I'm back.

We are starting this year off right. I will try harder to remember the amazing things that happen and will try even harder to record them.

On New Year's Eve Evan turned 5. Seriously! I could barely believe it myself. 5. He got Legos, Legos, and more Legos. (You should see my dining room table. We are currently in the process of finding a Lego holding bookshelf because the table is not the best place to store the entire Coast Guard fleet as well as a few planes, helicopters, Ninja Turtle attack vehicles and a rather complicated tow truck.)

Evan also got rollerblades (we don't know how much they will be used, but he really wanted them) and a giant Monster Truck. Wesley keeps on stealing the Monster Truck and is taking every opportunity to break the Legos just to show that Evan's birthday wasn't that important to him. 

Speaking of Wesley, poor thing. Yesterday we met up with the whole family to bowl for Evan's celebration. Everyone was having a blast and dad and Kristi even decided to join in the bowling fun. It was Wes's turn and cousin Ryan was handing him the 6 lb ball to roll down the bumper lanes. The ball slipped out of Ryan's hands at the exact moment Wes's little socked toe was under it. The ball smashed his little toe and there were tears all around! (Wes would not stop crying from the pain and from the mere fact that he had a bowling ball dropped on his foot. Ryan could not stop crying because he felt so bad.)

I have been applying oils, clay, and Epsom salt. There was a bit of whimpering last night, but I am hoping he may be on the mend.

On another note, 2014 ended with some heart ache. My dear aunt Sherri passed  away after her battle with cancer. Jen, Ben and I made our way to Utah and stayed with our mom.  We had a true old school style sleepover in her basement and stayed up way too late. It was a sad adventure to Utah, but an amazing time with my siblings. (Em drove to Utah with her family, but stayed with Eric's parents.)   

As part of the funeral service we were once again reminded the importance of family and Jen and I made another pact to create special memories for our children. We realize that their traditions and experiences rest squarely on our shoulders and with that... The adventures are back! We will be adventuring, traveling, planning, and documenting the whole thing. You may doubt me, but Jen and I do not take this responsibility lightly. There are a few things that are non-negotiable when it comes to our children. GMO's, piano lessons, and lasting memories!

Thank you to Aunt Sherri for your wonderful spirit and wonderful example. Thank you for your soft spoken nature, your kind heart, and your love of my uncle. Thank you for your love of your children and for renewing our faith in family. 

I am happy to be back blogging and can't wait to see how this year plays itself out!