Another Update

More big life changes. Almost a year to the day my father died, my grandfather passed away. It wasn't sudden, and he was 95, but it was still very difficult. He was the father figure in my life and an amazing person. My ridiculous sense of humor is in part because of him. Death sucks, but it's inevitable and you're never prepared for it.

Thoughts and Reflections

The past year has been very difficult for our family. I lost my father back in April of 2014 rather suddenly to pancreatic cancer. He went in the hospital in pain, stayed, got the results from the screen and the diagnosis, and then passed away within the week. More recently a couple of family members and close family friends. Brain tumors, more cancer, heart attacks. It's been a challenge to say the least. Despite the hardships I feel like we are doing well. I've talked to friends, family and even professionals about various life situations over the past year and we have an amazing moral support system.

In 2015 we plan on doing some traveling - hopefully to Australia and definitely to South Carolina as our annual trip. In the early fall Matt and the children went to San Diego with their Nana (Matt's mom) from Australia. They had an amazing time. I look forward to this coming year but hope for less life challenges as I've had more than enough over the past year. Here's to a new year!

Happy Halloween!

Charlotte was Mario and Ben was a Robot.

Also, school pictures!

Everyone's healthy and happy. Can't ask for a whole lot more!

Charlotte Started School!

Charlotte's first day of school was August 11th. Ben's having a harder time adjusting to her being gone than I am, I think. She seems to really enjoy it and loves being able to pick her own food out for lunch.

We also had our first fair ride, yesterday :)

At the end of the month the kids are both making their first domestic flight. We're heading to San Diego!

Life Events

Well, a lot has happened since December 4th! I'm sorry we don't update more often - most of our updates are posted to Facebook as it's a much easier source to use. Charlotte's now wearing glasses to help correct a minor astigmatism and help with far-farsightedness. Both of the kids now have a pediatric dentist due to a little mishap while rough-housing. Two chipped teeth later (superficial, no fractures) everything is fine. Now, we're starting the process of pre-kindergarten! We're doing our first tour tomorrow and likely registering Charlotte for school in the fall. Swim lessons start this month, as well. Charlotte's occupational therapy has been going well and she may be able to completely stop doing her therapy sessions for her sensory related issues. We're taking a family trip to South Carolina again this year and we're all pretty excited for some relaxing beach time again. I hope everyone else is fairing well! Here are some photos from the last few months:


We had lots of snow!


The kids are getting along well.. most of the time ;)


Ben got his first haircut (from mom!)


built a truck at Lowe's with Daddy! She was upset that Matt made her stand still for a photo instead of allowing her to run around with all of the other kids at the time :)

Easter is coming up so maybe I'll remember to update. If not, everyone have a good Easter weekend and spring!

So much candy

I plan on starting a gingerbread house decoration tradition. This is the second year we've decorated a gingerbread house and it's something that the kids are really enjoying. This year I let Charlotte pick out the candy. So, worms and fish it was!



The finished product

On display!

It was time for the annual haircuts :)