I can't even believe that our baby is double digits today . . . Gavin is 10! It seems like a long time ago when he was a baby, but when I look back through the many blog posts and photos, it transports me right back to being a new mom with little ones around. Gavin has always looked a lot like his oldest brother, Cole, and we always referred to them as twins. Even their personalities seemed to be a lot alike, but as they get older, they are definitely 2 different kids. Gav

With us planning to travel out to Iowa the weekend of Christmas, we decided to celebrate with our little family the week before. Church was canceled that morning due to icy roads, so it worked out perfectly to just stay snuggled in at home, and enjoy the day together. The boys could hardly wait to start opening presents, but we started out the celebration by having Cole read the Christmas story . . . Opening up our stockings . . . Love having them take turns, so we can see t

During the elementary years, we've told our boys that they can choose 1 sport/year. This year, Gavin decided he wanted to try Upwards Basketball, a league sponsored by Grace Church in Wooster. Thankfully, it's pretty low-key, and focuses more on teaching basic skills than competition (at this age, they don't even keep scores at games yet for that very reason). Practices started at the end of October, and by mid-December, the season was done . . . he had great coaches, and

We have had a wonderful summer . . . spending time with grandparents out in Iowa, a weekend in Hocking Hills with my entire family, vacationing in Niagara Falls, Canada. We've also had lots of "lazy days of summer", but as the first day of school got closer, the "natives" in this household became more restless. I could tell everyone was ready to get back into the swing of school routine, and the boys were ready to see all of their friends again. While I love our boys dearly

Last week, our elementary school put on their annual spring musical. The 1st-3rd graders do the Spring musical each year (4th-6th graders do the Christmas musical) and I am always amazed how a music teacher can get several hundred kiddos to do motions and music together. There are always a few hiccups, but they do such a good job, and this year was no exception. Backstage before the musical started . . . our little lion & hippo Before the musical started, they honored this

And just like that, this little guy is 7 years old. I'm not sure why, but 7 sounds so much older than 6. He is growing up so quickly, and yet I'm not bemoaning the fact that my kids are not so little any more. I truly LOVE this stage of independence and learning that they are in. Gavin is doing wonderfully in 1st grade, and he LOVES his teacher so much. He couldn't wait to go back to school after the Christmas break and be able to see Mrs. Haley again. She is such a bles