2010 in Review

A letter to my kids,

Although I'm not a fan of year-end "brag" letters stuck in with Christmas cards, I can't pass up the opportunity to recap the year as it has been packed full of great memories and wonderful events.  The years are flying by and I find it hard to believe that it is already the end of 2010.  You are growing up quickly before my eyes, and you couldn't have prouder parents.

Although we hate the fact that we have to be away from you, the fact is that most family's can no longer make it on a single income.  So, Daddy has been working nights for Canteen Services and services the vending machines for the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman.  And, I am working for Crowe Horwath which is an accounting firm as a Project manager for a software service we provide.  Although our hours are long and aren't the most ideal, we make it work as a team.  And, we couldn't ask for better sitters to take care of you while we are at work.

Megan, you absolutely love going back to LouAnn Wesner's.  Although we had to change briefly, you were so excited about returning to Lou's.  She brings out the best in you, and we've seen you come out of your shell while being back.  You especially enjoy the art projects, and when Lou paints your nails and fixes your hair.  You continued to shine in Young 5s at Moccasin and the teacher told us on numerous occasions that you were her favorite student.  You are well behaved, kind, patient, friendly and very smart.  All things which we already knew, but it is wonderful to hear from someone else with an unbaised opinion.

Jake and Jenna, you absolutley love going to Marie Tumbleson's everyday.  You love the farm animals and enjoy spending lots of time outdoors.  I'm pretty sure that is where Jenna developed her love for animals.  You are well behaved toddlers, with great manners, fun-loving attitudes and great appetites and will eat whatever is put on your plate.

The Springtime brought T-ball and lots of trips to the local parks.  I'm sure that this was just the beginning of our springtime spent at the ballparks and it brought back wonderful memories from our childhoods as both of us played on those very fields growing up.  We had as much fun watching as you had playing.  And, the look in your eyes when you got your first hit was priceless.  And, your coaches awarded you the only award at the end of the season "Most Improved".  This made us so proud as at the beginning of the season you didn't know much about ball, but it didn't take you long to catch on.  Again, what a proud moment for us!!

The Summertime brought lots of firsts.  Our first "camping" trip which was full of memories, sleeping in bunk beds, playing in the rain, water balloon fights, glow sticks, s'mores, Indiana Beach rides (Megan's first rollar coaster ride), Jake's run after Yogi Bear and just spending quality time outdoors and with great friends.  We can't wait to go again.

We finally got alot of use out of our pool.  Although it took a couple of times for Jake and Jenna to like the idea, Megan took right off once deciding it was OK to get water on her face, it wasn't long before you were swimming on your own.  Before long, Jake was being tossed in the air and landing with a splash and Jenna loved playing tug boat and walking on her own around the shallow end.  We had quite a few get togethers at our pool and you enjoyed playing on the swingset and sharing your toys as much as you enjoyed spending time in the pool. 

I can't go much further without bringing up the Backus Family.  We couldn't ask for better family and neighbors.  Katie, John and Dan are wonderful cousins for you, and you enjoy them as much as they enjoy you.  You all light up everytime you see any of them, and they come over for frequent visits.  They fill in when last minute sitters are needed and like to come and steal you to make cookies, smash ants (it's a Katie thing), toss around a ball or go on a walk.  Hopefully, you will always cherish the fact that your neighbors are also your family members and we couldn't ask for better of either.

In July, we took a special vacations which we will never forget.  A trip to N Carolina for GGs 103rd birthday.  First of all, how cool is that to witness a birthday for someone turning 103.  You were all wonderful during the 10+ hour car ride and of course, Mini and Grumpy cherished the time they got to spend with you.  During the trip, Nana and Bumpa came along and one day everyone decided to go boating on a local lake.  This was such a special day for numerous reasons.  It is not often that both sets of grandparents get along and can spend a family vacation together.  The day was so relaxing and beautiful.  You loved playing in the water, boating and building sand sculptures.  The smiles on your faces and the laughes that came out of your voices will be something that we will never forget!

Jenna continued to have her speech therapist come to our house over the summer.  We are so glad that Carol came into our lives.  She was wonderful in working with Jenna to catch her up.  Jenna was delayed in her speaking due to the fact that she had such a wonderful sister and brother, that were used to doing everything for her.  Jenna knew that if she wanted something, all she had to do was point, and Jake and Megan would be more than happy to get it for her.  Again, we have such caring and loving kids.  It was Carol's suggestion to have Jenna's ears tested.  After numerous months of evaluations, it was decided to get tubes in Jenna's ears.  What a difference that made.  The ENT Dr said that the build up in her ears was the consistancy of a Gummy Bear.  No wonder she couldn't talk well, the poor thing couldn't hear well.  Once the tubes were in, Jenna quickly played catchup with Jake.  Once she started talking, we couldn't get her to stop...

