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!

T's Friend Party

Although his birthday is not for a few more days, Tanner really wanted to have his party before school started. A weekend luckily opened up and we were able to host a sleepover/lazertag/airsoft war. We had a great time as you can see and Tanner did what he loves most right now...pretended he was an army guy. I even got in the mix a little bit, but 4 on 1 was a little unfair, especially since there were airsoft grenades flying my direction.

Since we are still very behind on our blog here is a movie of the kids the other day. We have loved summer and although the kids are excited to start school Kim and I will miss the late nights and time we had to spend with each of them. Grace starts school on Tuesday and Tanner starts on Wednesday. Grace has been very brave and is looking forward to starting. This last month Grace has been conquering her fears and trying new things. She is teaching herself how to skateboard, she rode her bike down a very big hill, and many other things. Each time she gets so excited knowing that she has overcome a fear or tried something new. We hope school will be similar. She had a meet and greet with her teacher on Tuesday and she is excited to be a special helper in her class. Tanner's honor society had a lock in on Wednesday where all the kids stayed at the school overnight playing night games, looking through telescopes, and other fun stuff. We cannot believe he is a sixth grader and are so proud of what a great boy he is. I am sure Eva is also excited to have some one-on-one time with mom and meet all the fun kids in both Tanner and Grace's classes.