So Long School....Summer is Here

This school year felt eternally long, and was filled with so many ups, downs, left turns, and right. These kids worked so hard and did such a phenomenal job of adjusting to the constant changes. It wasn't easy, but they gained so much and are all better humans because of the life skills they acquired during this crazy year! We are beyond proud of these four and all that they've accomplished this year. It was especially exciting to watch Nyla walk across that stage. Despite so many odds stacked up against her, she has succeeded and is on to do GREAT things in college and beyond!

Back to Normal (and SO busy)

The best part about life slowing down for a year is that we had lots of quality time together. We will always look back on 2020 with fond memories of family dinners each night, time for walks and bike rides, game nights, movie nights, and so much more. What we missed, though, was seeing our kids happily doing what they love to do. It was a blessing to have the slower pace, but it's also been great seeing "normal" life return. Sports started back up....basketball, volleyball, and track for Nyla....baseball for the boys...softball and dance for Leah. Activities could start happening in person. Leah had her first in-person Girl Scout meeting after an entire year apart. To say the girls changed a lot in one year is an understatement! Caleb enjoyed getting back to 4H and also got to have a livestreamed NJHS induction. Leah and Caleb enjoyed the fruits of their labor this year by getting to perform in an actual band concert! It, too, was recorded for viewing at home....which is something we've learned to actually enjoy quite a lot. It's been great to extend invites to family/friends near and far. We also were so happy for Nyla to be able to experience her Senior prom. A basketball teammate/friend had a backyard prom earlier in May and the school held an official prom towards the end of May. All of the busy days and nights have left us quite exhausted after a year off, so we are definitely looking forward to a slow down this summer!

Florida 2021

Just before the world shut down last March, we were busy planning and preparing for our annual Spring Break trip to Florida. Lists were being made, bathing suits were bought, and we were desperately needing our sunshine and beach time. To say that the cancelled trip (due to Covid) was a disappointment was an understatement. So, a year passed by, and we hoped and prayed that our annual trip could be resumed. Thank goodness for science and vaccines!

Our trip started on Friday. We drove part of the way and stopped at a hotel in Nashville for the night. We've learned that traffic through Alabama can be horrendous during Spring Break time, so we thought that breaking up the trip and getting an early start on Saturday would help. Much to our dismay, traffic was still as awful as always...perhaps because every single person in America was heading to Florida for Spring Break?!? We took the traffic jams and used it as an excuse to hit the side roads, which gave me the chance to fulfill a few bucket list items. We stopped in Birmingham and saw the 16th Street Baptist Church. We also headed to the town of Selma and walked the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The discussions it sparked about racial justice were great. The best quote of the day was by Joel when he said that he was going to go back to school and tell his teacher that he walked in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr.! We were so thankful for the chance to experience these things with our kids and hope that the memories will last a lifetime for them.

We finally arrived in Florida on Saturday evening and the kids immediately reunited with their favorite Florida pals, Emma and Cole, while we unpacked and got settled in. We made sure to stop unpacking for a bit and headed down to the beach to capture footage of Nyla's first time on the sand and in the ocean. Her love for Florida started at that moment and she definitely enjoyed her first Florida/Spring Break vacation!

We had an absolutely wonderful week with lots of sunshine and warm temps. The younger three loved getting to spend time with Emma and Cole, and we loved getting to hang out with their parents, Jeff and Joanna. There were also lots of memories made with Grandpa, Grandma, and TiTi. Ozzie even got to join us for this trip, and it was nice to have a dog with us to snuggle! The only major downfall of our trip was when Joel earned a trip to urgent care after a bad fall on a skim board. What was originally diagnosed as a break ended up only being a very bad sprain, so he bounced back after a few days and happily enjoyed what was left of our vacation!

All in all, the trip was as amazing as it always is. We truly enjoyed the time together as a family and were so thankful that Nyla got to finally enjoy our annual Florida trip with us!

