Wanderlust

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

Long before I knew of the world "wanderlust" it was something I felt. The word means, "a strong desire to travel." I've felt this especially the past 20 years. It is also true that I am an extreme homebody and often right after I leave my house I long to go home. What can I say? It's not the only time I'm a contradiction of terms. 

As I've conveyed through previous posts I have always loved to travel and go on adventures. Your Aunt Katie and I went on a good many road trips and saw some amazing things. I also went lots of cool places with Grandma and Grandpa Halter. However, once I met your dad I really began to have the opportunity to travel. We love to go on adventures and it was something that was very important for us to pass down to you two. Today I am feeling pretty reflective upon our journeys from last summer along with the hope of some travel this coming summer. I also could just be sad that I've been cold for what seems like three months straight so that has me longing for summer in general. We took three pretty significant trips last summer. The North Dakota Badlands, The Great Sand Dunes, and Yellowstone all in one summer. The actual stats of our summer travel was approximately 3500 miles, camped for 25 nights, went to 6 states, 3 national parks, and made about a billion memories. 

Here's a breakdown in pictures and a few anecdotes. 

Badlands

I love to chase sunsets. It's generally the first thing I like to do in a new park. In fact I scour the park newspaper for a good place to view sunsets. This is where the park paper sent us. It is called the Wind Canyon Trail and it was magnificent. We also had an amazing drive up to Medora because you traveled like troopers and did not even get on a device once! You loved your activity books and snoozes. 

 Sunset views:
 This quote was amazing in the visitor's center. It really spoke to me in light of current events. 

We also went to Medora. It was an absolute HOOT! We loved everything about it. We got to eat a fun dinner before and watched a fantastic show. We will definitely be going back again soon. 

 The day after Medora dad had to work so we took some time to tour the town on our bikes. It was HOT, but we managed to have some taffy, ice cream, shopping, and FUN! We took the loop on the way back once dad met back up with us and you both fell fast asleep!

 The purpose of going to North Dakota was meeting up with the Harringtons so they could pick up their camper. We went to Buffalo River State Park where we had quite an interesting encounter. After a long day of travel and trying to get to the Harringtons in time we arrived at the campsite to find someone in our spot. We could not locate the guy who took our spot so we ended up having to move the next day so we could have the correct spot. It was a little bit of a rocky start for the Harringtons, but we ended up having fun and loved hanging out in Fargo at the giant, indoor ferris wheel, geocaching, hiking, and hiding out from HUGE North Dakota thunderstorms. 

April, Grandma, and Grandpa met us in Aberdeen where we went to Storybook Land and stayed at beautiful Richmond Lake. Storybook Land was AMAZING. We loved the references to the Wizard of OZ and generally had a blast. 

 Fortunately we caught a beautiful sunset! Richmond Lake really was a slice of heaven. 

The Great Sand Dunes:

 The Great Sand Dunes are arguably the most amazing place I've ever been. We hiked, hiked, and hiked, and obviously took pictures of the dunes.

 Enjoying the sunshine with my girl. 

 Unbelievable views.

 We experienced pretty much everything that The Great Sand Dunes had to offer including a trip up to Zapata Falls. Of everything it was probably the most difficult hike and the most underwhelming. But we had an adventure nonetheless. 

 Probably our biggest accomplishment was tackling Great Dune. A 650 ft. hike and you were troopers. It was worth the hike and the view was completely amazing. 

 Pointing to where we were. 

Finally we have some accomplishments of the trip. Both of you  became junior rangers, we took in incredible views, and took some amazing hikes!

No trip is without learning a few lessons. This trip was full of lessons. Let me list them. 

1. Leave on time. That means if you plan to leave by 5:00 AM you need to be out the door at 5:00AM. Not 9:00AM. Otherwise you will arrive to your destination when it is dark. That means that you could accidentally back into a tree and put a giant hole in your camper and push the fridge into the kitchen. Also, by the time you get to your campground you could have yet another person in your spot. Yes. If you're wondering this did happen to us. Yes we were both very grouchy about it. But we did learn the importance of leaving on time.

Here's our camper all bandaged up. 

2. BE SPONTANEOUS! We had a tight plan where we went from The Great Sand Dunes to Denver and then to Rocky Mountain National Park. Once we had a giant hole in the back of our camper we decided it would be best if we stuck around the dunes a little longer and skipped all of the other travel. Plus lots of rain was predicted for the Rocky Mountains and the risk didn't seem worth it since we'd been there a year before. We ended up having the most relaxing and rejuvenating time there. Sometimes it pays to slow down and enjoy the view. 

