.  You set off a lot of fireworks over the 4th of July weekend and loved it.  

You have been playing soccer games since July and you team is doing ok, you haven't won a ton.  Your team has 9 core players and then there are kids that guest play for you so you have enough to play in your games.  You were supposed to travel quite a bit this fall, but the NPL league was canceled due to covid.  

School started on September 9th, but middle school started with full time distance learning.  But you just started the hybrid schedule in October.  So you go to start going to school two days and then stay home the next two.  You have enjoyed getting back to school and you don't seem to mind distance learning too much.  You do most of your at home school in the train room and you stay busy the whole "school" day.

Once you started the hybrid schedule, middle school sports were allowed to start, so you are officially running cross country.  You seem to really like it so far.  You have practices M-Th each week from 3-4 and you will have three meets before the season ends at the end of October.  

On August 7th you had an early check up (had to do it for school sports) and you were 84 pounds (21st percentile) and 63.75inches (84th percentile).  You are officially taller than Ma!  I think this may be my last year to be taller than you, I'm holding on tight!

This year your birthday fell on a Sunday and the Chiefs were playing.  So once you finished your morning soccer game you had some friends over to watch the game and to celebrate your birthday.  Unfortunately you lost in soccer and the Chiefs lost, but luckily you still had a great day.  This year you got a razor motorcycle similar to Wyatt's for your birthday.  You also got some new adidas shoes, sweatshirts, and a new soccer ball.  

Dad and I are so proud of you and look forward to watching you grow and change.  We sure miss our little boy, but we love the young man you are becoming.

Love ,

Mom and Dad

Wyatt's 6 year old stats

 9-18-20

41 pounds, 21st percentile

46.75 inches, 75th percentile

Tall and skinny, that seems to be how we grow them around here!

Wyatt turns 6!

 Dear Wyatt,

I haven't updated in a while.  So here's an update from June 13-September 13

You had a pretty laid back summer this year.  We didn't do much other than a few trips to the lake and hanging out at home.  You had a few playdates with friends outside and at the pool.  We didn't have you play baseball this summer with all the uncertainty.  

You enjoyed playing with Willow and once we got Winston you were very excited to have a dog again.  You have gone through many crying episodes missing Patton from time to time.  You took your lost of Patton very hard, she really was your buddy.  The very first couple days you were ready to give Winston back.  You didn't like him jumping on you or biting you - but he quickly chilled out and didn't pick on you too much.  

You just started kindergarten and love it! For now you will be on a hybrid schedule.  You loved your first day of school and did well wearing a mask all day and you've had two distance learning days at home.  You don't love the idea of zooming, but you are doing so far.  You just have a few check-in's each day and your teacher doesn't keep you very long.  

You have started playing BV rec soccer again and so far so good, you are loving it. 

We celebrated your birthday with your friends on the 10th during a distance learning day.  You had your two buddies, Decker and Harrison over.  It was a rainy day and we were planning an outside party, so we had to change things up a bit and play in the garage.  You all had a great time hanging out together.  

We celebrated your birthday yesterday as a family of 5.  We had several games on your birthday, you had a soccer game and you thought it was a fun way to celebrate your day.  You opened presents, you are most excited about your motorcycle (although it won't come for a week or so).  You also got a Thor costume, Fortnite nerf gun, a police dress up kit, and pirate ship.  You helped me make your yellow cake with chocolate frosting.  

Today we went to Pa and Toots' and celebrated your birthday outside with a pool party.  You had a great time celebrating with everyone. You had a very large chocolate cake from Sam's Club.  And then a few days later we met Matt, the boys, Ma & Pa, and some of the Taylors at the park for some cookies and play time.  You enjoyed all of your celebrations, you are one lucky little boy.  

We love you WyWy and can't believe you are 6 already!  You are such a sweet and funny boy.  You love your family fiercely and also push everyone's buttons daily.  We love you sweet boy!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Willow Buggs Howell

We welcomed Willow Buggs Howell to our family on June 3rd.  She was born on April 15th.  Anna and I begged Mike/Dad for a rabbit and he had a Covid moment and caved.  We put a deposit down our on our sweet Willow on April 23rd and got to see weekly pictures of her as she grew. Willow was 7 weeks when we picked her up.  Her cage is set up in Anna's room and Anna has been so responsible and takes great care of Willow.  Willow also prefers Anna over all of us.  Willow doesn't love being held, but tolerates Anna holding her for a short time.  

