Thursday, March 26, 2026

Riser is FOUR!


Riser is FOUR! I will input his stats after his well-check next week. He still naps just about every day but they are getting shorter - down from three hours to about one and a half. He finally potty trained this past year not long after he turned three. 

This past year Riser has learned all of his colors, basic shapes, and we are starting to work on letters. He knows the ones in his name and a small handful of others. He can count to 20 and is learning patterns. He still doesn't have any interest in coloring or crafts - most of his art is still scribbles. 

Riser's favorite person is his sister. They still share a room, and he still instigates often but she is very patient with him. He started quickball (tee ball) a couple weeks ago and is very excited about it. He loves dinosaurs, Hot Wheels and any kind of water play. He is our cuddler and loves to be cozy under a blanket or pillows.  

His personality still shines and his joy is contagious. He doesn't know a stranger and still has a hard time waiting his turn to speak. He has learned a lot of self-control and is getting better at expressing himself with his words. He is never embarrassed and is constantly making us laugh with the silly things he says. The latest quote from Riser that we now use in our house "I don't know what you're saying but I love to hear you talk." 

Riser brings so much color to our world. He lives up to his nickname (Sonny/Sunny) with the light he emanates. He has definitely been the most difficult to parent, but makes up for it in spades with the laughter and joy he spreads to us and everyone around him. Happy birthday!

Monday, March 23, 2026

Riser's Birthday

Riser turned 4 this past weekend! He was very excited leading up and would tell anyone who would listen that he was going to play baseball and go to Busch Gardens on his birthday. It was a Saturday so Bonnie had her first soccer game and Riser had his first t-ball practice. After practice, we went to Busch Gardens where mom met up with us. Then she and Dave brought over pizza and we had cake. It was a full day but a memorable one, and he had a great time!

Happy birthday to our little man! We are so blessed by your life - you bring so much color to our world!

Thursday, March 12, 2026

February extras

At the start of February, we hosted our monthly family dinner. Benny has been trying his hand at making wine and it has been quite a process. He was excited to get some feedback from mom and Katie. 


Eric also came down for the weekend so we got to celebrate his birthday!


Bonnie making her valentines for her class. 


We've done a few playdates where Riser could hang with the boys and he has enjoyed all the wrestling.


We've gone to have lunch with Bonnie at school. 

We got to spend some time with Grandma.


This boy keeps getting taller.

They were being explorers with their walkie talkies.

We had a fun Valentine's book club.


Bonnie got to go to a martial arts birthday party.


We played at the library.

Riser has been enjoying a dino dig kit Uncle Eric got him for Christmas.


It was a short month but a good one!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Valentine's Weekend

We don't typically plan much for Valentine's day but it happened to be a busy weekend this year. Bonnie's 100th day of school celebration was on Friday the 13th. Her assignment was to pick something she could glue 100 of onto a t-shirt to wear to school. She chose hearts with gems inside in honor of Valentine's Day.

That night her school had a glow dance fundraiser so I took Bonnie to the dance and we had such a good time!



Valentine's morning the kids woke up to a few goodies from us. 

We had pink heart pancakes for breakfast.

Then we decided it would be a great day for Busch Gardens - and it was!


I happened to snap this photo of Bonnie doing the height check when we got in because I wanted to remember which rides she was now tall enough to do. She clearly is well over the 48" according to their height check. However, her and Benny stood in line for DarKoaster for an hour only to be turned away and told she was still an inch shy. So I'm not sure what happened - but we didn't try any new ones after that and still had a great time. 


Riser and I waiting for them while attempting DarKoaster. My littlest Valentine.


On Sunday after church my small group girls got together for a girls brunch which was also very sweet and fun. 

Hope everyone had a great day and a happy birthday for Opa!