It's been a wild 5 months, so busy as we soaked up every last second before moving. Here are notes I jotted down, special occasions I hope you remember, and stories I hope you enjoy.
Dear Rory,
- So we moved in with Nana and Papa in mid-September at the last minute, and it was crazy but wonderful. One of the first mornings there, before I rushed off to finish packing, you said: "I want Honey Nut because Life is messy." You were only talking about cereal, but man it made me laugh.
- 11/19 at bedtime you were having this animated conversation with me, and you came to one sentence that you could not say with proper grammar. I would say the correct word, have you repeat part of the sentence at a time, and then when I said the whole sentence you went right back to the wrong phrase. It was so funny, but the sad part is I can't remember exactly what it was. It was something to do with "me" instead of "I", talking about playing with Ana. It was adorable though, and you do that from time to time still, using the wrong pronouns or tense.
- After getting through the rest of our routine that night, when the lights were out, you asked if you could invite Santa to stay when you see him at Christmas, and if you could play in the snow together. I told you yes, and then you replied with, "thank you Mommy."
- You enjoyed story time at the library the last 3 months we were there, feeling right at home with Ms. Heather's stories and songs, and loving the little crafts Ms. Ginny would come up with for you all. We discovered the little natural history museum that is now there, and took Papa and Nana with us to the airport field trip. It was better 2 years ago, but it was still fun for you to be with Papa and planes ha. You also especially loved the computers with the stories, and sitting in the little kid area.
- There are so many moments you had with my parents that I don't really know what to write. Following Papa every day all day, snuggling with Nana and being silly, taking naps with Papa most of the time, always eating for him and not me, riding in the kid cars he fixed up, playing with Finn, spinning in the swings, talking to Papa as he worked... it was a magical time that I hope and pray you don't forget as you get older. I tried to take as many pictures as possible.
- We visited cousins at the beginning of December and you LOVED it. You had such a great time with MieMie of course, not missing me at all ha. You loved making things with her, especially the gingerbread houses and cookies. The first night (and all week) you followed Max around like a puppy, and loved playing with him most I believe. He was a good sport about it.
- We took you to Disney right after, and you were so excited but it was also quite hard. You loved being in the Lion King room, and you were so excited about a lot of things. You also are still struggling with the needs and wants of others and that threw our timeline on some things. But also, Disney has changed and those changes made it especially hard on you. However, you talk about all the best parts and that makes me so happy. You loved the carousel, Pooh, Aladdin, the Star Wars ride we all did together, the Toy Story stuff we could do, the dinosaur playground, the Teacups, and Pirates of course! When you finally got to see Mickey (it did happen twice!) you were so happy you didn't want to leave him. Oh! And going to eat at the castle with Beast was so fun but hilarious. You were so excited to see Beast, and then when he came you were TERRIFIED. But the food was so fun, you loved the dessert especially of course because you could paint Chip! So many fun things and silly pictures. You enjoyed the bus and the "skybus" too. It was hard to choose what to spend your money on, but you have some fun souvenirs, and I was glad we could have sweet moments together.
- For Christmas, both my sisters and their families came and you had a great time with all the attention and time with Renee. You played and giggled, snuggled and ran around, read stories, went around in Papa's tractor, played with puppies, made and ate cookies and cocoa, and just had a wonderful time. You were filled with the magic leading up to the big day, and were so happy with everything. Letting you share so much with Papa and Nana really filled all our hearts.
- The last day before we left Nana and Papa's you squished her cheeks and looked right in her eyes as you said, "Nana, come to Colorado with me." It was still just an adventure in your mind at that point.
- 1/2 while sleeping you dreamed you were playing with Renee, saying something like, "when you're done with that it's my turn Renee, and then we'll do this." The next night, because we had seen snow for the first time in your life, you were dreaming and you just said softly but clearly, "snow!" with this cute little smile.
- 1/6 Ana asked if people have owls as pets, and I told her not in the house but some do in barns or yards. You then came over to me and told me "farmers have cows in barns so the owls can be there, so the farmers don't get distracted." You were so confident and sure of yourself, and it made perfect sense to you. It was hilariously adorable.
- The first few days here in Colorado you asked me when we were going
back. The first video call you cried because it was just a video call
and we weren't back home. Talk about gut-wrenching sob-inducing
sadness. I just held you as you cried. It wasn't a one-time experience, but it has gotten better. You do like the snow and exploring new paths, although I'm not sure how you'll do with real hikes. The playgrounds are fantastic of course, and you are enjoying more friends. You are still not happy with a new teacher for church, but we'll get there hopefully. This is a hard transition, but sleeping in the playroom is very fun for you, and we make progress every day.