Wyatt 5 years 7-9 months

March 13-June 12

Dear Wyatt,

Talk about a crazy time in your life.  We've been stuck at home due to the Covid Pandemic.  You finished out your Pre-K year at home.  We had so many resources between what your school provided online and what I found .  So you had more than plenty to do.  We worked a lot on reading, sight words, and math.  I think you definitely missed the social time with your friends though.  You also started zooming with your class, having weekly face time calls with your teacher, Mrs. McNiel, and you even had a driveway visit from both teachers one day.

We enjoyed lots and lots of time at home.  You got to go on many bike rides and we even let you go on rides with just Drew and Anna.  You are an amazing bike rider and you have gotten so good on big hills.  You enjoyed a lot of nice days outside playing and you also really enjoyed watching Drew play Fortnite, you may be the most informed kindergartner on the subject (yikes!).

We lost Patton on May 8th and you've really struggled.  You had a very special bond with her.  You always sought her out first thing in the morning and gave her countless hugs and kisses. You have had so many tears off and on since she passed.  I'm so glad I have a ton of pictures and videos of the two of you.

You have enjoyed our new bunny, Willow though.  You like watching her hop around and you also enjoy trying to hold her.

You didn't get to "graduate" from preschool, but we got to borrow a cap and gown and take pictures and on the last day we got to drive through the preschool parking lot and say goodbye to everyone.  It was sad not getting to celebrate you like we expected, but you are too little to really understand.  So that helps!


Since school has been out you have enjoyed swimming a couple times and going to the lake.  You have also had a friend over to play in the front yard.  You wish you could see your friends more, but it is just hard right now.  We are very hopeful you can start school this fall in person.

We love you sweet WyWy!
Love,
Mom and Dad

Anna - 10 years 1 -3 months

March 13-June 12

Dear Anna,

Talk about the most crazy 3 months in your life so far.  Little did we know back in March how crazy things would be come.  You've finished your 4th grade year at home.  I'm quite impressed how well you handled online learning and a little homeschooling with your mom.  You spent about 2 or 3 hours a day on your work and you had a few zoom calls a week with your teacher.  You also started zooming with your friends just to socialize.  You also started using messenger quite a bit to keep up with friends.  At first you wanted to message them a lot and as time has gone by you message less and less.

In person soccer practices were canceled so you started doing zoom soccer practices.  The spring season kept getting pushed back and eventually was just canceled.  Your team also started chatting on zoom once a week.  You did a great job doing your workouts and even won the April Lockdown challenge, by getting the most points on your team (each skill or exercise counted for points and you kept track of all of them).

We ended up with a pretty good routine during the school days.  School in the basement, lunch, Bible study online, soccer drills and workout, playing outside, and then some screen time.  You started riding your bike and scooter again.  But you seemed to like your bike less than you used to, you always say it hurts your back.   As time went on you even got to do bike rides with friends, since you could socially distance yourself fairly easy.  With all this time on your bike we've also given you a lot more freedom.  You ride your bike around the the two neighborhoods that connect to us.  You have really enjoyed your freedom.

Since school ended in mid May things have changed a bit.  We've been able to get out quite a bit more and dad went back to work.  You have seen more friends, but have tried to stay outside more so everyone is a bit more distanced.  It also has gotten a lot hotter so playing outside is harder.  You have gone to a couple socially distanced soccer practices at All American and it was so nice for you to get out some and see teammates even though you didn't get to do any contact soccer.

We lost Patton on May 8th which was hard and sad for you.  In April we talked dad into getting a bunny so we put a deposit down on her in late April and we picked her up on June 3rd.  You sure love your Willow Buggs Howell and I'm so impressed with how well you take care of her.  You do a great job with her and she definitely is most comfortable with you.

We have no idea what the future holds, but do hope we get to try and get back to real life little by little.

We love you so much!

Love
Mom and Dad

Drew - 12 years, 6 -8 months

March 12-June 11


Dear Drew,


Talk about the most crazy 3 months in your life so far.  Little did we know back in March how crazy things would be come.  You've finished your 6th grade year at home.  I'm quite impressed how well you handled online learning and a little homeschooling with your mom.  You spent about 3 hours a day on your work and you had a few zoom calls a week with teachers.  You also started zooming with your friends just to socialize and started playing Fortnite again with friends.

