Day 5- Disney Magic

Today we met up with our friends the T’s and we headed over to the Magic Kingdom. We rode the Disney Railroad Train and we got off at the Toon Town so we could explore this area. While the boys were playing in Pooh Land, I decided to take the girls into the building where we were told the princess’s were located. There was a long line to meet the fairies but the line for the princesses was not that long. I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into but we decided to wait. After a short period of time we were led back into a room where there was Cinderella, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. It was awesome. The girls were star struck with the princesses and they were both shaking and had a hard time talking. The princesses were all so very sweet and wanted to know all about them. When Cinderella asked if they were twins, the girls replied that they were triplets and that their brother was hanging out with Daddy. Belle told the girls to tell K that he should come for a visit too because “she does not bite”. Jon was bummed he missed it but I did get some fun pictures so that was good. It was a very sweet moment for the girls and mom too! After that we headed over to Adventure land to check out the jungle ride and have some ice cream. We also checked out the big tree house it was very cool. We decided to head back to the hotel to do a little swimming and have some lunch. It was a much needed relaxing afternoon for us after the big day yesterday. The kids had fun in the pool and playing in the sand. I enjoyed catching some rays and it felt a little sweeter knowing that there was a big snow storm back at home. Ha!
Tonight we headed to Downtown Disney so we could check that out. It was fun but I think we will focus our last two days on visiting more of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom in the morning for breakfast with Donald. Everyone here is sound asleep so I am signing off to do the same. We will not have Internet access now until we get home so we will update then.

Wordless Wednesday - Star Struck

Day 4 ~ Disney Magic

MARATHON!!!!!! Today was the first day that we used the strollers and it was a good thing. The kids made it all day and never once were upset about how much we were doing or that they wanted to go back to the hotel. We started at Magic Kingdom when they opened at 9:00 am, went to Epcot after lunch and got back to the room at 10:15 pm. The trio did awesome, they were great sports about our adventure. As stated, we started at the Magic Kingdom when they opened. We really lucked out because we got there just in time for one of Mickey’s shows at the Castle. We watched (and video taped) the show and then went on a few rides (race cars, Mickey’s 3D Magic show, Winnie the Pooh and Snow White’s ride, oh….and don’t forget the Tea Cups…). We were all pretty hungry so we decided to have lunch and Kendrick ate so fast and drank so much water that he ended up getting sick. Luckily it was not the flu and was just anxiety and fast eating. All was well and we decided to make a run to Epcot. On our way out we ran into Daisy Duck and of course had to stop and say “hi”.
We got to Epcot and went in the big ball (which is really a ride into space….time travel is pretty cool and we all got a glimpse into how easy life will be in the future).
After the space ride we went to the Finding Nemo part of the park. We went on the ride to find Nemo and then got to see “Crush” the most coolest turtle in the world duuuuuddddde……. That was a lot of fun for all of us! After Crush we decided it was time to tour the world, so we strolled through the rest of planet Earth and stopped in Germany for some good cold beer.
We finished our tour of the world and went back to Japan for dinner at a Teppan Edo’s, where they cook the food right in front of you. The kids weren’t really into it and we are not sure if it is because they don’t like that kind of food or because they were already full from the treats that Grandma A was buying during the day (most likely the second choice). The trio really enjoyed watching the cook and K was even flirting a little bit as she prepared his meal. After dinner we went on the Soaring ride. It was a blast, but Jon and K had a little adversity to deal with because K decided at the last minute he needed to go to the bathroom, so Jon took him and we decided to all meet up after the ride. Well, it was AWESOME…..Grandma, Grandpa, Nicole, A, and E went together and Jon and K went together. K was ready and willing, and actually looking forward to it because it was going to be just like flying, or as daddy put it “just like jumping from one bed to the other in the hotel room only for a lot longer”. As Jon and K got to the front of the line (second time) K started to get nervous again. He was really worried because he didn’t want to get sore and it was then that Jon figured out that he was afraid he would get hurt because the name of the ride was “Soaring” and he thought that was the same as “soaring” or being sore from something. Let me tell you, trying to explain the English language to a 4 year old is extremely complex, but in the long run, all was well and we all had a great experience on the ride. After that we got ready for the laser and fireworks show. It was great, the kids had fun, got a couple of toys and most importantly stayed awake for the show.We are sad to see Grandma and Grandpa leave tomorrow as it really has been a lot of fun with them. They spoil the kids (and parents) rotten and we will miss the extra hands. However, we are going to get together with our good friends the T’s for the day and the kids are really looking forward that. Not sure how early we will wake tomorrow, but I have a feeling that we won't make the extra hours in Magic Kingdom starting at 8 am. “Have a Magical Day”

Day 3 ~ Disney Magic

We are still alive and kick’ in down here in Disney World. We realize that here at Disney everything shuts down early for good reason. We are all so beat by the end of the day. Today we headed over to Animal Kingdom. We went on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride twice! Jon and I also enjoyed the Bugs life 3D show that takes place inside the tree of life. It was really cool and kind of spooky so we were glad that we left the kids to be with Grandma while we went. Oh yeah and when we got out of the show Grandma was in the gift shop shopping with the kids!!!! After that Bugs life show we headed over to Dino land and we rode a few rides but then it was time to head back to the hotel as Grandpa Al had already arrived. Once we got back to the hotel the kids went running when they saw Grandpa. They were so excited that he was here. We joked that he got a better reception that Mickey Mouse.