3. Don't travel at night. Ever. We stopped by Denver on our way home from The Sand Dunes. We did some shopping and ate lunch before we headed back up north. Unfortunately we were on the road after dark and the trailer lights stopped working. On a road that we couldn't stop on. In the middle of Nebraska. It was pretty unnerving. I could tell even dad was getting a tad nervous. Thankfully we made it to Chadron, got some gas, and dad did some problem solving that got the lights working again. I will say this. Your dad is a genius. He really can fix anything on the fly, but if you can read this you already know that. We made it home super late, but we made it home. 

Yellowstone:
I think I've told the story before that my love for National Parks started with Yellowstone. Grandpa and Grandma Halter took us when I was maybe 10 or 11? I can't exactly remember, but it was amazing and this summer I am fairly certain that you, Finn, and Kitt all loved the mysterious place full of geysers, mud pots, wild animals, and that huge lake. 

 This hike was awesome. It was on an old road to what was called the Natural Bridge.

 Beautiful morning at Fishing Bridge.

 The pictures are out of order in this, but Yellowstone is a place full of beauty and mystery, but also extreme danger. There are giant mammals like the grizzly bear that was actually around a trail so they had to close the trail down. There are also tons of buffalo that people will not stay away from. Pair that with scalding water, looming cliffs, and rushing water it is a little terrifying to bring your children there. That being said we only had one pretty significant brush with danger and that was on the hike to Lone Star Geyser. 

 As I've mentioned before each trip teaches you a lesson. The big lesson for this trip: Don't hike at high elevations late in the afternoon. We already knew this, but we still left a bit too late on our hike to see Lone Star Geyser. It was such a beautiful morning we never would have suspected a thunderstorm complete with hail and heavy rain shortly after we ate lunch. Thankfully we had a thermal sun blanket (not sure that's what it's called) and towels that we could build a shelter of sorts from. We all huddled under the shelter we built for what seemed like a long time. Once the storm past the geyser went off and wasn't too impressive. The hike and the experience was pretty impressive. Another thunderstorm was behind that one so we had to run most of the two miles back to the truck. Lauryn was the unsung hero of that trip because she set a fast pace we all followed and made it back safely. 

 I loved this trip because Aunt Katie and her family were able to come. It was so much fun to be on an adventure with her and her family now that we're all grown up. 

We got to chase a sunset at Yellowstone Lake our first night there. 

 So many cool things to see and do! We got to watch the sunrise over the mountains pretty much every day. 

 Another sunset.

Travel can be really fun, but it can also be really stressful. These trips taught me that no matter how much you plan, make an itinerary, read books, and prepare no trip is going to be perfect. Sometimes the magic is in the mess ups and the mistakes. 

I am already so excited for camping and adventures this summer. I can hardly wait. The best part is you're excited too. <3

Love, 
Mom

😂

Why We March

Dear Baby Waider+Little Brother Too,

I am so disappointed with my lack of blogging for 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. I have been trying to evaluate why I don't blog as much as I did when you were babies and the most simplistic answer I have is that you both nap less than you used to. I used to be able to crank out some blogs when you were sleeping. My computer has been drama since last spring and I'm just getting it back to working condition.  Also, I feel like the past year has been marred by atrocious political events. I remember an earlier blog that I wrote that I was devastated that Barack Obama was leaving office. I had so many thoughts and  opinions about what it would be like once he left office and I will tell you that I had no idea how bad it would really get. I feel like I spend so much time on social media and google trying to find some glimmer of hope that things are going to change and get better, but the reality is that we are all just waiting for the 2018 election in November. I need to snap out of this media funk I've been in and start documenting the great things we're doing as a family!

Today I decided to bring back the blog because you have become quite the little activists. We participated in the March for our Lives event today that focused upon the need for gun reform in the United States. This comes from events where students are shot in their schools by semi-automatic weapons. This didn't happen when mom and dad were little. For both of you it will be a reality you've always known. You will always have participated in active shooter drills at your school. For whatever reason guns have become easy for crazy people to get and for reasons I don't understand they go into schools with the intent to harm innocent children and teachers. Today we marched because of the need to regulate the types of guns and ammo that people can buy. Today we marched because we don't feel that one more person should die by a gun. It was a chilly morning and we went to the park first, but I was totally impressed by your marching without complaint. 

