11

Eleven years ago today, this guy came into the world! He was a sweet and cuddly baby who soon was running and climbing and always moving!

Colin is a multifaceted guy with interests in many things. He is an avid reader and would rather read in the car than watch a movie or do anything else.

He loves to be active. Days where he has some sort of sport or movement are the best days. If he doesn't have any training planned that day, he will make up his own training.

Colin tried out for the Cats basketball team this year and enjoyed playing with his PE teacher as his coach and friends from school. It was a fun season and a change from turf to a court!

But his first love will always be soccer.

Colin is most happy when he has a ball at his feet. If he can play and compete with his friends, then that is even better.

Colin had more of a challenging year this year with Covid  protocols. But, they ended the year strong and he made the pre-MLS Next team for this year. We are excited to see what happens this next season!

Colin also enjoys creating and inventing and participated in Invention Convention again this year.

Hours and hours of work went into their designs and creation of the FRAME app, a memory app to help patients with Alzheimer and dementia and their caretakers.

Colin and his friend, Graham, did an amazing job and created something that could actually be used. Maybe one day, the app will be a real thing!

Colin also enjoys history and exploring.

His interests are varied and we love that about him!

Colin is funny and kind. He makes us laugh and has some of the best "Dad" jokes around!

He is a great big brother, even if he pick on his sister ALL.DAY.LONG.

Colin, you add some much love and laughter to our family and we are so glad that you are ours!

We are so proud of your dedication and work ethic in all that you do. Your drive will take you far in life. We are just so proud that we get to be able to watch. We love you, Colin. 

Happiest 11th Birthday, my son.

Have the best day...even if you are sick!

We love you!

13:

 It doesn't seem possible, but today, we have a teenager!

For 13 years, this guy has made me a momma. 

The oldest of 4 kids, he has had to be our guinea pig and so far, as survived the experiment of our new parent-ness. He handles it well, even if he pretends that he doesn't!

He loves to be with his friends.

Whether it is riding bikes, walking to 7-11 or playing online, he is always connected with his buddies.

He is a great student, even if he doesn't tell anyone about it.

He is a good big brother, even if he doesn't want people to know it!

He is funny and outgoing. 

He enjoys cooking and his favorite thing is making different smoothies.

Jack would live on a liquid diet, if possible!

He is excited to start working, now that he is 13. Babysitting certification and Soccer Ref certifications are coming right up!

(Anyone need a babysitter?!)

Jack is a natural athlete and enjoys playing soccer year round.

He had a great team this past year, with great teammates and great results.

Jack keeps up on our toes.

We couldn't love him more, even if he pretends he doesn't want us to!

Happy Birthday, my son. We love you so! We know that you are going to do great things.

We look forward to watching you grow, as we enter into this new world of teenagers.

I know that you are going to succeed.

Remember that you are loved.

Remember that your choices count.

Remember that we support you.

Trust your gut and make the smart decision.

Happy 13th Birthday, Jack.

We love you buddy!

Fantastic FIVE!

 

This bundle of joy is FIVE today. One whole hand.

Maggie Li Ya, you are so loved.

You are brave and strong. You are about to tackle a new adventure and you are doing it with such bravery and strength. It makes us so proud.

 

You are determined and persistent. Once you decide on something, your concentration is unparalleled.

 

You are witty and so, so funny. Your sense of humor keeps up laughing all day long.

You are the perfect mixture of sassy and sweet. You let your feeling be known, both the good and the bad.

You love to be with your family, to be all together. You love to play barbies with your sister and to tease your brothers. You love to see your brothers on a field or court and yell out their names!

You are creative and love to dance and sing. You can put on make-up like a pro, much to your dad's dismay.

Magaret Li Ya, we are SO proud that you are our daughter and we can not imagine a world without you. We love you so!

Spectacular Seven!

 

This little ray of sunshine is 7 today. I can barely believe it.

Macy is our sweet and kind girl with a little bit of spice mixed in.

She loves to be with her friends and is happiest when everyone is together.

She is tackling 1st grade with courage and we are so proud of how she has adjusted to all the changes this year.

She is the best big sister to Maggie and knows what buttons to push with her big brothers.

Macy loves dancing and singing, and riding her bike with her friends. She loves to color and paint.

She loves to bake and make pancakes with her Daddy.

Macy is a lover of bugs and butterflies. She especially loves worms! She is not afraid to get into the dirt and  dig around. She also loves watering her little garden and the flowers.

Macy is funny and silly. She makes us laugh all day long.

We love her laugh!

Macy loves to be outside, playing with her friends. 

Macy loves fashion and make-up and loves to practice putting it on, even if her Dad is not a fan of the make-up part!

Miss Macy, we love you so much! We are so glad you are ours.

You light up our world.

Happy 7th Birthday, sweet girl!