Slice in time

The days are zipping past us right now. And there are so many things we don't want to forget about this crazy amazing life we get to be a part of. 

Our sweetest boy Lincoln is in an incredibly wild stage right now. He can be funny and silly, loving and sweet. But he can also be downright terrible! Last week at Regan's ball game, he was speeding around on his Strider bike and turned the corner about 50 yards from me where he paused and hollered out "I love you Mommy! Want to be my best friend?" You could literally hear the hearts melt of all the moms nearby. This is the side of him we hope comes out in public more often! Too bad we sometimes see the terror side. Like last night after Regan's band concert, he bolted away from me in a crowded hallway heading towards the exit (which leads to a very busy parking lot). I grabbed him just in time but he tugged hard, screaming and causing a scene. He says ugly things like "stupid dumb booty" or "I don't like you"...Yea, he's not sweet 100% of the time :( We have to remind ourselves that he is 4 and it's a phase, and then pray that age 5 is going to be better! 

I'm going to squish Sidney in the middle of this post, because that's where she fits in line. Let's just say she reminds us of that fact every now and again...."you love Lincoln more than me!" or "Regan always gets to stay up later than me!". Oh, she has a serious case of middle-child syndrome :) She is however, our most independent, tidy and organized child. Her room is always clean, bed always made and clothes (almost) always put away. All of this without asking. She will see too many shoes at the back door and take the initiative to clean them up. This one has a temper which can be ignited at the drop of a hat. She's fiesty, fierce and sweet all rolled into one. 

And then there's Regan. Oh boy. She's giving us a run for our money. You all think that a 4 year old is tough?, these pre-teen years are no joke. The blatant rude comments, the constant snide remarks to her siblings and the downright mean girl attitude towards her parents. Sometimes it's more than we can bear. Thankfully she does still have her moments of that sweet girl we know is buried in there :) Watching her sit with Lincoln and let him watch a show on her Chromebook, perched on the top of the bunk bed snuggled together, or taking her sister along for a bike ride or even sitting next to me in the car listening to my story with eager ears. She can be nice! Sadly, her room is a constant disaster, I cannot imagine what her locker looks like, and forms from school come home crumpled and often misplaced. It's going to be a adolescent phase! 

We love these three with all of our hearts. Their good traits and the ones we need to work on. So glad they are ours! 

Blastoff to Fastpitch

It's ball season around here, officially fastpitch time. We never really stopped playing over the winter, but it was all clinic focused and just a few opportunities for actual games.

And then when try-outs came around, teams were announced and practices started, we faced a never-ending winter and snowfall.

Finally, the fields opened just in time for opening ceremonies (literally the same day!). The teams marched out on the fields with their team banners and then it was off to kick-off day scrimmages.

 

 

 

That's Sidney out there on the mound, testing her hand at pitching this year. She's taken clinics all winter (and before then). Working her heart out. We have a long ways to go, but considering she struck out the first batter she faced, I think she was pretty proud of herself :) And we were too!

 

Regan started out behind the plate, her favorite place to be. She too has worked hard in the off season at catcher's clinics and it sure shows! We are so proud of her growth in the last year. And why on earth anyone would want to be behind the plate is beyond me :)

 

 

Looking forward to an amazing season with these two awesome teams!

Spring time activities

We always know when it is spring around here, based on the number of activities written in on the calendar each day. We get into the overlap of winter activities, and the start of summer activities.

Currently, Regan is taking four dance classes, participating in the school track team, and is the catcher on her Fastpitch team. She is exhausted but having so much fun. After school yesterday, she went for a 4 mile run with the track team, and then to two hours of dance. She might have been a little crabby upon returning home…😬 but surprisingly doesn’t want it any other way. 

Sidney takes three dance classes each week, continues to enjoy gymnastics class every week and is a pitcher on her Fastpitch team. While she is ready to hang up her dance shoes after next month’s recital, maybe permanently, she still loves being so involved in activities. She’s begging to try volleyball next year.

