Merry Christmas!

One of these days I will get caught up and update the past 2+ years full of events that I have neglected to post, but for now I thought I'd post a couple pictures to say Merry Christmas.

First Day of 3rd Grade

Our baby entered 3rd grade today.  How can that be??  This will be her first year of elementary school without her big sisters there with her.  Secretly I think she's excited about that.  ;)

First Day of 5th Grade

Abby and Sarah started 5th grade today at a new school.  They have been very excited about this day for some time, but as we drove closer to the school this morning I could tell that the nerves were setting in.  They were all smiles when I picked them up though and said they had a great day.  Success!

Today was another day of firsts for them.  For the first time ever Abby and Sarah have (slightly) different haircuts.  :)

Sarah and Abby

Abby

Sarah

Last Day of School!

It seems like just yesterday I dropped these two off for their first day of kindergarten.

Now I just dropped them off at the bus stop for their last day of elementary school. Crazy!

Katie sure will miss having her big sisters at the same school next year. I'm not sure Abby feels the same way though. She was not too happy when Katie chose to wear the same dress as her today.

Happy 10th Birthday, Abby and Sarah!!

Where has the time gone?  I can't believe that an entire decade has gone by since these two little babies were born.  It took what seemed like an eternity (3 years) to get pregnant with them, but yet the past 10 years have passed by in a blink.  I am so proud of the kind, intelligent, creative, and mature young ladies Abby and Sarah have become and look forward to the amazing things they will do in the coming years.  We love you, girls!!!

Feeling Lost

For the first time in 16 years, our househould is missing a four-legged member.  Sadly, we had to put Antra down earlier today at the age of 11 years old (nearly 12).  Antra came into our lives during a difficult time for me before the girls were born.  Training her for CCI gave me something to focus on, and having her by my side 24/7 was incredibly comforting.  We weren't too disappointed that she didn't make it as a service dog.  She was meant to be with us.  Antra was such a sweetheart.  She was one of the most easy going, obedient, loving, and lazy dogs that I have ever met.  Over the past few years, I loved to see the special relationship Katie made with Antra.  Those two were always together.  We will miss her for sure, but I know it was the right thing to do.  She is back with Jester now.  I feel lost already with no dog to greet me at the door, no dog to feed, no dog to take for a walk, no dog staring me down begging to be petted, and no dog to help tuck the girls in at night.  Such a strange feeling.  One that I have never felt.  We love you, Antra and Jester!

Happy 8th Birthday, Katie!!

To one of the sweetest, most thoughtful, intelligent, and beautiful young ladies out there ...  We hope you have an amazing day!  We love you, kiddo!