In person soccer practices were canceled so you started doing zoom soccer practices.  The spring season kept getting pushed back and eventually was just canceled.  Your team also started chatting on the Group Me app and had a list of skills you had to do and video for your coaches.

We ended up with a pretty good routine during the school days.  School in the basement, lunch (you often made egg sandwiches for everyone), Bible study online, soccer drills and workout, playing outside, and then some screen time.  You started really enjoying your bike again.  Dad went on a lot of bike rides with you.  As time went on you even got to do bike rides with friends, since you could socially distance yourself fairly easy.  With all this time on your bike we've also given you a lot more freedom.  You ride your bike around the the two neighborhoods that connect to us.  You have really enjoyed your freedom.

Since school ended in mid May things have changed a bit.  We've been able to get out quite a bit more and dad went back to work.  You have seen more friends, but have tried to stay outside more so everyone is a bit more distanced.  It also has gotten a lot hotter so playing outside is harder.  You have gone to a couple socially distanced soccer practices at Legends and it was so nice for you to get out some and see teammates even though you didn't get to do any contact soccer.

On May 8th we lost Patton.  It was very hard for all of us.  You were very quiet about it, but had tears here and there.  You miss her and love watching her old videos with me.  You are also enjoying our new bunny, Willow.  You are pretty good with her and have quite a voice you use for her.

We have no idea what the future holds, but do hope we get to try and get back to real life little by little.

As always, dad and I are so proud of you and love you very much.

Love
Mom and Dad

Patton Puppy Paws Puddles Howell December 26, 2004-May 8, 2020

Our sweet and beloved Patton left this world on May 8th.  We have been holding on tight to our sweet girl for months now.  We knew this day was coming, but it did not make it any easier.  Patton stopped being able to use her back legs right after Anna's 10th birthday in March.  She could not stand, sit, or walk on her own since then.  We have been using a towel under stomach to get her where she needed to go.  As hard as it was to see her decline, we still loved every second with her.  She was happy and content up until that last day.

Her big personality came out even more during the period she needed us to get around.  Patton was quick to bark and tell us what she wanted.  She also would fall hard into our laps when we would sit next to her.  She absolutely loved those warm sunny days outside.  We spent a lot of time under the shade of Anna's favorite tree (Treelyssa) in the grass.  We set up our soccer chairs all around her and spent countless hours outside.  Patton even would become defiant when it was time to go inside.  Her body would become limp and she'd lay on her side so we couldn't get her up easily.

Quarantine due to Covid all fell at the right time for Patton.  We had nowhere to be and we were all home together.  I have to think God had something to do with the timing.  I don't think we could have left Patton at home much the last couple months, she needed us so much.

It has been really hard for us since Patton passed.  You don't realize how much you rely on the presence of you dog until they are gone.  Our house seems so empty without her.  I miss her so much each morning while I'm working out at home, she used to sit right next to me requesting ear rubs and kisses throughout my workout.  We all just long for the chance to hold her, pet her, talk to her, etc.  I know we will begin to heal with time.  I'm so thankful for all the pictures and videos we've taken over the years.  We love looking at them and talking about all the memories.

Patty girl you will always be in our hearts and we know we see you on the rainbow bridge.

COVID 19: What life is like now...

Today we started homeschool.  We found out last week that the kids' schools will be closed the rest of the school year due to the COVID-19 virus.  Our country and around the world around has changed drastically since March 12th.  We have been told to socially distance ourself from others.  People all over the world are working from home if they can.  Mike had to shut down his office on March 17th, so we are slowly getting used to the idea that he will be home all the time.  It is a scary time for us since we do not have any income coming in.  Two days ago we heard that all non-essential jobs are to stop and we can only get out of the house to go to the store, go through restaurant drive thrus. etc

We are currently waiting to hear from the schools on what kind of e-learning the kids will do. It will be another week before we get that information.  So today we started homeschool. I have pulled stuff from resources I had from last summer and I found many online learning opportunities too.  I have to say this first day went remarkably well and the time absolutely sped by.  We didn't get to everything I was hoping to do.  My goal is to spend about 3 hours a day on school.  That will include independent work, one on one with each kid separately, and group lessons.

All three kids' soccer practices and games have been canceled for now.  So it looks as though we'll be having lots and lots of family time together at home.  So far, the kids are doing well and they seem to think this is an adventure.

