Marathon!

Eric ran his first marathon this past weekend at our old stomping ground at U of I. It was so much fun seeing Eric achieve this huge accomplishment as well as see the kids on the quad, and of course, getting to see Diane, Jim, Jack, and Emma. It was not the nicest of days, but who cares what the weather is like when you have so many good distractions! I must say, when two college girls agreed to take our group picture, and Eric shouted out, "Class of 1998" the look on their faces was that of shock! I don't feel a day over 21!

Notice my youngest...

Disney World Training

We had a beautiful day for a walk on the Monon. Eric said we had to toughen the kids' legs up before heading to the happiest place on earth. They still have no clue...

New School Orientation

What to do with this beautiful, blue-eyed redhead? 1st grade or kindergarten? Eric and I have had a stressful time trying to figure out the best solution for our bright little girl. We went to kindergarten orientation to take a tour of her new school for the fall, and to take a bus ride. Needless to say, I was mostly impressed with myself - I didn't cry until later!

Easter

Audrey had a great Easter, complete with egg decorating, lots of candy, and egg hunting. She even helped spot the Easter bunny! We were on our way home from church last night, and Eric spotted a bunny crossing in front of us. When we got home, Audrey ran inside and announced that the Ouse smelled of chocolate and seemed to be trying to spot any eggs he may have left. She was the first to rise this morning, and she said she had spotted the Easter bunny during the night, and she had also heard Isabella bark at the site of him. She was excited about her new set of Junie B. books left by the bunny, as well as the candy and eggs. As for me, I'm exhausted!

I was driving Audrey to school this morning.

"Mommy, someday Ian will be in kindergarten, too. Will that make you sad?"

"Yes, it makes me sad you guys are getting so big."

"Well, mommy. You know someday I will move out but I will always come visit you. And someday I will have a baby and you can come see them."

Of course this didn't make me sad to think about at all!

Christmas

Audrey crafted her own letter to Santa this year, though she changed her mind on Christmas Eve as to what she wanted...that doesn't really work for Santa. But, she had been wanting a bell like the little boy on The Polar Express receives, and Santa was able to find one for her and one for Ian, much to the kids' excitement. We are very blessed to have Audrey help bring us some magic for now six Christmas holidays.

Turning 5

Sigh.

It's happened. Another year has flown by.

We started the day with Audrey being showered with love. And the first snow of the year (yes, the year). We had each chosen something special for her as a gift (even Ian). We headed out for breakfast, and Audrey gobbled down her breakfast of choice - oatmeal with brown sugar. Apparently 5 year olds have quite the appetite. We then headed to the Children's Museum and almost had the place to ourselves. Apparently 5 year olds are also big enough to go down the Ginormous Yule Slide by themselves, too. And to beat their daddy and brother in a race down the slide. We headed to school for her class Christmas party and then to Red Robin for dinner.

A special day for a special little girl. We can't wait to see what Year Five has in store for us.