Here are some pictures from today... 

There are a whole bunch of people who are opposed to changing the gun laws and we ran into some of them today. One guy shouted at us from his motorcycle, "You are manipulating the minds of children with your beliefs. You are rotten people." Based upon what I'm seeing on social media he wasn't the only person to feel this way. It confuses me because he's not the one who has to practice active shooter drills in his school and worry about someone coming in to shoot at him for no reason. There were lots of kids participating in marches today, not just you. Some were older and some were speaking out. I am so proud of you both today. You are living during a time where you will really know what it means to bring about change. You will know the importance of voting and being civically active. I was always involved in politics because my mom and dad were involved. I am so grateful for Grandpa and Grandma Halter for that and I vow to pass that onto you. 

We also participated in the Women's March back in January which both of you loved. You had the time of your life shouting, "Hey! Hey! Ho! Ho! Donald Trump has got to go!" We marched with Grandma Halter, Becky, Joe, April, Liz, and Franklin. Unfortunately you got into a fist fight in the middle of the speeches which was a little unnerving because we were at a peaceful march and you were punching each other out. I think I said the words, "You can't get into a fist fight at a peaceful march." The march was moving and having the two of you there was everything. 

Today cousin Vern asked why we were marching and I'm sure that was on your minds as well. We march because we are in a situation where everything we hold dear is being trivialized and taken away. Everything that was fought for is slowly being lost. We march because we want better for you. We had you during a time of hope. Unfortunately that quickly turned to a time of hate. I know that it won't stay like this, but I hope you remember these times when we took a stand and marched. I hope you know that you can always stand up for what you believe and be involved in our political process.

I'll tell ya one thing. When I was a kid I would have NEVER imagined this many Democrats in ALL of South Dakota let alone in Rapid City. That's a gross assumption that everyone was a Democrat. I should rephrase that as like-minded people. Today and the Women's March gave me great hope. In quoting Barack Obama, "We're fired up! Ready to go!" Here's to hoping a little flame has been lit in both of you. 

Love, 

Mom

Rocky Mountain High

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

*I realized that I never published this entry! This trip was from July 2016. WE return to the Rocky Mountains July 2017 as well.*

A couple of weeks ago we went on a most outstanding adventure to the Rocky Mountains. It wasn't our first big vacation as a family of four as we did that in 2014 when we went to visit Jay and Jeremy in Omaha. It was our first camping trip deep in the mountains, however. For as long as I can remember I've loved being outside. I've always loved a little adventure and some travel. When I was a kid Grandma and Grandpa Halter always had us doing something. Picnicking, hiking, fishing, or sight seeing pretty much every weekend. One of my favorite and most memorable vacations was to Yellowstone National Park. We got to experience all of the grandeur on that trip and I was instantly hooked on the national park system. The older I got the more I grew to love being in the woods. I've told many stories about working deep in Custer State Park as a waitress at the Blue Bell Lodge. Following my first year of teaching Auntie and I took an amazing cross country trip to California and Mexico including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Forest, The Redwood National State Park. The following summer we worked by the Snowy Mountains. During that time we did hundreds of awesome hikes. Throughout all of these experiences I always thought in the back of my mind how nice it would be to camp in these places. In fact in Yosemite we were at a store in the park (translate=super high prices) and we looked at buying some camping gear. Determining that it was just too expensive to start camping on a whim I kept it in the back of my mind as a possibility for some day... Plus I'm not too sure Auntie was too into the idea of tent camping.

So you get the idea that I had always been interested in camping and wondered if I actually had what it takes to be a camper. Enter your dad. A real live mountain man with the Eagle Scout badge to prove it. He had a tent and all of the necessary gear to make my camping dreams a reality. We went first to Pactola, then the Big Horns, and finally the Snowy Mountains. I liked camping. Don't get me wrong. It just wasn't the magical experience I was hoping for. Tents don't offer much protection and I remember the very moment I retired from it. We were in the Snowy Mountains in mid August. Summer everywhere else in the entire world. However, in the middle of the night it started snowing, hard, and I woke up freezing. I couldn't get warm so I started crying. A. LOT. Like I couldn't quit crying. I finally warmed up and at that moment I believe I said that the next time I went camping it will be in a camper. 