Somehow we still manage to squeeze in some fun time, whether it be in between driving kids to activities, or finding a quick moment to ride around the block. Lincoln rarely minds all the hustle and bustle. And he just rolls with it every day. We are so blessed!

Spring break

Despite being the very last week of March, Spring break was a cold one. We opted to stick close to home this year, having gone on trips the last two winters. I took a couple days off work and did some exploring with the kids. 

We started at Minihaha. This place continues to amaze me with its beauty. I think it’s almost as pretty in the winter as it is in the summer months. We love to walk around and explore. Sidney brought along her scooter and Lincoln his balance bike so they had a blast sipping around and down some hills. 

With the help of some boots, the kids were able to slush through the cold mud and found all sorts of wildlife. Sidney screamed when they found a couple of ducks quaking at each other; only to realize we were standing just inches from eggs and they were probably quacking at us! 

This cutie spotted the exact spot we had come for family pictures a few years back and asked me to take some photos of her. She’s such a ham! 

We found our way to Como one day as well. I had to drag the girls out of the house on that particular day, they’re definitely over the idea of walking around Como. Makes me sad :( While I think they still had fun, Lincoln certainly was the reason we headed over there. 

He suckered me into buying him a tiger too. Stinker. But he simply loves tigers right now. More than having toys that are tigers, he wants to BE a tiger! We chuckle when we hear his daycare friends greet him with “hi tiger Lincoln!”, wondering what on earth he does all day to deserve being called tiger Lincoln! Ha! Love that sweet boy. 

And love our adventures. 

Friends through the years

There's nothing like a friend. 

And our girls sure have some great ones.
We've all been finding ways to spend some free time with good friends. There are times in the year where the calendar is so full that we struggle to find a free moment. 

A couple of weeks ago, the girls grabbed up a friend and we headed to indoor ice skating for the afternoon. 

These two cuties have been buds since they were infants! I love how despite being in different elementary schools, they adore each other's company and give us parents a headache with all of their chatter! 

And these two middle schoolers are just the sweetest together, not to mention hilarious! 

I was lucky enough to sneak away one day with this group whom I've known over 20 years now. We ran a 7K, enjoyed some good food and drinks and a LOT of laughs lasting late into the evening. 

We're all so lucky to have some great friends in our lives :) 

Spring time

It's officially spring around here and any increase in temp has allowed us to spend more time outside. Couple that with more daylight, and we are becoming pros at Lincoln's request of "around around the block". He loves spending so much time outdoors and I will be honest, it affords much better sleep for him so we get outside as much as possible! 

(Even when he squats down at the storm drain and all I think about is the movie IT)

Sometimes it's a gigantic mess, as he splashes in puddles 6" deep. His cutest cow rain boots don't stand a chance with all of that water. Luckily he doesn't mind getting a little wet or dirty because spring time is the worst of them all to try staying clean. Our back entryway is constantly filled with wet shoes spilling over onto hardwood floors and bringing the puddles indoors. 

I sure love watching his delight so it's all worth the mess :) 

Overnight guest

It's no secret that we have a favorite 4 legged friend around here. And when we get the opportunity to bring him over for a sleepover, we JUMP at it! This was the first time that Ryan was going to actually be home during his visit (we often try to time them when he's been traveling). But given that Angie was having surgery, it was easy to convince Ryan that I was bringing home an overnight guest :) 

I love how we stands and stares at me when we get into the truck on the drive home. I giggled as we drove along and every once in a while, I would see his head bob up and down in the rear-view mirror. 

He is such a sweet dog, and bonus....he matches our wood flooring! Baylor is a Golden Retriever, and he sheds a lot. But with his coat the same color as the flooring, at least you don't see it very much! 

Oh how we loved up on him for those 15 hours he was in our care. 

Ryan had to chuckle (Ryan is not a dog person) and asked me "does he just follow you everywhere?". Um, yep. 

