11 year old Chloe

Chloe, 

You finished elementary school with a bang! I think you earned every award Ms. Rohr had to offer, my favorite being the leadership award:) Despite middle school getting off to an overwhelming start for you, you handled it well.  The Hermione inside you was concerned she added too many details to her paper, but I just got your first report card and you pretty much have straight A+'s.  You are a perfectionist, but oftentimes put too much pressure on yourself. You are learning that your best is not always perfect, and that's OK!! We are proud of your hard work and diligence. This year you embraced your dad's favorite sport, volleyball. He loved coaching your team and watching you grow in a new sport. You are so helpful and creative when it comes to Elijah and Grace, and despite the many conflicts, everyone enjoys playing with you.  We know these coming years will offer new challenges, but hope to see you grow in love and dependence on the Lord as he faithfully guides you. We love you so much!

Like Father, like daughter is more like it in this family

You're getting so good 

getting more adventurous, and it was yummy salmon!

5th Grade Medieval Feast prep

The feast!

You subbed in for me at Grace's Mother's day tea

fishing with the fifth grade

Elementary years come to a close

First Volleyball season

This year you just wanted to go out with your bestie and get your first manicure. 

Happy Birthday!

 

Grace turns 6

Grace,

My babiest girl is 6 and I’m sad to say goodbye to those little years. Kindergarten got off to a rough start with MANY tears the first 3 months, However, the day after you finished school, you were tearful too because you missed Ms. Stoy. You became so courageous and developed so many friendships and your classmates loved you too. You have grown leaps and bounds in every area of your life. Your love for your family is my favorite. You always make stuff for us and draw lots of family pictures. Playing with your siblings is your favorite regardless of what they’re doing. Chloe may have been watching little girly princess shows at your age but you jumped right into Star Wars and the Mandalorian! This year you also joined them in swimming and you want to play basketball too. Oh, and how could I forget! Dad thought you were ready to take off your training wheels, and within minutes you were off!!! It's been a joy to see you become an adventurous little girl and we love you much! 

First day of school

F

My little helper

Reading like a pro

Easter

Friyay and Hawaiian day

Just hanging out with your brothers

fueling up for a long ride

Happy Birthday sweet girl

Elijah turns 8

Elijah,

You are still smiling and still brightening up our days with it. This was an exciting year for you as you played your first year of basketball with dad as your coach! You are doing an amazing job and we enjoyed seeing more of the athlete in you in both basketball and swimming. One of my highlights has been working in your classroom. You are such a diligent and efficient student. You get so excited when Ms. Deibel asks a question that you know. The “ooohhhh!!!” with your hand shot high in the air made me giggle every time. Your most common phrase is "Mom, watch this," And you love to impress us with your lego creations, magic tricks and so much more. You are very sweet and affectionate, and I love all the little notes and pictures you make for me to use as bookmarks. We love you so much and soak up every snuggle we get with you!

You like to impress us with your Samson strength

You are an adventurous eater and love trying new foods, especially if it's spicy!

Gettysburg: Anything battle and artillery-related, you are there

Happy Birthday, E's!

Noah turns 12

Noah,

You have passed me in height! I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten. It’s nice having more sweatshirts in my rotation:) You make me laugh a lot with your sarcastic sense of humor and successfully use it to get extra dessert sometimes. We are so grateful for the young man you are growing up to be. You are so responsible and helpful and such a blessing to have as our oldest. You are always looking for ways to serve me around the home and going above and beyond what I ask. You are a humble servant and we are excited to see you emulate the Savior in your life. Happy Birthday!

A year full of many blessings...

History Camp with friends you've known since infancy 

First day of school

Camping

Hogwarts!

Cross Counrty (& Basketball)

School Projects & Guitar Lessons

5th grade Medieval Feast

Happy Birthday!

Chloe is in the double digits

 Chloe, 

You've been anticipating this day since you turned 9. Being in the double digits is a very exciting milestone for you. You get special privileges like staying up a little later, however, you run so hard you have no problems falling asleep earlier. You remain to be a very diligent and hardworking student. You are a little bookworm too. You flew through so many books this summer and I love how you enjoy different genres.  I shouldn't be surprised that when I suggested you give Harry Potter a second try, that you would finish those books in 2 days.  I have really enjoyed reading Anne of Green Gables with you but I think we are going to cut it short, as it is becoming too boring for both of us:) You are very helpful when it comes to caring for Grace and are quick to care for her. She really admires her big sister. You have a sweet way of coming down to her level and playing with her.  You are very nurturing and fun-loving when it comes to younger kids. You are just very creative and energetic. Dad is also very excited that you have taken an interest in Volleyball and your desire to try out for the ream next year. Whatever you do, you excel at it because you remain determined to succeed.  You are also doing so well in violin and I love to hear you play while you swing back and forth like a pro.  We had a great time celebrating you over the summer while the pool was still open. Your day was still special with your currently favorite meal, BLTs, and piercing your ears. We love you so much and are grateful for the joy you bring to our family!

Love, 

Mom & Dad

You LOVE making yogurt parfaits 

Oh and you won the chess tournament!

sweet big sister you are...

whatever it takes to make them happy...

one of my favorite times...

and yours too

blocking dads shot

Pool Party

BLT's

and banana bread :)

Happy Birthday beautiful!