Lots of updates

The last week has been very busy, hence all the pictures and videos today.
Tanner and Grace raised money for their school by running in a jog-a-thon. I ran with Grace part of the time and then she decided she could do it on her own and ran with some friends. She ended up running 7 laps. Tanner, the competitive little man that he is could not be outdone by any of his classmates and ran 17 laps. Both of them had a great time and the weather was perfect. It was so nice to see our children so healthy. We are so grateful for their health and watching Grace run with a big smile on her face, knowing that just a year ago she was in a hospital, was heart-warming. There were so many parents cheering her on during the event.

Tanner has started playing the trumpet. Last year he played the piano, but was unable to play the piano in school. He decided he wanted to play the trumpet and from the first day he got it he has been practicing. He has an amazing talent for music and it shows, even in the first couple weeks of picking up his new instrument. He has been doing great at soccer and his team is undefeated.

Tonight Grace and Eva set up a studio and had a concert for Kim and I. Tanner was at a birthday party and the girls took full advantage of having mom and dad to themselves.

MeriKaye, Brian, kiddos and Dad visit

Happy 11th Birthday, Tanner!

People always told us how fast it goes when you have little ones. They weren't kidding! We can hardly believe that Tanner turned 11 on September 14. It's bittersweet because each moment of his eleven years has been memorable, which makes us excited for the future, but I wish we could reign in time and relish the moments with him a little longer. So, even though a tiny list can't capture what we feel for him, here are some of the many reasons we adore our little, yet big 11 year old boy:

-Tanner is still little at heart. He is growing up, and doing it quickly, but he has such a tender innocence to him.

-Tanner is absolutely hilarious. He comes up with witty, fun things to make us laugh constantly.

-Tanner is purely, genuinely kind. His heart always wants to do good to others and for others to be happy.

-Tanner is so talented-from a kickin voice, to amazing sports ability, to the arts and scholastics-he's got some skills!

-He still loves to wrestle, play army men, and never refuses spending time with his little sisters even if it means playing at their age level-just to be kind.

-He loves his family fiercely-his immediate and extended. His grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins mean more to him than anything, and I think it's so touching that when he has to say goodbye to them (since we have no family close by) he cries for a week. He truly loves them with every bit of himself.

-He knows more compassion and empathy than anyone I know. He also really believes in justice and can't stand when things aren't set right.

-He is so Christ-like. He is probably the closest thing I can imagine to Heaven, and I mean that. There is something so pure and unearthly about Tanner.

-Tanner is loads of fun to hand out with. He's always creating games, scenarios, or creative experiences so that anyone around him is sure to have a blast.

-Tanner is a loyal friend, person, brother, and son.

-What's not to love? Seriously, how did we get this little boy? Why does time have to fly so fast? Happy Birthday little T man! Thanks for making our home a happy one and life so fun to live!

T's first day......... As a 6th grader!

We can't believe he is getting so old. Kim and I remember our 6th grade year and are so grateful to have such a wonderful son. He is not only an amazing son, kind, and sensitive, but selfless and a great brother and helper. Tanner we are so proud of you and hope you have a year you will fondly look back on as you grow old like your parents. We eagerly await what life has in store for such an amazing young man.

School beginnings...

What a morning! Today is something we have worked towards all summer, and for the whole last year for that matter. Grace started Kindergarten today. She did it! When I walked her into class, she was nervous and then I saw the face. She started bawling. My heart just burst for her, knowing how nervous she was. She bawled, but then little by little gathered her courage and I just got home from leaving my little girl at school-the first TRUE seperation since she was diagnosed with Leukemia over a year ago. JR and I were so concerned for how she'd do. I think we slept an hour last night, but the natural progression of things has to happen and we're thankful she's well enough to go. And, we're extraordinarily proud that she overcame her fears of leaving us. I think she's going to have so much fun in Kindergarten!