 

Dear Caleb,

This is it. The teenage years are upon us. As our firstborn, you have always paved the way into uncharted waters. We've gotten a glimpse of the teen years with Nyla, but we didn't go through ALL of the teen years with her. So, here goes nothing! We will start at 13, and by the end, you'll be nearly a grown adult. We hope it doesn't all go as fast as the previous phases, but somehow it probably will. We haven't figured out how to slow time down just yet, so we're buckled up and ready for this wild ride.

Thankfully, this past year has given us somewhat of the slowdown that we always wished for. We have gained back hours and days and weeks of quality time with you that we would've never had if life had continued on at its previous pace. And while there have been a lot of really hard moments we have chosen to hold onto and cherish the good memories. We've watched you take on one challenge after the next with maturity and positivity that amazes us. Your birthday last year was a complete disappointment. Your friend party was cancelled. The lockdown had just begun, so we didn't even get to have Grandpa and Grandma over to celebrate. And, it was still early enough in the pandemic that birthday parades and other unique celebrations weren't even a "thing" yet. When all was said and done, you were totally content with the low key day that it was. A month into the pandemic, we still didn't see any signs of normal life, but you were quite content with the small bubble of friends here on our street. A shift started to occur where you wanted to spend more time with the older kids and less time with the younger. You've been so fortunate to have great role models in kids like Nikko and Nyla. You admire them and they do such a great job of making you feel included and important. Brighton and Ruby were your absolute best buds throughout the entire summer. You three were inseparable and did just about everything together. As parents, we couldn't ask for two better kids to walk with you through this crazy year. You three balance each other out and bring out the best in one another. 

This whole year has taught you a very valuable lesson about friendship and family. You've learned that it isn't the quantity of people you have in your life that matters, but the quality of the people. In turn, you've learned that the quality of your character matters as well. You've watched closely this year to what has happened in this world around you....from the handling of the pandemic to the BLM protests to the presidential debates/election and everything in between. Through it all, we are SO proud of the maturity and compassion that you've displayed. You definitely understand that the characteristics of kindness, grace, and selflessness should be at the core of all that we do. You've lived it out over and over again as you've watched so many others go against those core values. You've learned that you don't have to understand it all, but that you can still do your part to show understanding and love to others.

Naturally, we've hit some major rough patches throughout this tough year. And though it has been super challenging, we've seen you grow so much in your character that it's worth the headache and heartache of it all. It has been hard to adjust to life without tons of friends, sports, activities, and school. You are a child that thrives on routine and predictability. This year has been anything but that! The unknown is hard for you. And, while you've trusted our guidance through so much of this, you've still had a hard time adjusting to life being flipped upside down. Kids at your age are not meant to spend THIS much time without their friends, teachers, coaches, and so on. You're at the age where the influence of others is important. You need space from your parents and you do better when you get advice and counsel from other positive role models. It's all just part of this age. Naturally, that lack of space has led to a lot of head butting and conflict. It hasn't been easy, but it's provided countless opportunities for teachable moments. When the dust settles and the rollercoaster of emotions slows down, we are impressed by your willingness to apologize and own up to whatever wrongs need to be made right. This is a HUGE change that we've seen in you. As a younger child, your stubbornness kept you from ever admitting your wrongs. Oftentimes, it didn't seem to bother you if there was conflict or that you made someone upset. Your ability to show empathy and work through conflicts has grown by leaps and bounds. It's a work in progress, and you have a ways to go, but you've come SO far in the last year. 

It wasn't just the extra time with Dad and Mom that was challenging. Not having school in its normal environment was hard. You shifted between so many modalities of learning this year and still did so well. Doing all of this while entering a phase of school that has its own set of challenges...junior high...is no small feat. Whether remote or in person, you rocked it! You made such an impression right off the bat with your teachers that we heard nothing but positive things at our November conferences. You even got selected as the 7th grade Academic All Star in social studies for the first trimester! Not having sports/activities was also especially tough. You've always loved playing sports and missed being part of a team and having competition. Thankfully, however, we did our best to incorporate that where we could. You've played countless hours of basketball with the neighbors. We dusted off our tennis rackets last fall and you found a new love for that sport. Our summer family fun included a lot of evening volleyball matches right in the back field or at the local sand volleyball courts. You enjoyed that so much that you went out on a limb and tried out for the volleyball team a few weeks ago and made it...all while dealing with the shame of an 8th grade bully who told you during gym class that you were the worst volleyball player ever. You proved him wrong and we were so proud of you for not letting some punk kid keep you down. 