I went to bathe Lincoln and turned around to see his smiling face at me. I snapped this photo and sent it to Angie who replied with "he's smiling!". 

And at the end of the night, he laid at the foot of the couch next to me. Regan had a late night of dance but hurried through her shower and homework so she could love up on Baylor before bed. If there's one of our kids who wants a dog the most, it's her. 

The next morning, as we got ready to head back to work, Baylor all dressed and obedient, Lincoln whined that he needed more time with Baylor. He stood by the door and gave him extra hugs before we headed back to the hospital for work :)

Thanks Angie for letting us keep Baylor overnight! 

Birthday party -6th grade style

Due to a number of factors (mostly that our calendar is incredibly full), we had to delay Regan's friend party for several weeks. And then, as 6th graders apparently do, it was a spur-of-the-moment planned party. 

But let me tell you, we had so much fun!

She texted a few friends, asked them if they wanted to help her celebrate by tackling Nickelodeon Universe on a Friday night. Toss in some pizza and a quick stop at DQ, and just like that, her party was planned!  

Those girls giggled and rode ride after ride and even let me tag along :) I ended up a Vera Bradley tree, hanging onto all of their purses during each ride. We shut down the park and everyone went to bed happy and tired. 

Snow-fun

We've had a lot of snow this winter. A LOT. so we've gotten through by discovering all sorts of unopened toys. Some from a year ago. 

Lincoln went bananas over this drill toy and he/Sidney even created patterns occupying them for hours! 

Don't get me wrong, we have found our way outside when the elements allow. Our driveway makes a small impromptu sledding hill and Sidney tried her hand at snowboarding. That girl is multi-talented I tell you. 

And when we get really bored, and mom gets pre-occupied by a phone call, you later find your child cleared off all sorts of toys and climbed his way atop. It was a perfect perch for his morning playtime! 

We're getting restless for spring and ready for warm weather, 

doing anything we can to help the days go by. 

Lincoln's swim meet

With two older sisters who are incredibly active in sports and activities, Lincoln spends a lot of time on the sidelines, A LOT of time. He happily sits through 3 hour dance recitals, gymnastics meets, music programs and softball games. Rarely does he complain, usually it keeps him wildly entertained. However, now that he gets a turn on stage or as the center of attention, he is so excited to shine! 

Recently, in the middle of a snow-storm, he was signed up for a swim meet. Let me be honest, it's not a real meet, it's only for fun, there is no dedicated "winner" and everyone receives ribbons for participation. But the excitement on his face leading up to his "race" was sheer joy! He could not wait for us to watch him in the pool. Given his age, they keep an instructor in the lane with him at all times, and let him do his thing :) It's so cute to watch him swim! 

Pardon the very toothy grin...I think his cheeks hurt from all the smiling that evening :) 

Way to go Lincoln! We're so proud of you! 

Gymnastics meet 2018

Sidney has been hard at work learning some advanced gymnastics skills this year. She enjoys flipping and rolling and jumping and this week, was able to participate in a winter meet held at her gym. She did quite well and ended up with two 3rd place finishes, one 2nd place and one 5th place for an all-around of 3rd place. (she wasn't thrilled with her finish....but we were ecstatic!). She made the podium and we are so very proud for all that she has learned so far this year.

And the oldest turns 12!

Well this birthday may go down in history as the most memorable. Before I get to what made it that way, let's just take a look at the last year and how much this girl has grown right before our eyes.

I can still see her little baby face in that photo below taken early 2017. It makes me so giddy to remember her "birth"-day and to think it was 12 years ago! 

Fifth grade graduation day with some of her besties (whose parents I all adore!), shoving themselves into the wall in the auditorium. 

Her laugh. When she is really having a good time (everyday at the annual cabin trip), her laugh is infectious. I smile just looking at this picture because she was having so much fun preparing herself to jump into the middle of the lake off the pontoon. 

