Nathaniel

We are so proud of Nathaniel. He is an awesome big brother. He helps with the younger children and they all look up to him. He also pesters them a lot, but I guess that's what big brothers do. He played basketball at the YMCA recently and he had a lot of fun. He got a basketball hoop for Christmas and he loves to go outside and practice. This is his third year of piano, and he is doing so well. He loves scouts; he should be earning his Wolf badge this week. He looks so grown up in this picture--he will be 9 soon.

Mary Poppins

That's our Emily, "Practically perfect in every way." She plays the piano and reads so well. She always desires to do what is right and hates to be in trouble. The other day I needed her to clear off the kitchen table, even though it was actually Nathaniel's chore (I did one of her other chores to make up for it). Anyway, I came back a little later, and she had already cleared the dishes, got out a clean washcloth, got it wet, and wiped down the kitchen table. When I saw her, she was wiping down each of the kitchen chairs. All I wanted was the dishes cleared, but I was very grateful. I can't believe she will be 6 this month!

Big Boy

This title refers to Andrew in more ways than one. First of all, he is so tall, and sometimes I forget he is only 3 years old. Secondly, he is potty training right now. Yea!!! He really is growing up. I can see that he is finally starting to grow out of his destructive stage. He loves to be a helper. The other day, I was standing in the kitchen and I said, to no one in particular, "I really need someone to go get Daniel's green sippy cup for me." Seconds later, a proud Andrew handed it to me. So sweet! I remember on our trip this past summer, he always insisted on helping Daddy bring in our things from the car. He is talking so much more, now, too. I am so grateful for that. He asks me for a hug about 10 times a day, and I am always happy to oblige.