After two years of searching we were fortunate enough to find the perfect camper. We drove nearly to Canada to pick it up and then went into Canada to camp. We traveled most of that summer and camped all over the place. We loved our camper! The next summer I was pregnant with Baby Waider and rarely left the house. 

We couldn't wait to take Baby Waider camping, but your first summer was MISERABLE. We took a trip to Cousin Jennifer's wedding and it was so incredibly hot we had little desire to go camping ever again. We also went on one short trip to the Game Lodge Campground but again it was so hot we couldn't do anything. 

The following summer was a disaster. Dad broke his ankle and I was pregnant with Little Brother. We ended up going on one camping trip to Mobridge which was really terrific. The next summer we were able to go a little bit more, but stayed pretty close to home. We went to Custer State Park constantly, but also had the opportunity to go to Omaha, Nebraska. I was a complete wreck the entire trip with a baby and a three year old. We went to the Zoo and again, it was pretty hot so it made it tough to do too much. 

When Little Brother was born my good friend JoLisa Hoover suggested that we try to travel to all fifty states before both of you graduate. I am so excited to make this dream a reality. I decide to add the idea of going to all of the national parks as well. The natural start was to go to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Dad is from Colorado and that's where Grandpa Marker and Mary live. The result was pretty much pure magic. The Rocky Mountains were such a fun place for both of you to explore and enjoy. You hiked like little troopers and you even got to earn some badges. They were having a discovery days where you were able to do a ton of fun activities. You also became junior rangers. We loved Estes Park and found lots of fun things to do there, but by far Baby Waider's favorite store was the Hallmark Store. The candy store was fun too and walking around Estes was a blast. 

There is something about camping wayyy in the wilderness. Where there are bears and tall trees. We just loved our time there and extended our trip. We almost immediately decided to plan a next year's trip there as well. One of your favorite songs to sing is "Rocky Mountain High." I love it because like John Denver I think that the Rocky Mountains are the cat's pajamas. Below you will find some photos of the trip that are also immortalized in magnets, pictures, and a photo book. 

Love,

Mom 

P.S. I just finished this two weeks before we return to the Rocky Mountains this year

!

Doin' Something Right!

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too,

If you decide to become a parent you will inevitably find that it is a tough, tough job. Most of the time you feel like you are failing at best. I often feel like I spend a good majority of my time being frustrated, annoyed, and naggy. Yesterday, however, I had a moment, actually more than a moment, a whole morning of glee! We took a quick trip to Custer State Park. Arguably my favorite place in the world. I was delighted when Little Brother asked if we could go to Custer State Park. The day was beautiful and I knew we would see lots of buffalo calves. So often I feel like I can't say yes to an impromptu trip anywhere. "We have too much to do" is often the first phrase out of my mouth. Yesterday was different. Your dad did have too much to do so we decided to leave him behind and go on an adventure. First parenting win. Going on an adventure. 

Our first stop was at the gift shop. If I've done nothing with my life I've passed on my love of a good gift shop to both of you. The Coolidge Store is probably one of the best around in my opinion. I couldn't resist your excitement and let you both impulse buy buffalo souvenirs. That probably shouldn't count as a win, but it could count as a time I didn't immediately say no. 

We carried on to Heddy Draw which is a beautiful place to see Black Elk Peak and Cathedral Spires. We went on a small hike and enjoyed the sites. We also climbed some rocks and it was just cool to see how excited you were about just being outside. You observed rocks, plants, and loved the tall Ponderosa Pines. It was in that moment that I realized I have done something right. I've passed along my love of nature and all things outdoors to both of you. I along with your dad have always treasured hiking, biking, camping, and just being in the forest. Nothing will help you find your center more than a trip to vast group of trees in bright sunshine. Yesterday was such an awesome opportunity to reset and refocus before taking on the last 15 days of the school year. 

After Heddy Draw we proceeded onto the "You Might See Wildlife Loop." I call it that because when I worked at Blue Bell Lodge disgruntled tourists would come in and say, "We went on that wildlife loop and didn't see anything!" They were outraged. So that's why I changed the name. We DID see wildlife fortunately. We saw thousands of buffalo, and many with their babies.We watched them run, play, and nurse from their mamas. It was really delightful. It really is a simple, yet totally magnificent thing all at the same time. I was so happy that you found watching the buffs as entertaining as I did. 