Dear Aaron,
- Moving in the way we had to was a little wild, but it provided wonderful opportunities, including for you to really learn how to ride a bike without trainers (finally!), all on September 22nd. It took longer than Reed, but you were persistent and didn't stop until it was really working, and it was so fun to see your confidence!
- We chose to stop with taekwondo once you reached blue belt, at the end of September. The intermediate level would have required a lot more, and since we were leaving anyway we decided - together - that it would be best to stop for now. You had a lot of mixed emotions the last award night on 10/1, which at first I thought was just frustration with me (of course we were late because of finishing up with the house), but then I realized you were also just sad it was ending. It was a good experience, and Master Bledsoe was good for you.
- On 10/4 you and Reed were both having nightmare thoughts before falling asleep, and since you guys were sharing a full size on the bottom bunk you just snuggled up together with pillows, blankets, and stuffies while you talked to keep each other feeling safe. It was so adorable and I loved it. You eventually fell asleep by the time Daddy and I went to bed, snuggled up together. It was the first time of several.
- You really enjoyed being able to do hiphop more, but you also really enjoyed more free time the last few weeks to spend with Nana and Papa and to read uninterrupted ha.
- You had so many great times with my parents over the last few months, little moments and conversations that meant so much to me and I hope to you. I really hope you never forget that special time we had, and remember more through the pictures we have. Reading, video games while Nana watched, swings, helping Papa with big backyard projects, riding bikes and scooters, campfires and burning branches, all of it.
- Being able to visit cousins for a few days at the beginning of December was so awesome for you. You all have this natural order of your own, and it's great to hear the silliness and giggles and swapping tips and ideas.
- You were so surprised with Disney actually happening, but the first few moments played super cool ha. You enjoyed the Cirque du Soleil show we saw our first night at Disney Springs, and were so happy for the Lion King hotel and all the things we could see that week. We did Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, then split Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and then Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Your favorite day I think was the 2nd, because you got to spend a good bit of it with just Daddy. You enjoyed several adult plates of food through the week, lots of time with Daddy, and trying rides that you couldn't before. You were so patient and tried to be helpful all week. You were the most careful with your money, knowing that you wanted your Star Wars droid. I was glad you could get it with Daddy. Your favorites were Slinky Dog, Star Tours, Smuggler's Run, and Rise of the Resistance, which you finally got to ride.
- For Christmas you were happy to have so many varied conversations and games. You are in the inbetween space, being a kid who wants to run around and play, but also wants to be involved with the conversations and knowings of the adults. The magic held on till the evening of Christmas day. When you went to bed, I had to pull you back out to my room so we could talk. You wanted the magic to be real so much, but you also have known for ages that it's made for kids. But you really liked the idea of becoming a Santa now, to help others find joy and create magic for the littler ones. Being able to tell you that it all started with someone, or really multiple someones, wanting to make others smile and that we now carry it on and it all reminds us of the Savior really struck the right cord. While it was sad to see you grow up a little more, with a little more of the magic gone, it was so special to see you also be lifted up by the idea.
- The last night before we left Nana and Papa's, in the midst of my packing up, you held onto my middle in a hug that lasted for at least 10 minutes. You were brave, and excited, but it is still so hard to move.
- As it was New Year's Eve, I grabbed a soda for each of you from the fridge, and about 9pm we all counted down and then you enjoyed the soda while running around with Reed in the front yard. Then you made sure I kept my promise about homemade paper confetti, about an hour later tearing it up yourself and making sure we could count down and throw it up in a shower. It was such a bittersweet night.
- You were in agreement with Reed that the two of you would share a room here, and it's been so interesting. You both get along, but he is not as neat as you and it drives you nuts. You've been so glad to be able to decorate your space, especially since I got you your own desk. You've also enjoyed the mountains and are looking forward to REAL hiking, not just little walks. The snow has been fun, although definitely cold ha. You're adjusting pretty well here.
Dear Ana,
- You were happy to move in with Nana and that was such a blessing. One of the first things you also did was to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels on September 22nd, but it took you longer than your brothers and that was grating for you. I was proud of you for keeping at it though.
- You weren't too sad to stop taekwondo after September ha. You enjoyed it, but you were glad to have more free time, and that was a relief. It gave us more time for hiphop, which you thoroughly enjoyed! It also meant you could do extra acro October and November, which you were so thrilled about. Doing jazz also pushed your technique in a good way, while ballet kind of was hit and miss as I just couldn't bring myself to force you to go when there was so much happening emotionally. You did make so much progress though.
