Seven!

Dear Ryan,

Today you are seven.  Seven?  Really?  I can't wrap my mind around it.  You have been a ball of energy since the day you were born.  The best word to describe you right now is "non-stop."  You would play outside from sunrise to sunset if you could.  Right now, you are in to Steph Curry, baseball, soccer, fidget spinners and playing with friends.  I love how sweet you are to your sister...you dedicate books to her at school and are always seeing how she is doing.  Your brother idolizes you...he has even started wearing tall socks just like you.  Thank you for being such a good kid...we are so thankful to have you in our lives.  We love you to the moon and back!!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Happy birthday Connor!

Dear Connor aka Coo-coo buttsie aka Dr. Connor-

Happy 4th birthday big guy! Right now, you are in to the Lion Guard, Go Diego Go, Legos and playing with all kinds of animals, action figures, etc.  You still have the best imagination and can entertain yourself for hours (or it just seems that way since your brother can't entertain himself for two minutes). Currently, you are obsessed with wearing shorts all the time.  You wear shorts under your pants and the minute we get where we are going, you take the pants off.  For awhile, you would only wear costumes over your shorts when we would pick Ryan up from school...you have made quite a few friends who love your different costumes.   Connor, I can't even begin to express what a special kid you are.  You have the biggest heart and say "I love you" all the time.  You are always asking for "uppy" hugs and I hope you never stop.  You never turn down a good snuggle and are always hugging your sister (and wrestling your brother).  Thank you for your devilish smile and for being such a sweet kid.  We love you to the moon and back!

Love,
Mom & Dad

Happy Holidays!

We had a great break spending time with family and friends.  We hope everyone had a great holiday and is enjoying the New Year!!

Ryan got to take the train downtown with Mom & Dad and hang out at Mom's office...he was most excited for the Jimmy John's lunch

Merry Christmas!

Sand tradition - Year 2

Q was not really feeling it...who cares about the alligator?

Snuggles from Papa & Ryan

The best we could do

One of their favorite presents...they wear the jerseys non-stop

PJ time - holidays are exhausting!

and 3 months later...

Let's just pretend the past 3 months of radio silence didn't happen.  

We are getting ready for the big holiday and preparing ourselves mentally for the looonngg two week break the kids have from school.

*Disclaimer - Connor is always wearing shorts under his pants now a days 

Another tooth gone! 

Do you want to build a snowman? 

Not a fan of the snow 

School hugs 

Sassy pants 

Wedding date night

Q is 2!!!

It seems like just yesterday that we were writing the 1st birthday blog post.   While you’re still “the baby” of the group, a lot has changed in a year….

What’s different from year 1?

Goes to school like her big brothers

Enough hair to put in a ponytail

New found love for donuts

Future track star

What’s the same….?

Trying to keep up with the brothers

Has a devilish smile

A friend to all of nature’s creatures

Q – it’s been so much fun to watch you grow this last year.  Here’s to another great year!!!  We love you!!!

New(ish) Neighbors

A few months ago the Eders moved to our neighborhood.  To say we were excited would be an understatement.  I grew up close to my cousins and I wouldn't change that experience for anything.  I'm grateful that our kids will get to have a similar experience.

St. Cletus carnival 

Jack helping Q out on her first day of school 

Before school picture 

Can't Stop the Feeling

Wisconsin Fun & Back to School

Cousin fun in Wisconsin

Aunt KK

First day of 1st Grade 

1st Day at his new school

Quinn was really excited about her first day 

Group pic! 

End of day shot...everyone survived!!

Michigan or bust!!

Last week, we headed to New Buffalo (less than an hour and a half trip!) for a vacation with the extended Sand family.  The proximity to home was only one of the highlights...we also spent tons of time in the pool, ate more s'mores than we can count and enjoyed every minute of it. 

Pool time...finally!! 

Ready to swim 

St. Joseph Children's Museum 

Sand time 

Q having fun at the park 

 Jack and Connor

 

Oinks time!