8 YEARS HAVE PASSED

8 years ago today I sat in a hospital holding a hours old Aidan in my arms. He didn't have his cute freckles yet, or his cute tooth filled smile, or his sometimes not so desirable attitude. But, he did have my heart, completely and fully. Today he has an abundance of freckles across hi nose, the angel kisses we call them. He has an infectious smile and laugh, and beautiful blue eyes. He has an undying yearning for learning, which we try to encourage everyday in the hopes that he never loses it. He is a great big brother and an appreciative little brother. He is a true and wonderful blessing in our family!

We chose the name Aidan because we loved that it was such a strong Irish name, and the bonus was that it meant "fiery spirit," which is Aidan in a nutshell. His middle name is Bryant, his great grandfather's surname. Aidan has a lot to live up to if he wants to become like his great grandfather, and I know he does. He will certainly accomplish all he desires, he is stubborn enough to never quit and smart enough to do it all! There are already so many things about Aidan that remind us of Papa, almost as if they were kindred spirits. Amazing!!

Happy birthday to you Aidan Bryant Ireland!! We love you so much!!


Ready to start Scouts, very intently reading his Wolf book



Happy to open some presents before dinner


Aidan chose where he wanted to sit and Gaga made him a sign to mark the chair

Summer Fun...New Experiences

So, I haven't blogged in awhile. I really think I need to try to be more like my friend, Cathy, who seems to get something on her blog everyday, at least a short something. I will try to get better...today I will post two things, because the two cannot go together.

We have been enjoying summer, the boys especially. The sun could have come out to stay sooner than the beginning of July, but ni modo, fun is to be had! While John and I are at work, the boys and Gaga get to play. Although, we did go camping over 4th of July weekend...that was a lot of fun!! But, with Gaga, they have fun trips to the river for swimming, visits to Mimi, and every Friday they have Friday night feast at Gaga's house. Friday night feast includes not only our boys, but Aidan's friend, Olivia and Connor's friend, Tanner. Gaga rotates the menu choice through each one of them, and they enjoy a variety of dinners each week. Our boys have one awesome grandma, let me tell you! We much appreciate her and all she does for us and the boys. And, we appreciate Pop for putting up with all the craziness too!

Part of the fun this summer has been a theater class that Connor and Aidan both participated in. During the school year, one of Connor's teachers suggested Connor might want to participate in the theater class that Ferndale Reparatory Theater offers each summer. Connor was really excited to be in the class. Aidan, on the other hand, originally asked if he could take a math class while Connor did the theater class. That would be our Aidan-Bug, he loves math!!! We did not find a math class, and Aidan decided, on the second day of class, that he wanted to take the theater class. Thanks to a scholarship, he was able to do so. They spent 3 days a week, 3 hours each day, for 4 weeks, developing two short plays. We got to see the results on Saturday night, and we absolutely loved it!!! We will most definitely be participating in the class again next summer. Connor is going to audition for Oliver in a couple of months and is fairly certain to go on to do great things on the stage! Aidan did a great job as a wizard and is a shining star as well.

We still want to go do some other things for the remaining 6 or so weeks of summer...maybe to Six Flags, maybe some more camping, maybe just relaxing....no matter what we do, we are certain to have lots of fun doing it!