We jammed out with the moon roof open to some excellent tunes all singing at the top of our lungs. Never underestimate the power of doing that because you will never feel sad when engaging in this activity.It will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle anything. 

Our fabulous morning wrapped up with a picnic at the new visitor's center picnic area. It was gorgeous even if Little Brother spilled his entire lunch and I had to give him my Lunchable. Baby Waider also twisted her ankle and totally biffed it, but she most importantly got back up and kept on walking. 

I may be failing some days, but yesterday I realized that somewhere I must be doing something right. You kids love to hike, be in the forest, observe animals at safe distances, sing your heart out with all the windows open while on a beautiful drive, and can also enjoy a good gift shop. What a fun memory we made!

Love Always, 

Mama

Tribute to our Old Tree

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too, 

First I know that a person could receive much much worse news than I did today. That being said, I am still sad and mad. 

My parting words to  our realtor after we sold our house were short and simple. I said, "Tell Patrick to take care of my tree. It is a good tree and it was very loved." Of all the reasons I didn't want to move the tree was at the top of that list. I adored that tree. It was such a part of my life. As strange as it sounds I felt an immense and strong connection to that tree. It was breathtakingly beautiful. I loved it every single season and not one day went by that I didn't admire it. Because we loved and cared for the tree so greatly you both also loved the tree. Mia logged hours sprawled out under the generous canopy in its dense shade and Super sharpened many claws on it. Countless blue jays would dive bomb Super from the highest branches and a little robin family spent countless summers high enough to keep Super at bay. We even had a squirrel in it for awhile. Baby Waider even made a bird house to hang in it.This doesn't even begin to acknowledge the hours both kids spent swinging in the Fisher Price swing for hours on end. The dancing that Baby Waider did under it, and all the time Little Brother would race around its amazing trunk. 

Summertime was when the tree looked its best. The two of you would run and play under the tree in the cool grass. You would grab at the branches and pull down bunches of leaves and I would constantly be stopping you, reminding you we must be nice to the tree! We would put the slide under the tree so it would keep you cool as you toddled up the little steps and then slid down the slide. We also put the pool under there to protect you from the sun and give the tree an extra drink. Last summer you spent hours in a hammock under the tree. There was no better sound than the breeze fluttering through the trees or the wooshing sound it made as a thunderstorm was blowing in. 

During the fall the tree turned the most glorious gold you've ever seen. I thankfully took plenty of pictures of it. Once the tree dropped its leaves we would spend hours raking them up, and jumping in the piles. We even collected the leaves and made leaf man out of them! 

Wintertime the frost would cover the branches and it would look so glorious against the bright blue sky or the dark grey clouds. When we would shovel the extra long driveway we would pile the snow around the trunk of the tree to give it a little extra drink. 

Springtime was by far my favorite. The leaves came out slowly at first. They would just be little green spots. Then one day, usually close to the end of the school year I would come home and it would be full of vivid, bright, full green leaves. Your dad spent hours trimming the tree and even had to bolt some branches in after they'd fallen off. I wish I could find a picture of him with the gigantic ladder tending to the tree, but I'm not sure I took one. 

Today I was informed that the person who bought our old house on Rosilee LN cut down our tree. Initially I didn't believe it because HOW COULD HE CUT DOWN THAT TREE??? It was amazing. I had to text our former neighbor Susan to confirm, which she did. It was the beautiful tree he cut down. I was devastated when one of my students quietly asked, "But, Mrs. Waider, it isn't your tree anymore?" He was right. It wasn't my tree anymore. Truthfully, I never wanted to leave that tree. 

The only other day that I cried this much over the tree was during the October Blizzard Atlas. In many ways I wish we would have lost it then. It seems like a more humane way to go than watching the family who loved it leave it behind with someone who held no regard for it. 

After the blizzard...

Today I've been trying to figure out why I'm so very upset by the loss of this tree I don't own anymore. I know that Grandma Halter is a tree lover and if you really want to fire her up you cut down a tree. Super Aunt Becky also adores her trees in her yard and I know she was very sad when she lost some to the blizzard. So maybe it's genetics. I also feel like that tree was the backdrop for our life for so many years. It was near our living room window so it peaked in on family dinners. I could probably see it out of the corner of my eye when you kids were learning to walk. It watched me move in, it saw us bring Mia home, and our two babies. It could peak in the window and see countless Christmases and birthday parties. It was always watching us as we pulled into the driveway. It was what welcomed us home. It was the backdrop of our lives. That's why I'm so devastated. 

