Independence

Today marked another year in our tradition of visiting the Pride of the Wapsi pumpkin farm. We started doing this when Mia was a baby and have continued since. It is always fun to watch the kids ride the ponies and sit in the barrel train and pick pumpkins.
But this year was different...
It was fun and exciting, yet different.
This year there were no strollers or baby carriers.
This year mommy and daddy didn't ride in the barrel train with the kids.  Instead we stood by the gate taking pictures and waving from afar.
This year, Mia rode the pony by herself and I only walked with Bubs.
This year, on the hayrack ride out to get pumpkins Mia sat by herself, holding on the rail, because "she was big now".
This year they did every activity with excessive laughter and joy, including all the tunnels and blow up mazes by themselves (except for the one blowup maze I had to go in after them, after they couldn't figure their way out.
This year was different.

As I stood on the side I was filled with a sense of pride and saddness at the same time. It was awesome to watch our kids play so joyfully and so independently.  Yet it saddened me to think that their would be no more strollers or baby carriers with these 2 at these events. They are getting bigger, they are growing up.  They are becoming even more independent and it's happening all before our eyes.

Today was a reminder of how much fun we are having as a family, and it was also a reminder that I need to cherish these moments, because they are growing up way to quickly!

Let's try this again

So it seems every now and then I am reminded at how much I love reading and writing blogs.  I have missed going back and reading what we have been up to as a family.  So I am attempting to start again. Let 's see how long I can keep it up this time :)

Here is a rundown of what everyone is doing:
Mia -

• Almost 4.5
• Going to preschool everyday and LOVING every minute of it, her favorite part of school is Crafts. She often tells us she plays by herself because was busy doing crafts.
• Loves performing - singing, dancing, making up stories, acting
• She loves riding her bike (with training wheels)
• Learned how to swing all by herself this summer, including getting herself started and pumping her legs
• Took swimming class and did amazing. She was able to front float, back float and bob all by herself
• She is kind and loving and polite

Roman -

• Turned 2 in May
• Is going to PDO 2 days a week and LOVES it. (Seriously, my kids LOVE school, I hope they never lose that love)
• Learned to ride his Balance Trike and can last for over 2 mile bike rides on his own
• Loves his big sister
• Loves to sing, dance, make people laugh
• Playing trucks, dinosaurs, or wrestling is his favorite past time
• He can crush a baseball off a tee
• He has NO fear of water and loves to swim

Josh -

• Still working in the Detective Bureau and enjoying his role
• Played 2 seasons of softball (summer and fall)
• Loves wrestling with the kids, or anything physical
• He is still responsible for Mia's bedtime and they make up stories every night to tell

Heather -

• Still working part time as a Career Counselor
• I have started exploring Master's Degree Programs
• Roman and I have an awesome bedtime routine I love
• I have picked up running and am hoping to complete my 1st Half Marathon in May
• I started blogging for the Mom's Blog and am loving being able to have that outlet
• Looking into learning how to crochet in my near future

Family -

• We bought a new house, and it is amazing
• We had an awesome summer, spent with lots of swimming, bike riding, hiking, etc
• We do prayers with every meal and the kids remind us if we forget
• We started doing hi/low at meal times (more on that later) and it has been a great way to communicate with the kids
• Life is good! :)