Well, we made it through the first 5 years - barely!

Whew! I can't believe its been five years already. The boys had their 5th birthday and first official soccer game on the same day last Friday. This past Sunday they had 18 of their best friends join them for bowling at Monaco Lanes in Denver. While I would have preferred to have it at home with more adult beverages, I have to say that it was a great party. The kids were entertained for an hour and then had pizza and cake. I didn't have to clean up and could relax and play hostess. Our friends were so generous with gifts and the boys are keeping occupied (right now, in fact) playing with them.

While the last five years have been tough (Aidan hospitalized with pneumonia several times, Evan getting the croup several times and spending hours in the ER, my mother passing away, Gerrit traveling so much, the loss of my job, etc.) it has also been an outstanding time that I couldn't possibly imagine missing. I love watching these little boys grow up and experience the world. In August they will be kindergarteners and I will lose a little more of them. But it is so exciting to see them grow and approach everything with enthusiasm and wonder. We are very fortunate to be able to experience the world again through the eyes of our children.