4 Year Stats & Fun Facts

Drew is growing!  He grew four inches this past year!

Height: 43" (94%)

Weight: 40 lbs (80%)

Favorite Color:  Red

Favorite Food:  PB&J - It's seriously an everyday meal!

Favorite Toy:  Army Trucks & Army Guys

Favorite Stuffed Animal:  Solo

What do you want to be when you grow up:  Police Officer

Favorite Game:  Wii Sports

Best Friend:  Nolan

Favorite Song:  "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Lewis (I blame Brad for this one!)

We love you so much, Drew!  While we were playing this morning, I asked him if he missed Alivia while she's at school.  He said "No, but I miss you while you're at work."  Melts my heart!

A Change of Scenery

The kids were excited to watch a barn come down while we were visiting Mamaw a few weeks ago.  They loved the big machinery, visiting with Mark, Isaac and Luke and watching the barn collapse.  A new barn will take its place soon.

Celebrating #89!

Great Papaw turned 89 years old last week.  We were thankful to be able to spend the afternoon and evening with him at Nanny & Papaw's.  The kids enjoyed helping blow out the candles and eating a very blue cake.  (Alivia picked it out!)  The highlight of the day was playing euchre.  Michelle and I easily handled Brad and Great Papaw.  Better luck next year! :)

Growing Up: Part 2

I had no idea how much things would change when Alivia started school.  I can't help but think the kids aren't the only ones growing up right now.  I'm growing up again, too!  In the last two weeks, things have changed so much and it's only beginning.  Here's a look at how my responsibilities have increased in an instant.

• No more sleeping till the kids wake me up.  The alarm must be set, even on my days off.  We need to get up, get dressed and be ready to go so Alivia can get to school by 7:40.  The worst part is they were just getting to the point where they would sleep until 7 or 7:15 on a daily basis. :(
• No more napping in the afternoon.  The kids haven't really been napping for awhile now, but it wasn't unusual for me to fall asleep on the couch during room time.  (I realize that may be a little ridiculous, but they're tiring!)  Now I need to make sure we're back at school by 2p to pick up Alivia.
• Time to balance four schedules and none of them are mine!  It's a serious juggling act to balance calendars for Brad's school, Alivia's school and both of Drew's preschools.  I'm sure I'll miss something soon.  It's probably a good thing I don't have one of my own. 
• Time to pack lunches - Both kids take their lunch to school, so I must plan ahead.  I thankful they've been happy with Lunchables and PB&J so far.  While this may not sound like a big deal, it does take some time.  I leave for work at 5:40am, so there's not a lot of time to do it in the morning.  I'm happy to say Brad has been a big help with this one!
• Checking the backpacks, email and Skyward account - I'll admit that I don't always check my home email.  Sometimes I'll go a few days without thinking much about it.  However, now it's my main form of communication with teachers.  I feel like it's a must to look through the backpacks, check email and look at the calendar on Skyward so I don't miss anything.  And we haven't even started homework yet!
• Make sure Alivia wears tennis on Monday (PE class), remembers to take her library book back on Tuesday and wears clothes appropriate for Art class on Wednesday.  Of course, those are the days I'm at work, so I'm not here to help get her ready in the morning.     
• Bedtime is at 8pm sharp.  This is a tough one for us!  We've been enjoying the extra daylight and summer schedule and have let the kids stay up late on many occasions.  Now we need to be home early, have dinner at a normal time and get to bed by 8pm.  The kids have been exhausted from the change in routine.  We had them in bed at 7:40 one night last week!  Brad is getting ready to start fall softball again and I'm realizing my days to watch him play are over. There is no way we can stay late anymore.  These kids are pooped when they get home!

With all the change, there's definitely a sense of pride during all of this.  Both kids have had great starts and love school.  They don't mind leaving us (Alivia usually blows me a kiss when she gets out of the car) and are happy to go back each day.  It's such a relief to know they can adjust and adapt so well.  It helps remind me we may be doing something right after all.  I know there will be rough days, but we're very thankful for this stage.  I've decided it's ok for me to grow up a little once in awhile, too.  I'm sure this won't be the last time.

Growing Up: Part 1

Drew was off to his first day of preschool yesterday morning.  He's attending Indiana Christian Academy on the days I'm working.  He was a little unsure about the idea of going to school, but had a great day.  He enjoys some extra time with Daddy (riding in the car to and from Anderson), loves the gym and playground and making new friends.  We're so proud of him!  This is the first time he's ever attended a daycare facility without Alivia by his side.  It's so much fun watching him grow up!  If only I could find a way to slow it down a little.

Things to remember:

• He didn't mind Brad leaving for work, because he was told he could play basketball in the gym.  Brad actually had to ask him to come back for a hug.
• He made a new friend named Eli.
• One boy found a frog outside at recess! 
• I asked him if he met the principal and he replied "No, but I met the trash man!" :)
• He loved watching Veggie Tales!  They watch a show before nap time and he was very excited about it. 
• He wasn't thrilled I made him wear nice clothes.  He's definitely a gym shorts and t-shirt kind of kid all year long.  After school I told him he could wear play clothes on Tuesday.  He looked at me and said "No.  I think I'll wear my good clothes." :)

Fantastic Four

It's so hard to believe this little guy is already four!  He's such a joy for us to raise.  He's rotten, always up to something and often cute enough to get away with it.  He loves opportunities to help Daddy when tools are involved or play catch in the yard.  I have a feeling they'll enjoy that for years.  He still enjoys cuddling with me and I'm treasuring those moments while I can.  Happy Birthday, Drew!  We all love you! 

He chose an army these for his party and wanted a chocolate cake.

He was showered with wonderful gifts.  I counted 26 new articles of clothing from grandparents alone! 

His favorite toys were the army vehicles (from Nanny & Papaw and Aunt Leslie) and this shark helmet from Uncle Craig and Kelly.  Thanks to everyone for taking the time to join us!

Dinner with Carole & Hayley

 We were so fortunate to spend some time with Ms. Carole and Hayley this weekend.  They met us for dinner at Applebee's to celebrate Drew's birthday.  We had a great time catching up and the kids were again blessed with gifts of love.  Thank you for taking the time to see us!  

Stomp Rocket

 Leave it to Aunt Lane and Uncle Keith to research for top toys for a 4 year old.  They found the Stomp Rocket online and Drew and Alivia love it!  We've played with it many times already.  Daddy and I have taken a few turns as well.  The only problem is Drew often gets the rockets stuck on the roof.  Daddy had to climb up one evening to get them from both the front and back of the house.  Thanks for a fun gift we can all enjoy!

Lego Love

Let the birthday posts begin!  Drew was thrilled to get a new lego set from Mr. Richard and Ms. Debby.  I must admit, I love them, too.  We can sit and build for hours.  Thanks for a great gift!

Getting Excited

Someone is gearing up for a birthday weekend!  We started the celebration early by shopping with Nanny and Papaw this morning.  He had lots of fun picking out clothes at Oshkosh and finding treasures at Toys R Us.  Can you tell he's getting excited?! :)