Birthday #12 was a big deal around here. She lit her own birthday candles, on a cake I pre-ordered as part of Sidney's elementary school fundraiser (hey, it was for a good cause!). The cake Regan picked up for me at the elementary school and carried home herself (because she's super responsible like that). So yes, I let her light her own birthday candles :) We had to hurry along the birthday song because we had to eat said cake in between school and softball and dance. But we celebrated together, and that's what is most important.  

                                               And the cake was pretty darn yummy too.

And the part about being a birthday we might never forget?... It was the day that Regan stood up to an adult bully in school; she is being described as the catalyst for finally getting something done about him. I wish I wouldn't even have to associate her birthday to that man who tried calling himself an educator. But luckily my phone has been going non-stop from parents of friends who are proud of Regan for self-advocating and never giving up. And her amazing friends plastered her locker in birthday wishes to help cheer up her otherwise rough day. Sadly there has been a group struggle all year with a single teacher, who seemingly has had it out for Regan and many other classmates. He's now out of the school on what I hope will be a permanent leave. One parent messaged me "you have a great young lady there". We sure do :) 

Happy birthday Regan! We are so proud to be your parents!!

Regan-12th birthday eve

Tonight our Regan goes to bed an 11 year old; and wakes up tomorrow age 12. 

How in the world are we already 12 years into this whole parenting thing?! It's hard to believe that 12 years ago tomorrow, we went from a couple, to a family. 

There's been a lot of talk around my office about babies and pregnancies, seeing as though I currently have two pregnant coworkers. There's been discussion about first time parents, and going from a family of 3 to 4. I have to giggle when I recall how big I was with each of my babies. Let's be real (and Ryan will lovingly tell you the same), I was humongous all over while pregnant with the first two.
Wowzas! 

That sweet Regan kept us on our toes from the beginning when she decided to arrive 4 weeks early. I will never forget my water breaking and my the shock of "oh my goodness already!?". Thankfully she was healthy and ready, and besides the whole dropper feeding, she was a rockstar baby. I could have held her forever and ever, and most days I did. I was a baby-hog to my own child :) 

And now looking back, I can hardly believe she will wake up in the morning and turn 12. I teared up on my drive home the other day as I thought to myself "we're half-way through her school career" (minus college). Half-way! Where did all of those years go? It honestly feels like I blinked and she grew up. I hope I've savored each moment enough; held her close, soaked in each stage, taken enough pictures. 

This sweet babe. She continues to pave the way for her siblings who follow behind. She never ceases to amaze us and she's growing up into a beautiful girl. These teenage years are likely to cause my hair to turn grey and Ryan's to fall out. But we're so excited to watch her grow up, right before our eyes.  

Happy Birthday Eve Regan! 

Little bit of everything

The recent weeks have been a hustle and bustle of a little bit of everything. We chauffer the kids from school to activities to friends to home. Our jobs are increasingly demanding and appropriately challenging. Occasionally, sometimes, rarely we get a little downtime and soak in each other (or if you're Sidney, whine that she's so bored because we have an extra hour or two unscheduled!). 

Here's a little bit of our everything: 

Lincoln cannot be more proud of his Friday morning swimming lessons. He adores them. And who wouldn't when you end the class flying through the air! He has excelled at swimming as well, front crawl, back crawl, it's incredible to watch! 

Regan has no problem with downtime. She has an ongoing obsession with slime, and has moved onto the floor because her giant bubbles are growing too big for the kitchen counters. 

Regan and I went on a shopping date and she convinced me to swing through the cutest little bakery shop and pick up a few custom cupcakes. Apparently they were delicious!

Maybe it's because I'm older wiser, or maybe it's actually something new, but whatever the case, I'm in love with the gorgeous sunsets this winter. If it has to be cold, and I have to be driving before the sun rises, at least it's beautiful. 

And upon arrival to my office, I am greeted daily by the best co-worker around: Baylor! He loves me as much as I love him and it's so fun to have his greetings each day. Most recently, he walked into my office, plopped himself by my feet and promptly fell asleep with his head on the footings of my chair!