Lily and Jack: Eight Miles High

Hard to believe that 8 years ago today this little person was born! Marcy and I both extremely proud parents of a wonderful kid who works hard in school, is a great big sister, a caring friend and is a loving and kind person. We will be the first to admit how lucky we are to have her around. My only fear is that since the first eight years have gone by so quickly (and been so amazing) that the next ten will surely do the same and before we know it our little Lily will be off to college and on her own wild adventures. Where is the pause button when you need it. Anyway, enough reminiscing, we have news from a busy week to cover.

Lily had another successful week of second grade. She is catching on at the new school and making friends left and right. We knew that moving was the right decision but I think we were worried about how long it would take Lily to get acclimated. This has not been a problem at all and so far she is really thriving. Jack is also really comfortable at his new school and is making lots of new friends. He likes his classroom and all the toys they have to play with. So far so good for him as well.

On Tuesday, Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom came over for their first weekly visit with the full new routine and all went smoothly. Jack was picked up and Lily was met at the bus on schedule. A well oiled machine.

On Thursday, Lily had tryouts for one of the local swim teams for the winter session. We did not realize that tryouts were going to be quite as competitive as they turned out to be. In total, about 70 kids showed up for 20 slots. A couple of Lily's friends from the pool were at tryouts or had previously been on the same team. Lily swam great - as good as she has ever been in the pool - but she did not make the team on the first day of tryouts. So, she had to go back Friday and she made it! Practices start this week and she is very excited.

On Saturday, we ran some errands and then had some friends - Jack's pal Oliver - over for dinner. Jack also spent the early part of the day at his friend Carter's birthday party.

Sunday was family party day. Lily, Jack and I headed to the airport to pick up Grandpa Maurice who was coming in for the big day. Later on Aunty Kelly, Bodie, Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom all came over for a bar-b-que and presents. Lily cashed in as usual with puzzles, legos, games, books, drawing stuff, more legos, bracelets, craft stuff, an American Girl doll (Ivy - Julie's best friend), a new softball glove and an iPod touch. She had a great time and everyone enjoyed dinner and home made cupcakes made by Marcy. Needless to say, the kiddies slept well on Sunday night.

Monday was back to school and work but Marcy woke up early to make a special birthday breakfast for Lily - homemade pancakes. The kids then had cupcakes with friends at the bus stop after school We finished out phase one of the birthday celebration with dinner at Lily's favorite burger restaurant (where she gets grilled cheese). Grandpa Maurice joined us for dinner and then helped put the kids to bed with bed time stories.

Special birthday wishes to Cousin Stephanie whose birthday is Tuesday - Happy Birthday.