Once we had a chance to relax a little at the hotel it was time to get ready for our dinner with Cinderella. The girls each brought a princess dress along so we dolled them up and headed over to dinner. We were thrilled that Grandma and Grandpa joined us for dinner too. It was a magical dinner and it was so fun to watch K and the girls get smitten with Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Evil Step Mother, and of course the Fairy God Mother. The food wasn’t all that bad either.

After dinner we decided it was time to head back to the hotel as Grandma and Grandpa had a room with a view for Fire Works. We all relaxed and the kids got their PJ’s on so they were ready for the fireworks. It was the perfect set up but we did promise the kids that one of these nights we would sit out on the beach or at the park and watch the fireworks in all of their glory. We now have three sleeping children and plans to awake by 7:30 AM so we can head over to the Magic Kingdom and then Epcot Center for another full day of magical memory making tomorrow. “Have a Magical Day”

Day 2 ~ Disney Magic

We were lucky enough today to sleep in. K did not roll out of bed until almost 9:30 AM! He along with all of us were so tired. We had a slow start today getting to the parks but we finally made it to Hollywood Studios around 11 AM. We walked in to see Pluto signing autographs so we got in line with our new autograph books so we could get his signature. We then got in line to greet Minnie Mouse but she went on break and much to K’s delight we got to get Goofy’s signature instead. After this we headed over to our Character lunch meal. We ate with JoJo and the lion from JoJo’s Circus, and Leo and June of the Little Einstein’s. This meal was a lot of fun because the kids got to get up and dance with the characters, get autographs, and they even did the cha cha around the restaurant with the characters. This was our first of many character meals during our stay and it went well.


After our lunch we headed over to the Muppet’s 3D show. We had a blast. It was great technology and we all enjoyed it. We stayed at the park for the Block Party Blast with the characters. This was a very lively show with lots of dancers and characters. The kids loved it and they even got up and danced. Jon missed the party because we left the video camera at the gift shop so he had to track back to get it. Luckily we found it again at the gift shop!
After Hollywood Studios we headed back to the hotel to do a little swimming. It was very windy and cool so that did not last long. We ate pizza in our room tonight and then headed back over to the Magic Kingdom to watch fireworks and see the Lights parade. We were lucky enough to get on the ride “It’s a Small World” and it was by far the favorite of the group thus far. That sums up today. It was another magical day here at Disney World. I am signing off so I can get to bed like the rest of the family. “Have a Magical Day”.

Day 1 ~ Disney Magic

We made it!!! Today was a long day of travel and we even had an hour and half delay with our airplane but these kids were troopers through it all. I will never forget the excitement of pulling into the gates of Disney and the people on the Disney Magical Bus erupting into cheers. The kids were literally bouncing off the bus walls, as they were so excited to finally be at Disney World!
I have to say that everyone we talked to about Disney was right because this just might be the “happiest place on earth”! All of the staff has been so helpful and friendly.
The room is nice and spacious and we are on the monorail so that makes life so much easier. We ate dinner tonight at the Wave as we were all ready for a real meal. This allowed the adults to have a cocktail and the kids got kiddie cocktails with fun light up characters on them.

After dinner we headed over to the Magic Kingdom and we just missed the fireworks display. They each got a glow in the dark Mickey Mouse sword (thanks to Grandma M) and then we headed to Fantasy Land so we could ride the Tea Cups. We took one ride in the cups and then we were in line for the Dumbo ride and K was so tired he almost fell asleep on Jon’s shoulder. We decided we would head back to the room so we could all get some much-needed rest.
Once we got back to the room, the kids got their 2nd wind or should I say their 82nd wind of the day and they had a dance party in their new jammies. They finally crashed just a few minutes ago and now we are sitting here enjoying the silence. I can say that we are all so excited to be here and we are so glad that Grandma M is with us too because it is nice to have one adult to one child.


I vow to update each day (however publish sparingly since it is extra $ for internet service) so we can document our entire trip here at the Happiest Place on Earth! As they say around here…”have a Magical Day”

I AM NOT A ROOKIE!

This is the phrase that my Personal Trainer that I just started working with said to me over and over. Every time he said it, I felt more empowered by my strength and ability. Just after the Holidays, I decided to take advantage of a package deal for some personal training at the Gym I work out at.
I have been dedicated to working out for as long as I can remember. I have always been very conscious about eating right and working out and now I am at a point where if I don't get my work out in, then I get a little cranky and then Jon reminds me to get to the gym. I would not say that I am addicted to working out but I would say that I do need it for the endorphins it releases and how great it makes me feel.
Hearing from the personal trainer that I am not a rookie has helped me to realize that all the hard work I have put into working out has paid off. I am stronger than I gave myself credit. That feels great. I just purchased some more sessions from Jim as I really like how he has helped me turn my work outs around. I have a new energy now when I head to the gym and with all the stress I have had lately that is just what I need. As the famous phrase goes..."I am here to Pump You Up"!