Anna's 10 year old stats

10 year old stats:

69 pounds - 40th percentile

59 inches - 96th percentile

One inch until she's 5 ft.  Yikes!

Anna is 10!!!

Anna,

How are you 10 already?  Dad and I can't believe it!  This was the first year you've ever had school on your birthday and you also had soccer practice.  I think you enjoyed being with your friends and getting the all the birthday wishes, but you did say you'd rather have your birthday fall over spring break like it normally does.

You wanted to wake up early and open a couple presents before Drew left for school.  You were hoping for some new clothes to wear to school today.  I enjoyed being able to bring lunch to you at school.  You asked for Tropical Smoothie for lunch.  After soccer we had dinner at Jalapeños and then came home and finished opening presents and having ice cream cake.

You got a lot of clothes for your birthday, a crystal growing kit and a new iPad.  You were very surprised to get a new iPad.  It wasn't on your radar at all.

 last night as a 9 year old!

 last night as a 9 year old!

COVID-19
Your birthday was a bit overshadowed with all the crazy Coronavirus updates.  It will be a day to remember for sure.  Store shelves are empty - no toilet paper, clorox, clorox wipe, hand santizier. NCAA decided to cancel the tournaments, MLB, MLS, and NBA have all suspended their play for now.  It is just unbelievable.  There's talk that school will be closed for the rest of the school year, so who knows your birthday may have been your last day of school for your 4th grade year.


This past month has been busy.  You have finished up your indoor soccer leagues at New Century.  Both of your teams won first place.  Your All American League hasn't ended yet, but you should win that one too.  Outdoor has started.  You have had a rough start with both teams, both teams have had one loss, which is very different for your teams, but we are hoping you will learn form the losses and move on.  Luckily you don't get too down with a loss.

Last weekend your basketball season ended with a tournament.  You won your first game, but lost your second.  It was such a fun season to watch.  Dad and I can't believe how aggressive you were this season and you were by far the best defensive player on the team.  Your soccer background has really helped you with defense.  You still need some work on your shooting and drilling, but you played so well this season.  We are so proud of you!  Your team did win the the Sportmanship award and you all got medals.  This is a bit funny, because your fans (parents) were very outspoken at many games.  Good thing you and your teammates were good sports!

We are so happy we got to celebrate your entry to the double digits!

We love you so much,
Mom and Dad

Wyatt is 5.5!!!

Happy half-birthday Wyatt Michael!  Have birthdays are pretty exciting for you.  You are thrilled you can start adding that 1/2 to your age now when people ask how old you are.  You were a bit bummed that your 1/2 birthday didn't involve cake and presents, but since your 1/2 birthday falls on Anna's birthday you got to enjoy cake.  You would have preferred to had your own cake.

This past month you have been doing well at school.  Most days you get a good report from your teacher.  You are doing a better job at following instructions.  You still need daily reminders to be silly at times when it is appropriate and to follow your teachers' directions.  I'd say we have that same problem at home.  You really do care about having a "good" report each day, so I'm glad you want to follow the rules.

At home you and I have really stepped up our work on learning to read.  You want to read so badly!  You always want to work with me, which is so different that your siblings.  You have even started reading some very basic words.  You do a lot of memorizing and also are using your pictures clues, but those are all great strategies when it comes to learning to read.  I'm so proud of you.  I feel like you'll be beginning reading before kindergarten if we keep up the hard work.  You have about 5 books right now that you can read on your own, they are books from a little reading curriculum we are following.  You are so proud!!!

You have loved going to Drew and Anna's basketball games this season.  You have also picked up your basketball so much and you are pretty darn good and dribbling, you will be more than ready to start playing next year!

You had to miss a couple days of school this week since you were sick.  You had a fever, but mainly you were so tired and weak you couldn't get off the couch for about 3 days.  We've never seen you so sick.  You tested negative or flu, so it was just a virus.

We look forward to this next month with you, spring break is next week!

