13 Things About Evan on his 13th birthday

 As a parent, it is hard to believe this little baby we brought home can now be 13 years old.  It is true that "the days are long but the years are short." - Gretchen Rubin

So, for Evan's 13th birthday, here are 13 things to know about him:

 1.  He was an incredibly happy, easy baby.  

 2.  He has been a blessing to our family, and to our extended family.  We especially think of the joy he brought to Darrell's mom in her last days.

 3.  He has always loved watching movies.

 4.  The kid has always LOVED to eat.....a lot....but relatively good, healthy foods which his foodie Jerome side appreciates.

 5.  He has always had a big heart and wants to make others laugh.

 6.  He is observant and likes to solve problems.  And he likes to tell you everything he has observed!

 7.  He loves to read.

 8.  He considers himself a true Pennsylvania boy and a die hard Steeler fan, although he was born in Maryland and lived his first 6 years there.

 9.  He loves the Lord and professed his faith at the age of 5.  We continue to see growth in this area.

 10.  He is very loyal to his family and friends, and has always had one BEST friend.

 11.  He is passionate about sports - reading about them, watching them on t.v., and learning stats about his favorite players.

 12.  He puts his whole heart into the activities he is passionate about - right now soccer and basketball.  It has been fun to watch him grow and excel in these areas.

13.  He is a thoughtful and caring son.  He is the one who made me a mom for the first time.  He has made me more patient and has made me grow in ways I never imagined.  I am proud to be called his MOM.

Happy 13th Birthday, Evan.

Ann-Marie has had four gymnastics meets.  She moved up a level this year and we are very proud of her.  I have picked a video for each apparatus, based on if we had a good camera angle for the video and the quality of her routine.  I would say she started the season with two good meets, but the last two meets she has struggled in some areas.  We are so proud of her for her persistence, her positive attitude, and her hard work.

Christmas 2013 in pictures - Part 2 Our family Christmas

Christmas 2013 in Pictures - Part 1: Family Day in Pittsburgh

Alec's 8th birthday

 It is hard to believe our youngest is 8!  Alec is such a joy to us and to his friends.  We had fun celebrating his party with a Minecraft-themed birthday party.  His "cake" was gluten-free brownies turned into dirt clods and large marshmallows transformed into mushrooms.  

 Friends were treated to 1 1/2 hours at the gym, then pizza, "cake", and presents at our house.

 Our wonderful friends, the Shullenbargers, have not missed any of Alec's birthdays.....Jessica is my birthday party buddy.  I am not sure I could pull off Alec's birthday without her!

 All of the guests posing with the "cake" creation.....not sure why the birthday boy looks so serious!

 On Alec's actual birthday, November 23, Alec's friend, David, stayed overnight and helped Alec celebrate his birthday morning.

 Alec LOVES Legos, and he received several sets this year.

 We spent a family day in Pittsburgh, first by visiting Gluuteny, a gluten-free bakery, and letting Alec pick out special birthday treats.

 Then we spent the afternoon at the Carnegie Science and Sports Museum...popular activities are always the rock climbing walls.

 Our new 8 year old with our 10 and 12 year olds....they are all even numbered until February (when one hits 13!)