Happy New Year!

With school-age kids we have 2 New Years. One in January, and another at this time of year. New grades, new teachers, new school supplies (oh how I love the new supplies), new friends, new schedules, new activities, new goals...

Katie’s new 7th grade year includes a new school (Olympus Junior High), new locker, new friends, new dress code.

Abbie’s new 5th grade year includes a pair of team teachers, and prospects for as many after-school activities as she can talk us into. She’d like soccer, gymnastics, a part in the school play (Peter Pan), orchestra, Show Choir, Activity Days, basketball, piano...

Avery’s new 1st grade year brings long school days, eating lunch at school, trying out soccer and music class.

Lizzie's new year brings more time in the car, fun at Miss Becky's, lots of time with Mom, and a more peaceful atmosphere.

For me, I hope my new year brings routine, one-on-one time with Lizzie, creativity, energy, and the ability to focus on new goals and projects. And we're off...

Lizzie Turns Three!

I don't know who was more excited about this birthday, Lizzie or her sisters!

Abbie insisted on a Texas Sheet Cake.

Katie was the video-grapher. She's awesome by the way.

Avery made a special birthday sign and helped open presents.

The plan was to come home from church, have dinner, then celebrate Lizzie's birthday with cake & presents. However, our gang couldn't wait that long, so we jumped straight to cake & candles. After dinner and a family bike ride, a second round of birthday cake was enjoyed by all followed by a viewing of a "Lizzie's First Two Years" slideshow.

She was tickled with her birthday. Our whole family is smitten with her. What fun to celebrate this little person who brings sweet words, a love of stories, and happiness to our family!