In the fall, Megan started Kindergarten and Jenna was enrolled in a Pre-K program to continue to assist with her speech.  Megan was sent to Ottawa and had Mrs. Poole as her teacher.  Jenna was at Moccasin and had Mrs. Tapia.  Both of you girls LOVED the teachers and once again, the teachers commented over your politeness, friendliness and pleasure of having you in their class.  Once again, no surprise to us, yet wonderful for a parent to hear.  Although it was hard to believe that we had a Kindergartner and that Jenna at the age of 3 was going to school, which included riding a school us on the way home (which the driver said she would frequently fall asleep before getting to Marie's).  So that Jenna didn't have to ride the bus both ways, since it was a 20 minute ride, Nana frequently came up early in the morning to stay with Jenna and take her to school.  I then took Megan to Lou's and Jake to Marie's.  The girls adjusted well.  It was a little tough for Jake to understand why he couldn't go, but Nana would take him to a local school program once a month so that he got his "school" time too.

Although Mini and Grumpy still live in North Carolina, they make it up for visits numerous times during the year.  The get-togethers with them and the Tobolski's are always event filled.  Friday evenings during the Franklin visits are spent with a Pizza Party at the Tobolski's.  The adults are outnumbered by the kiddos.  Take our 3, Trasie's 4 and Todd's 2 and there is a basement full of kids.  Gracie and Megan, Jake and Max and Jenna and Sophie are becoming quite the buddies.  It has been great to watch you guys grow up together and create a bond.

Overall, this year has been wonderful.  You are each developing your own unique personalities, and it has been amazing to watch you along your journey.  The only bad thing is that it is happening too quickly.  We always knew that we wanted to be parents, what we don't know was what awesome kids we were going to have.

Love You with all of my Heart - Mom

Camping at Indiana Beach

We had our first camping adventure...and it was GREAT.  We had such a wonderful time, rain and all.  We didn't actually "rough it".  We rented this cute little wooden cabin with electric and air conditioning.  But, since it did not have running water or a bathroom...it is the closest to camping this family is going to get in the near future. 

We went with our friends the Sheltons and the Thompsons.  They each have a nice trailer with electric, air, cable, bathroom, running water, etc.  So, even though we were in a cabin, I had to remind them that we had it "rougher" than they did.  Since this was our first camping experience, I brought many of activities to keep the kids occupied; water balloons, glow sticks, etc.  I thought that it would be a chore to keep the kiddos busy, but they loved just being outside and playing with friends.

The first night we hung around the campground.  The funniest story of all times was Jake's run after Yogi Bear.  You see, we were staying at a Yogi Bear campgound and every night they had a "parade" with Yogi.  Well, Yogi was driven on a golf cart by a 16 year old led foot.  All of the kids were lined up in our "yard" to watch Yogi pass by.  Everyone but Jake, that is.  He was working on picking up the toys which he had gotten out (Such a good little boy).  I made the comment to him that he was going to miss Yogi and that is all it took.  He looked at me and took off.  Anyone that knows Jake, knows that he has wheels for legs.  That little man can move.  I watched as Jake booked after the golf cart that was now about 3 campsites away from us.  Then, Jake kicked it into high gear. 

Megan and I started walking after him which quickly became a brisk walk and then a jog.  We were laughing as I just knew that Jake would turn around and notice that he was alone and stop his pursuit.  No such luck...Jake eventually caught up to Yogi and passed the golf cart.  He stood very proudly and waved to Yogi which was now about 30 campsites away from ours and 5 away form Megan and I.  I kept looking back to our campsite to wonder if anyone else was going to assist me in retrieving Jake.  Once the golfcart passed Jake, he was off again.  I think that he was waiting for Yogi to stop...but, he never did.  Finally at the other end of the campground, which Leigh assurred me was 250 yards, Jake heard my panic cry out to him and finally stopped.  It was about this time that Leigh and Bob pulled up in Bob's truck.  That's right...the truck.  Leigh even knew that he wasn't going to catch Jake with the jump start that he got on us. 

I was mad and laughing at the same time...we will remember this one forever.

1-When driving a golfcart with a person in costume, don't you think that you would slow down or stop to acknowledge the kids frantically waving their arms in excitement? 
2-If you see a 3 year old running ahead of your cart not accompanied by an adult, wouldn't you stop?
3-If you see an older woman running after your golfcart, wouldn't you realize that she wasn't anxious to be in your parade, but might be chasing after the little boy running alone?

Saturday we went to Indiana Beach the Amusement park in between thunderstorms.  It was glorified fair rides, but it was perfect for the kids.  Saturday night was s'mores around the campfire..what a perfect time.