- For acro you were eventually going about 3 times a week. Tasia was trying so hard to help you get your back handspring before we left, and it really worked. At one point I was scared to watch, but I kept encouraging you to trust yourself. You almost broke through the fear, and I think once we can start classes here you'll continue to make great progress.
- For Reed's birthday weekend you were thrilled for time with MieMie, and for Halloween you loved the multiple opportunities to dress up as various forms of a cat. You enjoyed the actual evening most as you ran around with Reed.
- The past few months at my parents' house were so happy for you, I hope you remember with the help of the pictures we took. So many snuggles with Nana, as well as braiding her hair, trying new things like chopping wood with Papa, having the tree house to play in, and good times being all together... it was magical. I couldn't begin to write them all down, but it was wonderful.
- You got to be in the Christmas parade one last time! You had so much fun, it was great for you. I was the only adult who could go, so I brought the 2 younger boys and we raced to drop you off, then raced to find a place near the end to watch, but we saw you and you had a great time with everyone at the studio. I was so glad you could enjoy it.
- We visited your cousins and then went straight to Disney. You had a great time experiencing all the fun things to see and do, and were generally good-natured about the whole trip. You were tired the 2nd day and had no complaints with resting with the littler guys and me for a bit, but otherwise you were ready to try the next thing every time. You were saddened by not being able to get close to the characters, and that really dampened the excitement. However, starting with Cirque Du Soleil and seeing all the great tricks was so great, and you were willing to try some of the roller coasters with me and Daddy, although you're not the biggest fan ha. Treats and fun rides made it a fun week for you. Your favorites were Star Tours of course, as well as teacups, Aladdin, and Little Mermaid with me.
- For Christmas you loved all the family around. You got as many snuggles as you could get in, and it was wonderful. You are questioning whether or not the magic is real, and while I see in your eyes you know the truth, you are still clinging to it and so it stayed for another year. But I feel this coming will bring another conversation like what I had with Aaron. I tried to enjoy it as much as possible, and really, you love the question of it, too ha! You were genuinely surprised by the gifts, which was fun. And the baking and crafting and movies made everything so magical and special. It was a great Christmas.
- You had SO MANY last play dates leading up to our move. You made some great friends over the last 2 years and it was so hard to say goodbye. Each play date ended with "just a little longer??" Journey was definitely a best friend, as was Violet. You're supposed to be pen pals with both of them. I just have to make sure your notes get in the mail, ha! You enjoyed make up and jewelry making and pretend games with both of them. I don't know how it all went by so fast.
- The second to last day at Nana and Papa's you stayed at home with Nana while the rest of us went to the air museum, and you got to watch The Princess Diaries with her. The last night before we left their house you sat in the library in Nana's lap and just sobbed, for a good 2 hours or so as I finished packing up.
- Getting to Colorado was pretty uneventful, and while you were excited to see snow the first time, you still don't have much desire to be in it long, ha! The idea of hiking is not the most exciting for you, but you do enjoy the playgrounds here. You love having your own room actually being decorated fully, and the extra space with the guest bed make it perfect for playing with Reed especially. You're adjusting pretty well here.
Dear Reed,
- You were also so happy to move in with them, and learned how to tackle that bike with training wheels in about an hour I think. You were frustrated at first, but with encouragement kept going and then boom, you were suddenly just going! You picked up so fast.
- With your birthday being in the middle of the week this year, we split up celebrating! The weekend before, we met MieMie at a hotel and played at WonderWorks, which you have been begging to do since we went ages ago. It was a blast. You guys hung out in the room the first night while Daddy and I got a date, not missing us at all with your pizza and your MieMie and your presents. Then the next day was a full day of WonderWorks and food and hanging out some more. You loved being able to get some fun things there, and loved everything there. I think some of my favorites were the reflected patterns as you danced around with your awesome moves, the frozen picture on the wall from a giant flash, and the glow-in-the-dark puffs that zoomed around by air tunnels.
- For your actual birthday, we woke up to a surprise waffle breakfast Papa had put together for you, complete with Nana's balloons (since my birthday stuff is all packed), and then presents! You loved video game time (we got you Bowser and Mario) and running around outside and brownies for dessert. It was a great chill day.
- The week before Halloween was a birthday party for a primary friend, Kashton, and then Trunk-or-Treat at church. It was a fun monster truck party, and you had a great time running around with all the kids. Then for the evening, you loved going around several times to get some candy while all the adults chatted and ate a chili dinner. It was a great success.
