October 2011

Alas, it's been way too long since I've posted but I am posting nonetheless.  I pat myself on the back as I have managed to squeeze in at least one post within a year's time.  No one warned me how crazy life is with three children under the age of 5. 

Since the last past, ahem, 8 months ago, Wyatt has managed to grow into quite the little cruiser.  We used to call him "quiet Wyatt" but he's grown into "riot Wyatt" as I anticipated based off my past experience with Lins children 1 and 2.  He zooms all over the place, no obstacle to big for him to tackle.  He is my little sunshine and only to a mother would his happy growling warm her heart for the rest of the day.  He has a ferocious appetite for food but still no teeth! 

Josiah started Creation Kids, his preschool, this past month.  No problem leaving the nest and hit the ground running.  It's a mixed blessing he's so ready to go but we love the program.  It feels more like an educational play date than preschool. Just don't  ask him to wear Spongebob Squarepants underwear...

Grace is almost three already!  She constantly wants to be reassured she's a "big gool (girl)".  She loves animals, stuffed or alive.  She is still pulling her dare devil stunts and I can't believe we have managed to not make a visit to the ER for over a year with her. 

With a little coaxing, Ryan and I made a trip to Hay Creek for a trail ride in August with the horses.  Ryan does a great job with the horses regardless of the fact he's not a regular rider.  Mac, our younger horse, is finally settling down a bit and I think Ryan prefers to ride him verses our mare, Molly.. 

This summer, we made a trip with my folks to Tennessee for a week.  We had a great time in Knoxville and even hiked a bit in the Smokies.  With very low expectations with young kids, we were surprised how kid friendly the area was.   Ryan and my dad even got to ride the tail of the dragon in my dad's car. 

 We also made a trip to Dubuque to celebrate Ryan's parent's 40th anniversary.  All I can say is wow!  They've managed to navigate through life together with so many trials and to this day be happily married and still in love.  Ryan and I feel blessed to have these role models!

 Couldn't help but to slip this last pic in.  Isn't Wyatt just a doll?  Can't you see the Don McKenzie resemblance???

Welcome Baby Wyatt!

We are pleased to share that our newest Lins member has arrived! Wyatt Caleb Lins appeared on the scene on his due date, January 7th at 10:35pm. He weighed in at 7 pounds 4 ounces and 19 inches long. He and Katie both got through the whole event without any complications, a huge blessing! So far, he doesn't seem as "intense" as his brother was at this age so we'll see if that changes. His siblings seem to be excited to have a little brother but Josiah was a little disappointed we didn't name him Shukka.

Other than that big news, the kids are loving all the snow we've been getting and take any chance they can get to go outside to play on the snow hills, plow snow with their toys and they even still use their swingset when its 15 degrees outside. Josiah's favorite thing to do outside is to turn the snow yellow and Grace loves making snow angels. Ahhh, don't you remember playing outside in the snow until your fingers couldn't move anymore or you had to go inside for dinner? Love it!

I couldn't help but to insert this picture, Josiah and Grace got Super Why costumes for Christmas. Everyday is dress up day!

Hope this new year is treating you all well and God bless.