We love you our little 5.5 year old!
Mom and Dad

Anna's Birthday Party

Anna had her friend birthday a little early.  It is always tricky finding a time to have a party with soccer starting in March and spring break looming.  Anna was excited everyone she invited was able to come to her party.  She had a pj/movie party, it was pretty much the repeat of her 7th birthday.  She decorated pillow cases again and we did a new craft this year - tie dye bookmarks.  They were a hit.  Drew also created a bracket so the girls could have a pop a shot tournament.  The girls were big fans! They watched A Dog's Journey and Anna requested tacos and cheese dip for dinner.  She also asked dad to pop popcorn and we had candy during the movie.  For dessert she had a soccer cookie cake and ice cream.  I'm pretty sure everyone had a blast and went home very full!  It was fun watching Anna with her buddies, I really saw her silly personality pop out with her buddies.  Pretty sure she's a goofball amongst her friends!

Drew 12 years 5 months

Dear Drew,

You have had a good month.  Sports are still keeping you busy.  You are loving basketball so much.  You are doing really well, it is so fun watching you play b-ball.  You have scored some 3 pointers and often score 10 points or more in a game.  It is fun seeing you so excited about it.  You are such a great teammate and you are always high-fiving your teammates.  It is obvious you feel like a leader on the b-ball team and it is fun seeing you in that role.  You season ended last weekend with a tournament.  Your team tied for first place in the league and then your team won the tournament.  It was so much fun seeing your excitement.  Wyatt and I were bummed to miss your championship game since Wyatt was sick.

Soccer continues you to keep you busy.  You have played a few games at Soccer Nation and quite a few games at Legends 4 v4.  You have officially started outdoor soccer and it is fun getting back outside.  You are playing on both Academy and Pre-Academy.  You see yourself as a leader on Pre and it shows on the field.  You were very vocal at one of your games last weekend, making sure you get your team organized.  I was really impressed watching you.  You are such a nice kid and I think your peers look up to you.

In math you have been studying statistics and you come home telling me all about it.  It does not surprise Dad or I how much you love it.  You have always loved sports and numbers, so studying statistics is perfect for you likes.  I really truly think you will do something math related for a job someday and something with statistics specifically.

We are looking forward to this next month.  Spring break is almost here!

Love you buddy,

Mom and Dad

Wyatt 5 years 4 months and 5 months

Dear Wyatt,


You have had a great couple of months.  You enjoyed your Christmas so much.  You were so excited about Santa coming and you loved all your presents.  You have become a a big football fan.  You loved watching the Chiefs and you were super excited about the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl.  I think you get your love for football from Drew and your daddy.

You have started swimming lessons again and have picked up right where you left off in July.  You are learning the strokes and are doing so well.  I'm impressed with you ability!  You are also still playing soccer with Arson, but playing with some older kids due to the coach changes.   You keep up pretty well and don't seem to get frustrated.  You are signed up to play pre-K soccer this spring again, we'll have to see if your Arson skills show up on the field this spring.

School is going well.  You really like going and have so much fun.  Your teacher did start a Orange/Yellow Lion system with you.  You were struggling to get along with others and listen to your teachers so she started this system.  Orange means you've had less than 3 strikes and yellow is 3 or more.  So far you have only had one yellow day, thank goodness.  You are starting to use some self control.  Dad and I just hope you get this under control before kindergarten!  Yikes!  Speaking of kindergarten you are so excited for next school year to get here.  You can't wait to go to SPE with Anna.


You have started playing b-ball with Anna and Drew at home and loving it.  I'm super impressed with your dribbling skills.  You often go get a muscle shirt on and shorts and Drew's old high tops in order to play.  You pretend your name is "Jet" and Drew is your twin and his name is often "Jet." too.  You seem to think twins have the same name.  It is pretty cute.  Since you play in our entry hall you use the bathroom as your locker room.  You announce yourself and run out of the bathroom before the game.  You are very entertaining!

We are working hard on your reading.  You are improving and often ask to practice and do your reading lessons.  I love this time with you.  My goal is you are reading some before kindergarten starts.  I think we'll get there!

Looking forward to this next month when you turn 5.5!  Wow, time is flying!

We love you!!!!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Anna 9 years 10 months and 11 months

Dear Anna,

My girl is almost double digits.  I can't believe it!!!

Life has been busy for you these last two months.  You and your friends have started a bookclub.  It has been fun for you and has motivated you to read a bit more.  You are also required to read 26 chapter books this school year and you are on the home stretch.  We've planned out your books that you need to read to finish and you are doing a good job getting through them.  I'm really hoping you might still develop a love for reading, time will tell.   You have listened to some of the books on audio and you do enjoy that.

