Has it really been 4 months since I have been on here? Time flies by whether you're having fun or not. Just a few little blips to get caught up.
Alyssa turned 6 in August! I took off work early to surprise her and took her, Benji, James, and her friend Hallie to go see Shrek at the Dollar Theater for her birthday. We came home and opened presents and did cake and she had a great day. That weekend we had her family party and, like always, she was spoiled rotten. We are so thankful to have her in our family and love her dearly. Happy Birthday Alyssa!!! She also started school this year and is in the 1st grade. She didn't like going all day at first but now doesn't seem to mind it. On Monday, she is starting dance which she has been begging me for the last 3 years to do. I'm hoping she loves it as much as she has been begging.
Benji has started soccer and he is really good at it. We have people ask who he played for last year and they are surprised when we tell them it's his first year playing. I have to admit, I love watching him play. Soccer is definitely mom's favorite and I love when we play as a family after the game. The kids get such a kick out of kicking the ball in the goal, especially if mom or dad are playing goalie. Benji is in the 2nd grade this year and is doing pretty well so far. He's a great speller and does good in reading. He's going to be turning 8 in a couple months so is getting ready to be baptized.
James is so excited that he gets to go to preschool this year. He started this week and is absolutely loving it. I told him before he started that he gets to go to Benji and Alyssa's preschool. He told me "no mom, it's my preschool now". He is getting so big and loves to play. Now if we can just teach him when enough is enough. But we love his playfulness and hope that this trait will help him get through the rough times in life. He is looking forward to next month when he turns 4 and every night he asks me when it's going to be Christmas. Kid after my own heart.
Taylor is 16 months and keeps us hopping. She has found the sharpie markers twice and decided to add some color to my laundry room by coloring on the washer, drier, and tile floor. Just today she decided she was still hungry after breakfast and, while Ryan was in the shower, decided to get 3 boxes of cereal and dump them on the living room floor so she could eat them. It is fun to watch her discover things. She definitely holds her own in our family and can take down each of her brothers and sister. She makes her wants known. Our family would definitely be missing something if she hadn't come along.
Ryan and I are doing well. We celebrate our 11th anniversary this month. Now time really flies. I don't feel old enough to be married that long but I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. He really is my best friend and the love of my life.
Mom got through school, sometimes with me dragging her along kicking and screaming. We are so proud of her accomplishment, especially because we know how easy it would have been for her to quit after Ben passed away. She has done amazing and we are proud of the strength she has had over the last year. We hope to see a lot of you at her graduation party on October 9th.
So those are the few blips to get you updated. Maybe I will do better at keeping this updated. Don't hold your breath but I'll try.