Sunburst 2010

We did it!!!  Leigh and I ran in our first 5k.  I did a couch to 5k training program that lasted 9 weeks and gradually got me preparred for the 5k.  Leigh on the other hand, ran 5 times before the race and beat my time of course.  But, I am so glad that we did it.  It started downtown South Bend at the College Football Hall of Fame and ended up on the 50 yard line of Notre Dame Stadium.  What a rush running into the stadium.  It was an experience that I will never forget.  My goal was to get under 45 minutes, and I completed it in 43m and Leigh completed it in 36m.  We were both pleased with our results.

American Girl Store

With Mini's trip up north, we planned a trip into Chicago to the American Girl store.  What a special day!!!  Megan rode on her first train ride, experienced a big city and got to shop at the best place for girl's EVER.  The best comment of the day was when we were walking back to the train station and she said "Mom, I'm glad that we don't live here...too many honking horns and yucky smells..."   Ahhh a girl after my own heart.  Chicago is great to visit, but we completely prefer a smaller town to live in. 

Megan and her BFF Grace spent the day picking out outfits, dining with their dolls for Lunch and getting their hair done at the Salon.  Trasie and I tagged along for the ride and we were so glad that we did.

Memorial Day Parade

Megan walked in her first parade this year.  The route is about 2 miles long and she was one of the only T-ball team members to walk the whole way.  She was a tuckered girl by the time I got to her. 

Leigh, Jake, Jenna, Mini, Peggy, Nana and I all enjoyed watching the parade from the lawn at Swem's Funeral Home.  Jake and Jenna totally made out with the candy.  Jake did all of the work and Jenna reaped the benefits of having a quick brother.

College Roomies

Let's just say the get-togethers with my college roomies have changed quite a bit over the years.  Last weekend, we met up in Grand Haven to meet the newest addition to our group, Madilyn Bell.  She is the 14th child from our group.  So, the get-togethers are now all about the kids.  Unfortunately, Janna and Wendy couldn't make it, but it was great to catchup with Lisa, Kerstin and Karen.  We always have such a great time.  And, the kids had a blast playing outside with all of Lisa's toys.

Madylin

Jenna, Megan and Sarah

Jake, Jenna, Megan, Sarah and Sam

Jake LOVED all of the Boy Toys

Buzz Lightyear Wings, Hard Hat, 4-Wheeler, and Baseball..

what could be better

5 going on 15...

This morning I am rushing around as usual trying to get out the door.  When I notice that Megan hasn't come out of her room yet. I walked in to find her looking at herself in the mirror.  I said, "Megan, what's wrong?".  She looked at me and said, "I don't like this look"  I think that my mouth hit the floor.  "What do you mean?"  "I just don't like how this looks...."

Since when has she cared about her clothes?  or what she looks like in them?  Sure from time to time she will want to wear a dress or skirt to school, but that is normal. 

I thought that she looked cute...T-shirt and shorts, not sure how you can get that one wrong.  I have a feeling that my mornings just got a little rougher.  And, Megan aged 10 years over night.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

We had been promising Megan since the snow melted that we would go back to her favorite zoo with the Sea Lions. So, we had a free Saturday and the weather cooperated so we packed the kids in the car at 8am to head down to Fort Wayne.  We should have known it was a bad idea when we weren't even out of South Bend when Jake started asking if we were there yet.  Thank goodness for the DVD player as the kids settled into watch Annie (their new favorite movie..which is watched at least twice a week).

Half way through the movie, Jenna and Jake became restless and started picking on Megan.  I think that we were all in tears by the time we hit Fort Wayne.  I wish that I could say that it got better from there, but that wasn't the case. 

• They whined, complained and argued the whole time. 
• Jake walked around with his hands over his eyes because he didn't want to see the animals. 
• We had a double stroller and they either all wanted in (which left one kid out) or they all wanted to walk and fight over who was the leader. 
• Megan said that it was too hot (it was 65)
• Jenna ate Megan and Jake's snacks...
• Leigh was ready to go 15 minutes into the zoo, but I wasn't ready to spend another 2 hours in the car driving home.

On the way home of course everyone crashed.  I said, "When will they understand the fact that we do these things for them, not us" Leigh said, "Don't worry, they will appreciate the things we do for them when they are 40"...Sad, but true.

The pictures make it seem much more enjoyable.

Our tour guides

Crabby Jake

The Giraffe's were the best

Leigh finally takes the camera..  :)

I think that everyone ended up liking the drums..what's not to like about banging and making lots of noise.

A rare photo of me and Leigh...Megan was the photographer

The petting animals

The River ride..which everyone said was "boring"

Pretty sure that this was when Leigh reached his breaking point, and was carrying Jake off to the Exit, but the picture is one of my favorites..look at that smile.

Only because I am so immature, but this was the highlight of the trip.  Leigh and I were giggling like school kids, but we weren't the only ones.  Jake still talks about the turtles "wrestling"