When you weren't spending time with sports, you were likely doing two of your other favorite things...video games or reading. Just to list those three as your favorite pastimes proves how well rounded of a kid you are. We absolutely love that about you! We've never wanted you to be a prodigy in any one area, but well rounded in many....and you certainly do that! It is such a joy to watch you find joy and passion in things. As you continue to grow, we know that those passions and your well rounded character will lead you to do great things. God is growing you into an amazing young man and we are so thankful that He entrusted us to guide you through this life. We will lean on Him through all of the ups and downs of these upcoming teen years and we pray that you will learn to lean on Him as well. We cannot wait to see how His plans for you unfold!

Love,

Dad and Mom

Snow Much Fun

Winter seemed to take forever to get here, but when it did, we were ready for it! Don't get me wrong, we had several months of cold, dreary weather to remind us that winter was here. It was the snow that we waited and waited and waited for. It finally came in February and everyone (including Chief) was thrilled! It felt like we had one snowstorm after the next in February. Just as soon as we had the driveway and sidewalks cleared, Mother Nature dumped another load. It was perfect for sledding, fort building, and (for Caleb) skiing. He was lucky enough to go skiing with our neighbors and learned that he really enjoyed it. By the end of the month, temps started to increase enough to leave us with the sloppy remnants of SO much snow. Chief learned that the leftover slop and mud can be just as fun as the snow itself....until, of course, he landed himself straight in the bathtub!

 

Dear Joel,

Every year that comes and goes is another reminder of the fact that our baby won't be a baby forever. No matter how much we wish for time to slow down, you continue to grow like crazy year after year. Everything grows. From your little hands that aren't so little to your little nose that's covered in more freckles with each passing year. But not just your physical body and mind keep growing. Your personality and heart continue to grow as well. It's bittersweet, but definitely more sweet than bitter.

This year has come with its share of challenges. Most would say that 2020 was the worst year ever. Somehow, you'd probably manage to find only good things to say. But that's you. You're always looking on the bright side...unless, of course, it has to do with an argument involving your brother, but more on that later. When we spent the spring months isolated inside and away from all that we knew as normal, you loved the excuse to stay in your pjs all day and have more time for games, puzzles, and playing. When the weather lifted, and we were able to get outside more, you were the first one out and the last one in. It doesn't matter if it's blazing hot or freezing cold, you love to be outside. If you're not outside to play, you're most certainly out there helping with whatever tasks are being done. You are, without a doubt, Daddy's right hand man. When you blend your curiosity with your genuine desire to be helpful, it manifests into this incredible little shadow that follows Dad around everywhere.

Indeed, you are one of the most curious nine year olds we've ever known. You are ALWAYS asking the how and why questions. Our "Alexa" gets a workout when you're around, because you're always seeking more knowledge. If you had been a kid of the 80s, you would've had the whole encyclopedia read by now! If you're not asking questions, then you're in the thick of figuring it out yourself. You love to tinker and explore. You love to construct and deconstruct. For Christmas, you had a whole wish list, but one of the few gifts you got that wasn't on your list - a microscope from TiTi - was your favorite. Your mind never seems to shut off and neither does your wiggly body. One of the best parts about remote learning was being able to watch from a distance as you participated in school. Your teacher nicknamed you "Grandpa Joel" because you spent most of your day sitting in an old rocking chair moving back and forth all day long. It wasn't a distraction for you though. Your constant movement didn't stop you from staying engaged the entire time. You were always raising your hand, answering questions, and participating. This new way of learning didn't slow you down one bit! At first, we worried that there would be too much downtime and you'd lose focus or forget to check back in after breaks. Yet, after just a week or so into it, you were handling it all on your own. Whether it's school or just hanging out at home, you have the most amazing ability to keep yourself entertained and occupied for hours without needing the attention of anyone else. It's such a gift....especially in a year where we all needed each other to give a little extra space!