- The day after the parties was the primary program, which you had gotten up for and sung for during practices, but for the actual day when I sat by you (as one of the teachers), you just sat there, not really wanting to do any of it, but not wanting to be left out either. It was good to just be there with you.
- For Halloween, Daddy took you and the older 2 to the festival on Main Street, but it was so much smaller this year (and cold!) that you guys only stayed for about an hour and a half. You had a great time with your Harry Potter mark though, ha. The next day was warmer and I walked with you guys to get treats in Nana's neighborhood, which turned out to be tons of fun! You still had your Harry Potter lightning scar, your Ninja Turtle robe, and your wand, and you loved it.
- 11/12: "Scriptures got a little derailed tonight, but before it got nuts Reed had some amazing questions and a fabulous analogy. We were discussing angels, how they are resurrected beings. His analogy was that we are like robots, and when we're alive with our spirits we're turned on, and when we die we're turned off. I told him yes, that's it exactly, because when you turn the robot on or plug it in, the electrical energy powers it, and then when it's off or unplugged the energy doesn't just disappear, it's gone elsewhere, it's transferred. It clicked so completely for him. He then immediately declared he wants to be a scientist when he grows up haha."
- 11/15 while I was teaching, Aaron asked you to say the dinner prayer, and so Nana says you said this sweet prayer, "we thank Thee for this delicious dinner Nana made and yummy brownies to enjoy and please help Mommy to be safe and Daddy to get Ana okay," etc. Then Aaron thanked you for praying and you replied with, "you're welcome," and you all started eating. I am so glad Nana and Papa could be part of these sweet moments so much more these last few months.
- 11/16 I asked all you kids what a good part of your day was (a usual bedtime routine), and you told me a good part of your day was doing art, because it's like going into another world as you draw and color, just like reading, and everything else disappears while you are in that world, and you want to be an artist. It was so sweet and made me so happy.
- There have been so many wonderful times and experiences the past few months, I wish I could write them all down. The majority have been little moments though. Playing outside with the others, being in the treehouse swinging or pretending, enjoying the boat Papa brought into the back, learning from Papa outside, snuggling Nana and doing homework with her, video game time and movie parties, riding bikes and scooters and being on your skateboard, and just being all together... it has been magical and I hope you remember most of it, especially with pictures to help.
- While at Disney, one of the last days there, you were walking around humming "follow the prophet" and wanted me to guess which song it was, and kept trying to make it tricky ha. You then continued humming it on the bus to yourself, eventually singing it out loud. You enjoyed the circus show, and were in agreement that the first ride we would do was the carousel. It was perfect to start that way! The lines were longer than we anticipated for most everything, but eating at the castle that first night was so fun! You were pretty done after day 2, and had a hard time wanting to keep going to wait in line, but you still enjoyed the new experiences and sights. Not really being hungry all week (in between growth spurts of course) dampened it a bit, but your favorites were Space Mountain, Slinky Dog, the dinosaur playground to run free in, and the Millennium Falcon we all could do together. The "skybus" was always fun, too. The last night we were there we went to ride Aladdin, and the girl running it was so sweet and funny and let us ride about 8 times in a row without getting up! You all got stickers and got to try to either avoid or intercept the camel spitting so many times, and it just made the ending so great.
- For Christmas you went with everything that was going on, ready to play, read, snuggle, be crazy, bake, craft, watch movies, all of it, with contentment. You made the time count, and loved it. You were surprised Christmas morning by your gifts, and were completely thrilled. I loved seeing your joy. Being able to see Aunt Ali always makes you happy, and while she was there the shortest bit, it was still great.
- The last day we were at Nana and Papa's you brought your book bag to her, and stood in front of her all bashful as you asked if you could do homework with her one last time before we moved. You were thrilled when she said yes, and you chose the treehouse as the best place. You were so happy and filled by the shared moments.
- You were the most excited for snow I think, and love experiencing being outside like always. Going hiking or walking or being at the park is always a win, so you are still happy outside. You like sharing a room with Aaron, and I usually hear the 2 of you talking for a bit as you fall asleep. Having your space decorated for the first time really has been so fun for you. You like having a desk to work at (when the mood strikes) and are just generally transitioning pretty well. I'm so grateful we could get the house together quickly for you all.
To all of you, I love you so much. This transition is hard for me personally, but I love being with all of you. Getting the house together makes it feel more like home, but only when we all get to be together in it. I'm so proud of you for hanging in there as we experience new things, meeting new friends, figuring out new opportunities and schedules, and just continuing in the normal day-to-day things. I'm so grateful for all four of you.
Love, Mom
