Dear Owen,

You had an awesome year as a tiger scout. Dad was your den leader and you guys had a fantastic time. Y
This spring, you participated in the pinewood derby, went on a camp out, and bridged up to wolves at the end of the year. Bennett is so excited to join in the Cub Scout fun next year!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden and Owen,

Today was your last day of school! You had amazing teachers this year and you both learned so much! On a side note, as we were trying to get out the door this morning, Dash’s leash slid under my feet while he was darting out the door and I lost my footing — which meant I slammed my head on the kitchen table and split it open! I ended up going to the ER with Laura after school drop off this morning and getting 8 staples in my head! Never a dull moment around here! Looking forward to having a great summer… after a good night’s sleep!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden and Owen,

Your spring piano recital was tonight, and you both played wonderfully! Hayden, you opened the recital with an amazing arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner. Owen, you played a great rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy a little bit later in the recital. There was not a prouder audience member than Bennett! He cheered SO loud after each of you finished your numbers. It’s amazing to see how you’ve both grown as pianists this year! We absolutely LOVE to listen to you play!

Love you,
Mama

Dear H, O and B,

It has been a lovely, fun spring! We’ve done a lot of fun things together!

We’ve ridden our bikes:

We served with Feed My Starving Children:

We’ve hiked:

We’ve had some culinary adventures in the kitchen:

We’ve seen some movies:

We’ve flocked some houses for our high school youth group at church:

We’ve had some cousin time (both sides):

And we’ve played quite a few games:

Love theses simple times — nothing is better than making memories with you!

Love you,
Mama

Dear H, O and B,

We had a quiet and fun Easter!

Love you,
Mama

Dear Owen,

You have certainly become a lacrosse aficionado. You love to play, and we love to watch you play!

Love you,
Mama

Dear H, O and B,

For spring break this year, we went on a mini National Park tour. We started in Moab and spent a couple of days at Arches National Park. We stayed in a parked RV that was so much fun for you! It had 3 bunk beds in one room at one end of it, an awesome kitchen, a plenty of space for us to play games and dine together. After Moab, we went to Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, and then we headed to the Grand Canyon. We expereienced some amazing weather. It was perfect hiking weather in Utah — and we hiked a lot! We hiked all throughtout Arches and had an amazing time. By the time we got within an hour of the Grand Canyon, it started snowing! I’ve been there many times, but none were as beautiful as this. There was something magical about seeing the canyon dusted with snow. So lovely. Most of all, though, I love adventuring and exploring with you. There is no where I’d rather be.

Love you,
Mama

Dear H, O and B,

Today we celebrated one year in the life of our awesome dog! He can be soooooo annoying – taking things off the counter, jumping up, etc. But he’s ours and we sure do love him!

Love you,
Mama

Dear H, O and B,

Well, we had some fun activities planned for your winter break. We had a great time doing all of our Christmas traditions and then… the flu! Dad and I spent our 15th wedding anniversary sick and we had to cancel some fun family plans we had, too! We made the most of it, though!

For project week, you learned the poem Try, Try Again, Owen. And Hayden, for all 4th graders, project week means one thing: Paul Revere’s Ride. It’s an extraordinary and VERY LONG poem. Not only did you memorize, copy and illustrate it, you created a felt board of your favorite scene. We are insanely proud of the dedication you showed to completing this project in an “above and beyond” way!

Love you,
Mama

Also, we saw 4 GREAT movies in November and December this year!

Dear Bennett,

Today, you are five and a half! I can’t believe how quickly you are growing. You are growing up faster than your siblings! I think that’s what happens when you are the youngest.

You are a great problem solver. You love to cook and eat all kinds of food. Your favorite pastime is creating unique and complex structures with your MagnaTiles.

What I’ll remember most about this time, though, is that you are my little buddy. You get out of school a few hours before your siblings during this bonus year, and we are having a great time together. I’m going to miss you like mad next year, but you are such a grown up guy that I know you are going to love every adventure that’s coming your way!

Happy Half Birthday, Buddy!

Love you,
Mama