You had a great Christmas this year.  You were into the whole magical part of Christmas.  You loved writing notes to Buddy and looking for him each day.  You and Wyatt had a lot of fun together.  In fact you and Wyatt play so well together.  You do a lot of pretend play and dressing up together.  You have introduced him to Sofia the First (which you act like you don't really like, but I think you use Wyatt as your excuse to watch - I love it).  You two act out the show the together.  I love seeing you still play and I think Wyatt is a huge reason you still do it.  The Barbies have been out quite a bit lately and you are also playing a lot of school.  I'm hoping to keep you young as long as possible!  We shut down your ability to text your friends recently.  It just got out of hand quickly when friends shared your email address with others and before we knew it you were getting hundreds of texts.  You did not get upset when we took messaging off your iPad and you have mentioned it since.  I'm hoping this will continue as your friends start to get phones in a year or so.  We are holding tight against a phone!

Soccer is going great and you are so busy with indoor between the two teams.  You are playing at New Century and All American.  Your team wins every game without much of an effort. I think you are ready for some more competition outdoor this spring.  The crazy thing is Coach Jason is no longer coaching.  We still don't know why, but you are now being coached by Jimmy.  Things were a little crazy when that news first came out, but things are settled down now.  Basketball is going really well for you.  You are one amazing defensive player.  You also are gaining confidence and getting better with dribbling and shooting.  Coach Henson came and told me he's never seen a player your age see the angles and you know where the ball is going and do a great job getting around screens and other players to go to the ball.  I absolutely love watching you!  You just started a weekly swim team conditioning class at Midwest with Taylor.  You are really excited and happy to get back in the water. I think this will help give you a head start when swimming gets here in a couple months.

This next month is going to be a fun one with your birthday and spring break.  We can't wait to celebrate our double digit girl!

We love you Anna Mae!
Love,
Mom and Dad

Drew 12 years 3 months and 4 months

Dear Drew,

This is the first time I've ever combined your monthly updates, but I'm lagging behind on this blog.  The past two months have been great.  Basketball is going really well for you.  You are loving it so much.  You get so pumped up for the games and are constantly watching the standings for your league.  You are a great teammate and go around giving high fives to all your teammates.  Sometimes I think you might think you are playing in the NBA - its pretty fun seeing your excitement.  Dad and I are so proud of your improvement since last year, you are motivated and have worked so hard to get better.  You are also loving watching college basketball.  If there isn't a live game on you are watching replays of random college games.  In fact, if you get control of the tv you always have sports on, a lot of the time you put ESPN on.  I'm pretty sure you will do something sports related when you grow up.  I know you'd love to play, but you are realistic and have talked about coaching one day.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for you.

School is still going well. You enjoy the middle school set up.  Second quarter did end up a bit rough for you, you ended up with two B's and and an A-.  Some of it has to do with you being gone so much that quarter and the other part is you jumping in to take a test you missed long before you were ready for it.  Dad and I figured it was a perfect time to learn this lesson and it was hard seeing you upset, but you are also motivated to improve.  So we are proud of you for learning from your mistakes.  We also don't plan to take two vacations during one quarter ever again!  Third quarter is going well fo you.  You love your foods class, you come home telling me all about what you've made.  That's probably the lass I hear the most about.  You asked to make rice krispie treats so we got the ingredients and you did most of it on your own, you still need a bit help around the kitchen.  But you have been pointing out all of the unsafe things I do in the kitchen - like having the pot handles sticking out - you said they should be sticking in so no one hits them.  Love hearing your input!  Ha!

Soccer is going great, you are busy with indoor.  You are playing 4 v 4with both teams and All American with pre-academy.  But after the first of the year we just had you play with Academy 4 v 4 and Soccer Nation.  We figured 4 indoor schedules plus b-ball was just too much.  You will play with both teams come outdoor though.  So

Christmas was a bit different for you this time around.  We had the big talk about the secret of Christmas and you took it well.  You were emotional about it, but also stepped up to the job of helping dad and I with the secret.  We are so proud of you and love watching you grow up.  We also are a bit sad with each milestone you hit, weren't you just our little tiny boy?

And how about those Chiefs?  You were so excited about them winning the Super Bowl, such an amazing experience to watch you experience that win.  Especially since you love those Chiefs and football in general.  So exciting!

We love you Drew and are so proud to be your parents!
Love,
Mom and Dad

Look who's 40!

Happy 40th to the love of my life!  We had a great time celebrating the best dad and husband!