There's been a big time gap in this collection of ours. Life at home with 3 littles in the middle of a pandemic will do that I guess. There was no where to go and not much to do, but in some ways it was wonderful. We were given the gift of so much family time, so much togetherness. And at least for our family, we loved it. 

John was able to work from home for the first time in history. I got a little taste of homeschool and got to teach the kids all sorts of things. One summer we had butterflies, the next we had fertilized chicken eggs that we got to watch develop and then eventually hatch live chicks. 

The time was not without its difficulties. It can be difficult when even the playgrounds are closed. And moving to a new place 6 months before the world shuts down does make it difficult to find community. But even in the hardships, we were thankful for the relationships we did have. Our marriage, the fact that we had more than one kid so they still had playmates. Zoom class with friends in Maryland became a regular thing. We began a rhythm of at home date nights every Saturday when we would order in food and watch a movie- about the only thing we could do. 

I remember when everything first shut down it would only be a week or so. Obviously it went on far longer than anyone would have liked. We had to navigate masks, vaccines and once things opened whether or not we were comfortable going out. The first time we felt safe to go out we went downtown where we could just walk in the open. Will just kept pointing at everyone saying people, people! The poor pandemic toddler had no idea what he'd been missing. 

Somehow in the middle of the pandemic, we were blessed with Elliana Joy. Perhaps God's biggest surprise for us. We had no idea the gender and just assumed we would have another boy. The Lord has given us blessing upon blessing. Fast forward and Jack has finished 2nd grade, Ben 1st grade, Will is 4 and Ellie is 2. And now we are in a hotel getting ready to move back to Maryland. There have been a lot of transitions these past 4 years, but I feel this is the biggest one yet. We will be making our way back to the States after being away 7 years. Raising children there for the first time. The country is very different than when we left. With that comes a lot of questions about how to parent these little ones during this time. What to talk about, what to protect them from. But through it all we lean into the Lord, trust that he has got them, they are covered. And we pray like crazy. 

So the adventure continues, next chapter- Maryland. 

Ben's 3rd Birthday

This May we had a trip planned to go back to Maryland. John had a work conference, so he and I were going to leave the boys with my parents and spend a week in Annapolis sans kids. Then spend a week all together at my parent's house and celebrate Ben's birthday. Of course, a worldwide pandemic changes plans so we cancelled our trip and had a small celebration at home.

Ben has been enamored with Peter Pan so that was our theme. Really he loves any good guy v. bad guy plot and anyone with a sword. I made the boys simple Peter Pan shirts, hats and swords and we dressed up for the day. He chose pancakes for breakfast, hot dogs for lunch and tacos for dinner. We spent the day opening presents and playing. The best part was Ben's reaction when he opened his gifts. He was genuinely happy with each one and the joy showed on his face. I've never heard him squeal with such delight.

Becoming Peter Pan

Of course his brothers needed some swag as well.

Capt. Hook and Peter Pan

Peter Pan joined the pirates!

Ben received a Toy Story 4 RV and figures, which was a hit with all the boys.

And a Buzz Lightyear like his big brother.

He also received a Capt. America shield, which he has been using to fight the bad guys.

His favorite toy was probably a matchbox Finn McMissile car from Cars 2. He carries it everywhere. After dinner we celebrated with Peter Pan cake, which Ben was thrilled about.

The best part of the day was probably Ben's face as we were singing happy birthday to him. 

It's hard to believe this little guy is 3. He is equal parts feisty and sweet. He is fiercely independent bu is learning it's okay to ask for help. He adores his big brother and looks out for his little brother. He has the best laugh when receiving tickles. Ben is getting faster on his scooter but still prefers to walk and take in all the scenery.  And sticks. He loves cakes and cookies. He is so kind (most of the time) to his brothers, often giving into their desires before his own. We thank God for his kind heart, his feisty side, his dance moves, and hugs. We love you Benny and can't wait to see what God has in store for you!