Family Update!

We have now been in Virginia for over 6 months. In many ways, it feels like we've been here a lot longer, but in other ways, it feels like we're still in Minnesota! Kinda crazy. I have to remind myself every once and awhile that family doesn't live 10 minutes away, that church is not on Saturday nights, and that PTA isn't on the first Thursday of the month. For those we aren't in close contact with, I wanted to just give an update on what we are all up to.

Beau: He continues his job as an neurophysiologist, monitoring nerve activity during surgeries. His work schedule is very different each week, and we typically find out his schedule the day before. He spends a lot of time in the truck, driving to the different hospitals in the area. Traffic is HORRIBLE out here, so that would probably be his greatest frustration with the job. He is taking a certification exam on Saturday, which will provide more opportunities in the future as well. He is on a volleyball team that plays once a week, and also enjoys working out at the gym.

Kate: I am still enjoying being a stay-at-home mom, taking care of the house and our kiddos. Tuesday mornings are a Bible Study that I look forward to going to each week. I also greatly enjoy our Moms Night Out one evening a month, and really like the Reese's® Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake  that comes with it! There are 7 moms in the group, and it's fun to bounce stuff off each other and to have some mom social time while the kids play! I've also been spending some time working on the kids scrapbooks, and am only 3 years and 2 months behind. Lots to do all the time, but I enjoy the creative outlet.

Emily: It's been an interesting few months for Em. She has been greatly achieving at school, and we are soooo happy that things are looking up academically for her. Reading has always been a challenge for her and she has grown with leaps and bounds. This afternoon, she choose to read instead of do anything else! Last weekend, she was invited over to a girlfriends house, and we were ecstatic! Friendships are being formed, and there are more smiles on Em's face these days. She participated in a color guard class after school, and is now enjoying a knitting class, which she says is a fun chat fest. My girl is growing up too fast! Here's a little video of her practicing with the flag.

Annabelle: Our Bellie is enjoying life as Bellie does! She's had a few struggles with reading as well, but is getting some additional help and seems to be doing better. Her teacher things it will kick in soon and there will be no more issues. Her favorite part of school is PE and recess...a girl after her daddy's heart! She loves playing outside and keeps hoping for snow. She is also hoping to lose a tooth soon, but they all seem to be cemented in. We are currently working with a responsibility chart, and it has helped to keep Belle on track and to get things done. She is still as little as ever, but has now hit 39 lbs and is excited that she's getting big!

Andy: Our little guy is not so little any more. He is talking up a storm, finally, and has picked up on a lot from the girls. One of his favorites is, "NEVER!" I love how kids learn to use the words appropriately, too! He also enjoys my Bible study, playing with all the new toys each week and his little friends. He's getting to the stage that he doesn't like clothes, and has been known to run around the house in his diaper, with his light saber attached on the side! He also enjoys skyping with his best friends Jonny, David and Auntie.

We are looking forward to Spring Break, and hopefully a visit from some family! We're also wanting to get into DC more and check out the sights, including the Cherry Blossoms in March. We have loved the weather, with many days in the 50s, and possible 70s later this week...that we can definitely get use to.

Love you all and hugs to our family and friends in MN! We miss you all!