I've recently heard dad ask you two, "What lesson did we learn from this?" I have started asking my students this as well as you two because it seems like a good way to wrap up a not so good situation. What did I learn from this? I learned that  not everyone sees value in the same things I do. To me nature is invaluable. A tree that has spent the past 40 years growing is a treasure to this world.  It seems more and more apparent in all facets of this country and the world that we don't place value on things that are really important. To Patrick that tree was a nuisance, but to me that tree was everything. I hold only happy memories associated with it. Before I left that house and drove away for the last time I hugged the tree, thanked it for it's shade, and told it I loved it. I sure hope that it really knew. 

*UPDATE!*

Nearly immediately after I finished this blog we heard from our neighbor Susan that she would hook us up with a branch of the tree so that we could TRY to get part of it to root and possibly grow another tree out of the tree we left behind. Thanks to Susan and a couple of other angels we have now attempted to grow little tiny trees. Also, we are using its branches as decor around the house. When I initially laid eyes on the branches from our trees with the springtime, mini, light-green leaves on it I was completely overwhelmed with emotions. At the same time it smelled just as I remembered it and both dad and I felt an instant comfort by its presence. Yesterday as I reflected more on the tree I was reminded that it wasn't just a great tree we left behind in our old neighborhood, but great people. Susan was instantly ready to help us when we needed it and had that tree branch to our house as quickly as she could. We are so lucky to have her in our lives. The other couple of angels worked pretty quickly too. Anyway... I hope that when you are reading this blog in 2037 we have a gorgeous, full, beautiful tree that we can admire and look at just as we did the old one. 

Love Always, 

Mama 

I found this prayer and it felt appropriate: 

Creator God,

Out of chaos you brought order.

Out of nothingness you brought life.

In the middle of all life stands the tree.

Trees provide the air that nurtures all your creation.

Birds make them their homes.

Cats climb them for protection.

Trees recycle life that has come before.

Bless the trees of this word, loving God.

Remind us to serve as their caregivers and protectors.

Give them long limbs and long life.

The gift of their breath is as special to us as the breath of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Milestones

Dear Baby Waider + Little Brother Too, 

*This blog was started three weeks ago and I'm just now getting to finish it! GEESH!

Finally, a THREE DAY WEEKEND!!! No plans, THREE WHOLE DAYS with no expectations. Just hopes of nice weather, maybe a walk or two, relaxing outside, playing, coloring, and just being. I've been ridiculously excited for this weekend because it seems with each passing day we are more and more settled into our new house and we are loving it. Both of you adore the yard, having your swing set back, being able to ride bikes on sidewalks, and having neighborhood friends. 

Something that hasn't been lost on me for my entire life is the reality of milestones. Some happy, others terrifying, while others are darn right sad. For example, the milestone of you sleeping through the night was blissful, while the last bottle I fed you was pretty tragic and sad. Your first steps were exhilarating, but throwing away the pacifiers was devastating. (Okay, yes, I know there are still two pacifiers in the buffet. One glows in the dark. I could get rid of them, but they take up hardly any space.) The final container of formula was fantastic, but with each tiny outfit I bagged up I shed numerous tears. Recently your dad and I were at Sam's Club and we had arrived to the giant boxes of diapers. Little Brother had been showing major potty training interest. This is huge because potty training brings about the same disgust that birds and ketchup brings out in me. Thankfully dad and grandma took over in the potty graining department and it went pretty smoothly. Anyway as we were standing by the diapers I asked, "Should I grab ONE MORE box?" To which dad said, "I think we're good. We've got this." Your mom is a big cryer as you've discovered by this point. But I didn't shed one tear over not buying diapers anymore.

Little Brother has spent lots of time being a self proclaimed "big boy" for months now, but with the potty training seemingly under his belt I'd say it's official. Other little things have happened around here as well. Baby Waider is mastering writing her name. Signing 12 of her very own valentines. She's also able to count objects to ten and we all four enjoy playing board games on a regular basis. The current favorite being Sequence Kids, but we also dabble in the game Trouble. We also just rode bikes to the park that is almost a mile away. I find it amazing how much both of you are growing and changing everyday. 

I love you both very much and am very proud of you.

Love, 

MAMA