If you're not off on your own or following around a parent asking a million questions or lending a helping hand, you are spending time with your built-in friends for life - your siblings. As the baby of the family, you often just tag along with one of the other three. For the most part, you are completely okay with that and you rarely complain about not having much time with kids your own age. Nyla is surely your most favorite sibling. She just gets you and you just get her. There is a special bond between the two of you that is so unique and sweet that our hearts ache at the the thought of her leaving for college next year and leaving you devastated. She jokes about taking you with, and secretly, we think you really wish you could go. Caleb is a close second for favorite siblings, but he is also the one you butt heads with the most. You clearly look up to him and, sadly, he does not recognize how much you admire him. He shows zero mercy to you...whether it's playing sports, playing a game, or just having a conversation. He expects you to be at his level, and when you just can't hack it, things get ugly REAL fast! Usually he talks down to you and you end up in hysterical tears that are just proof that you aren't always cut out to hang with the big kids. That's where Leah usually becomes your shining star. She's always been your safety net...caring for you like you were her own baby from day one. And, when the moments come where you finally leave your brother behind and meander over to Leah's world, you have a blast! It's so sweet to watch you two together, because you pick up right where you left off years ago when you two were an inseparable duo.

No matter who it's with, or what it is you're doing, it's almost always going to be done with great joy and love for life. Your positivity radiates. This year, that's been more important than ever! You are a little piece of sunshine, and you thrive on your ability to bring brightness to those around you. When someone is sad, you instantly reach out to make them happy. When someone is frustrated, you instantly reach out to help. When someone is in need, you instantly reach out to give. Indeed, you might be the littlest one in our family, but you often do the best job of setting the example for how to live. Our hope is that you continue to grow, but never lose sight of the person God created you to be. So many of the qualities we love about you are ones that we saw in you from the very beginning. With each passing year, those amazing qualities grow right along with your little hands and freckled nose. It is an honor to call you our son and we thank God that He trusted us to be your parents. Happy Birthday buddy!

Love,

Dad and Mom

Winter Getaway

For quite a few years now, we've brought back my childhood tradition of going up to Lake Lawn Lodge (now called Lake Lawn Resort) over the MLK Holiday weekend. I have such fond memories of going there as a kid, and now my kids have great memories of being there. Sadly, this year we decided to not go. With Covid still spreading rapidly, we felt that it was safer to not venture to a resort with lots of people and shared spaces. We all accepted the fact that yet another tradition would be put on hold, like so many others this year.

I started to feel extra sad about the skipped trip, and decided to come up with a plan B. After a bit of researching and planning, we settled on taking a trip to Michigan for the weekend. We rented an adorable Airbnb that was nestled right into a little old neighborhood in Muskegon. The goal was just to relax, hang out, and sneak in an afternoon of snow tubing. All went well and according to plan...besides the horrendous pain that Tyler had the night before we left and throughout the whole weekend. He ended up at a quick care, where they weren't able to do much besides suggest that it could be a kidney stone. Regardless, he was able to keep the pain down some (thanks to Motrin) and we ended up having a great weekend. Some highlights were the walk along the frigid lakeshore, decorating a gingerbread house, lots of TV time (football playoffs, Love It or List It, and Hoarders were our most watched shows), yummy food, snow tubing at the Double J resort, and sledding on the awesome hills at Beachwood Park in Muskegon.

It wasn't our usual trip, but we still enjoyed it! We are so thankful to have found some fun and safe alternatives to the trips that were originally planned this year. Though we have definitely missed out on what we were going to do, we are grateful for the chance to experience so many other things that we otherwise would not have done.