Normal

Almost 5 years ago, I worried our lives would never feel normal again. 

Today, I can say that our lives feel completely normal.  We get up, get dressed, make lunches, go to work and school, the kids go to afterschool care, we pick up kids, eat dinner, take baths, read books and go to bed.  And tomorrow we will do it all over again.

It feels very normal.  For that, I am grateful.  Very, very grateful. 

Little man got the milk out of the fridge on his own.  Oh goodness!

Pinewood Derby

I don't know who is enjoying Cub Scouts more-- Jackson or Darren.  The Pinewood Derby was this past weekend and they both had fun building (though I suspect Darren might have enjoyed that more) and at the race (Jackson was pretty jazzed).  It was fun!

 

Greatest Gift

I recently saw an article entitled something like 'The Greatest Gift Your Parents Ever Gave You Was Your Older Sister'.  Though Matthew may not be able to articulate that sentiment now (who knows if ever), no truer words exist for him.  Alyssa loves Matthew in such a selfless and caring way.  Thinking of it makes tears well up in my eyes.  Everyone should be loved like that.  And the feeling is very mutual, as he loves her beyond words.

Matthew resists holding hands in the parking lot, unless it is Aly's hand.

Matthew loves to read with Alyssa.

Alyssa walks Matthew into school and helps him get settled into his classroom every day.

Another (Almost) Wordless Wednesday

The power of the thumbdex!

Movie morning for the Hoys (minus the littlest Hoy).

Big smiles for a lunch out.

Back to Routine

Being out of routine for 2 weeks was rough for the littlest Hoy.  Meltdowns, potty accidents and defiant, irrational behavior between sweet smiles and joyous laughter pretty much sums up our school break.  Thankfully, we were all back to routine today and it was a much better day!  I was happy to see Mattie's teacher's text with this sweet picture.  Don't want to overshare, but there was great potty progress today.  Yippee!