An Amazing Year!

Dear Kids!
Well, 2010 is about to come to an end. What a great year we had and I'm looking forward to lots of fun times in 2011. Daddy is putting together our annual newsletter to send to friends and family. It is packed with all of our great adventures. We started the year with a fun ski trip in February. Meredith was fearless on the WI mountain. Katelyn and I enjoyed some hot chocolate time while Meredith and Daddy went down the slopes over and over again. Drew stayed back with Grammie and Grandpa for some fun times.

We were fortunate this past year to spend lots of time with Nana while she lived with Mimi and Papa. Most of our times were bonding over dinners out. Nana sure loved Mimi's cooking and going out to eat. Unfortunately we lost Nana in June after a short bout with cancer. This was a tough time for everyone and I know you all miss her.

Katelyn finished 1st grade with a bang. Straight A's all year and of course perfect behavior. Your reading Katelyn has taken off and I'm so impressed with your math skills. You must get that from your Daddy and Papa! Our summer was so fun with a cruise to the Bahamas which included a trip to The Atlantis Resort. FUN! Everyone loved the cruise and all three of you were so sad to leave the wait staff at dinner. They treated you all like royalty and you left a huge impression on them as well. I know you'll expect to see them on every cruise ship. Katelyn started 2nd grade and is doing wonderfully....hasn't missed a beat! Meredith is doing great in Pre-K and getting ready for "big kid's school" in 2011. Can't believe it! Drew is learning tons and starting to write his name well. Next year will be a huge year for learning and I can't wait to see what you do, Drew!

Our Fall break was highlighted by a trip to Disney World. Everyone had a great time. We visited the Magic Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Studios. We were lucky to be joined at the same resort by The Lummus Family and spend some time with them as well. We also caught up with Lara and Lindsay while in Orlando. Of course, Meredith bonded quickly with Lindsay and was sad to see her go. Maybe she'll choose Grad School in GA and she can be our live in nanny :).

Birthday parties were fun this year. Katelyn enjoyed a bowling party with friends and of course had an amazing "Lori" cake. Drew's birthday was celebrated with family and also at Disney. He loved wearing his "Happy Birthday" pin and couldn't believe it when everyone kept saying "Happy Birthday, Drew!". Of course you, Meredith, kept telling everyone "It's NOT his birthday, he already had it!". You were not about to let him have yet another day that was all his! We ended the year of birthdays at Bounce-U with Meredith's 5th birthday! We had about 20 kids attend and it was a great time. I so enjoy these special times and at the same moment just can't believe each of you is growing so fast. I keep hoping it slows down just a little.....

2011 is going to be an amazing year! We already have a ski vacation planned for Winter Break in February to Whistler. Everyone is excited about going to a new country! Another vacation is in the planning stage for June in Hawaii. I know you will love visiting the beautiful beaches of one of the prettiest states. I also won't be too shocked if we end up back at Disney. After all, we did buy plenty of days on our multi-day passes :)

Thanks for blessing me with such an amazing life. I don't tell you nearly enough that I'm so proud to be your Mother and consider each of you my greatest accomplishment. I will do my best to give you unconditional love, patience, time, understanding and extra kisses in 2011. You deserve the best I can give and that's my promise to you...I will do my best!

I love each of you THE MOST!
Mommy