Well, thanks to Bethany's initative, I'm finally joining the ranks of other more "technically-advanced" family members who use their blogs to keep us in touch with each other, despite the many miles that separate us!

As we celebrated Lily's 2nd birthday a few days ago, I realized how much she had changed since any Family had seen her last, and I was saddened to recognize that each of our children are growing so quickly, and no one is here to share it with us. I think keeping a blog is probably the best and most efficient way to keep you all updated and "in the loop."

I hope you will feel free to leave comments and advice, or just thoughts on our blog. We'd love to hear from you, as always!! Check back with us often to see what's happening, and I hopefully will keep it current.

With much love from all of us in Florida,
Colleen, Kevin, Bethany, Sarah, Aaron and Lily

Bethany graduates!

Our eldest has graduated... from 6th grade, that is. Bethany Sue is very pleased to be done with Elementary school, and actually excited (albeit nervous) about middle school! She was accepted into a magnet school that has a full-time gifted curriculum, with an Arts/Science strengths. We think this will be the best move for her, even with an 45 minute bus ride each way.

Here Bethany is enjoying her "graduation" dinner at her favorite sushi restaurant, and yes, that is sushi she is eating. She's lots of fun to have around, and keeps us all on our toes!

The Wiz

Aaron and Bethany recently performed in the summer theater production of The Wiz, and Aaron played the coveted role of the Wiz. He did a very good job, and was one of the most "dramatic" of the actors. He is a natural... lots of practice at home!

Our Silly Lily

On July 7th, we celebrated Lily's 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday Lily! She had a fun day, and esp. loved all the "peasants."

Lily is developing a personality unlike any of the other children. She has an intensity like Bethany, the sweet imagination of Sarah, and the need for order and cleanliness like Aaron. She is her own person, and it's fun and scary to see it developing. She loves to make her siblings laugh, and is dramatic already, but with a serious undertone. She is very sympathetic, and will start to cry if she sees someone get hurt on tv or in a book. She is also very upset if she has even one crumb on her hands or any where on her body. She will yell "Dirty hands! Needa wag!" (need a rag).

Lily loves to dress-up in anything that is a "bawarina" or a "dancing dress" or a "soot soot" (swimsuit). I recently realized that I hadn't opened her drawer for regular clothes in 5 days, since she only wants to wear dress-up clothing or a soot soot!
We love our little 2 year old, and it really does seem like only a week ago she was turning 1!!