The Arch - My Review

It only took us 4.5 years of living here full-time to make it to the Arch.

Was it worth it - yes.

Would I go during prime tourist season and wait hours without an advance ticket - ummm, well, no. This isn't the Eiffel Tower, folks!

But we were lucky and only had to wait 20 minutes - and wandered through the westward expansion museum exhibit to kill the time.

But you can buy timed tickets online and St Louis is renewing the area around the Arch - kind of like downtown Chicago and the Bean area (I think) --  so probably worth another visit next summer and the purchase of a timed ticket.

You get to ride in a tiny tiny capsule. Pretty cool.

To see views likes this.

From vantages like this:

Sock Hop

Rhys was too busy running around like a crazy man with his friends to take a picture at the dance last night...but Claudia was all smiles with her one-year-older friends. She also rocked out to the DJ for a good hour- front and center  - before wearing herself out.

My Christmas Angel

A little late...but had to share. We didn't do the Christmas Pageant this year...but I hope to be back next year, wings on!

My mom doesn't say Delicioso

Thanks Aunt Kate for this look back at Claudia from 19 months ago when she kindly, and bravely, stayed a week with our "adorable" and loving children.

Too funny - and thank goodness Kate doesn't take this personally! :)

I love you Claudia at 3 and at 4...soon enough to be 5.

He's Home!

And out and about....

To my bright star

To my dearest son: Rhys James...

At seven, (7!), you amaze, delight and stretch us.

From the beginning, you have done so. We are learning new parenting skills through you all the time.

The last six months or so have been one of our hardest as we deal with first grade expectations,  friends and bullies, and self-esteem issues. (I will argue now that newborns are easier!).

At seven...

You love your friends, passionately. You are learning boundaries and about not giving away your power to others...but your love for  your friends and your devotion, is a wonderful thing.

You are reading - reading! - and continue to love books. From a deep love of Harry Potter this year to now a passion for Percy Jackson and Captain Underpants, we read, read, read...together. (Well - mainly mom and dad to you - but you are contributing now).

Our "James" stories continue. James is one year older than Rhys in our stories since he was 3...and gets to do all the things Rhys dreams of. These days, he's a were-tiger living in a castle in Scotland. He is also a Ninja, a super-hero, and a fire-fighter with a best friend who steals his things (Black Bear),  a Loch Ness Monster, a Fire Dog, Pretty Pony the Pegasus and a Mr. McGregor too.

Of course James has a sister Janie - but she doesn't feature much in the stories. James' best friends are Jamie, Rhys, Millie, and Caroline - as a nod to our Chicago BFFs from when we left. You don't ask for James stories nearly as much now - and one day I think he will be retired from our repertoire (sadly...). However, Claudia likes to ask for stories from your head too - so our storytelling may continue.

This summer you spent six weeks at camp excelling at swimming and learning to dive. You learned some basic multiplication this year. 10 times 10 you say is 100. It is!

These days you are trying out ice skating with the hopes to play hockey and are eager for basketball to start again with your dad this weekend. (Claudia isn't invited you say.)

We have a cat now- your greatest wish for your birthday - and it came true! You are so gentle and kind with him. [Proof how much your dad loves you.]

Rhys  - your enthusiasm and love for others inspire me daily. I love you more than you can ever know (well until you become a parent). Daddy loves you and Claudia loves you - and all your family and friends love you and want the best for you.

I know parts of this year were hard for you. And as your mother I wish I could fix it for you...and I will try everything and anything....to show you that you matter. You are loved. You are AMAZING. You are a work of art. You are my bright and shining star.

And you are your own masterpiece.

Love, Love, Love,
Mommy

Waiting for Duncan

Christmas 2014

Christmas - a time of hope, dreams, some dashed and some realized.

Christmas cookies baked, carrots "shaved" and readied for the reindeers - children bathed and ready. 

Claudia even wore a dress this year. A Christmas Miracle indeed. :)

This year we had Big Cousin Luke visit and bring us all much joy.  He played legos and Wii and saved this mom and dad some tears. Thank you Aunt Kate for raising such a wonderful young man. :) We are so thrilled he will be attending Mizzou next fall and will be a short two hours away. 

Of course we had other relatives come to our Christmas Feast - but my photo taking was lacking this holiday season. The magic of the season embraced me a bit late this year ... and it seems I wasn't as quick to document as in years past. (i.e. Granny and Matthew - and Granddad and Susan)

And of course we had a birthday to celebrate....and one boy to cherish. 

Reminding me that the greatest joy of Christmas is the miracle that is Christmas - a time for families and friends to show their love for each other,  to remember loved ones no longer with us, and to create new memories to bolster the other 11 months of the year. 

Ah, Christmas -- you were just what I needed.