A New Smile!

The surgery went well! I was very impressed with the surgery center and all the staff that helped us out that day. They were so good with K and really put him at ease. The nurse told K that the doctor would use magic to get his tooth out. The doctor put me at ease about the way they would help K fall asleep and I was even there until he fell asleep. It was not all that hard to watch and he was only out for about 5-10 minutes. I was amazed at how fast it all went. K was groggy after the procedure and complained of a tummy ache but we soon realized that he was hungry and it had nothing to do with his tooth removal. It took him about an hour to get back to normal but then it was like nothing had happened. The Dr said that it would be a good two years before his tooth will grow in. He said that was disappointing as far as pictures go but I told him it was just part of the story. I think his new smile is kind of cute. He was very brave and for that I am thankful. Now we don't have to worry about that tooth anymore.

Before

After

Wordless Wednesday ~ Excitment For Disney

Oral Surgery Update

K did well with his surgery this morning. Thanks for all the prayers. I am wiped out tonight so I will post more tomorrow about how it all went and I also have some photos for everyone to see his new look. God Bless.

Beautiful Boy...

Tomorrow my sweet little boy is going to have his first experience with Surgery. We are headed to the Oral Surgeon so K can have his front tooth removed. He chipped it last spring when he fell off his trike. They told us that the day might come where we would have to have it removed but we were hoping that since it was a baby tooth it would just fall out on its own. So tomorrow, K, Grandma, and myself are off for K to have his first surgery. I am a little nervous about having him go "under" but so many people have assured me that this is safe.
We are praying that tomorrow goes smoothly and that K has little to no pain from the procedure. Tonight as he was giving the girls their kisses goodnight, he told me "I am really going to miss my girls tomorrow mommy". Sooo cute. He is excited to get his tooth in a jar so he can show daddy. He is also excited for the Tooth Fairy to come and he told Jon "Then I will have more money than you daddy"! I will post how it all goes tomorrow. Until then, keep up all in your prayers...especially K.

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Valentine

A Visit with Duggy

This past weekend we headed up north to visit our family. Grandma C and Grandpa R and Aunt L, Uncle C, and Cousins E and Em. It was a fun visit and the kids really enjoy hanging out with their cousins. K likes to get tips from E on the Wii and E and A like to play with cousin Em because she is older and they love that.
On Friday night Jon and I met up with some of his friends and it was great to catch up with them too. Saturday I woke up not feeling so hot and I still don't feel that great so that was a bummer. I am sure I have the touch of the flu like everyone else had a few weeks back. Luckily it is a good time for me to be down and out if that needed to happen.
We were going to stay in Fargo until today but the weather was supposed to be bad so we decided to head back yesterday instead to be on the safe side.
While we were in Fargo, we decided to go to the Air Museum. We have been there before but this time there seemed to be more airplanes and stuff to check out. The kids LOVED it and they were so excited. Their favorite was Duggy the airplane that you can climb into and check out. They went in and out of Duggy over and over and over again. There was also another small plane, a helicopter, and an old Army jeep that they could sit in. When we first arrived at the museum we were greeted by one of the workers there. She asked K where he was from and he sheepishly turned around and said "these guys" as he pointed to Jon and I. We all had a good laugh over this one. It was cute. I am happy to report that we all had a great time at the museum but it is safe to say that I a long trip in a small plane like this would never work. WOW...it was tight in that plane with two people.
It was a relaxing weekend of hanging out with family and catching up. Thanks Grandma C and Grandpa R for hosting all of us. The kids are anxious to try out the web cam. The kids did great and K was so sad to leave he cried. Poor little guy. He hates good bye's just like me.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Half Time Fun

Heaven on Earth

Someone sent the following to me in an email. I really appreciate what this woman has to say about having triplets. I like the comment about feeling alone and weird at times. People really say the weirdest things to us. One time a woman told me as she stared at my triplet stroller "That is just disgusting"! WOW! The other day we were leaving the gym and an older man was walking out with us. He asked me if the girls were twins. I told him they were two of three that I have Triplets. He said, "boy I thought I had it bad with twins" I then told him that we really feel blessed to have three healthy children. He then summed it up like this "the first 9 months we were scratching our heads and asking God "Why Us", from 9 months on it was pure heaven on earth"! This is absolutely true. We would not do it any other way. I am posting what is below to raise some awareness of being respectful of Higher order multiple families and their privacy. My kids are now at an age where they can understand what people are asking and saying about us. They are very proud to be triplets and I always bring them into the conversation with inquiring public now because I want them to continue to be proud of being a triplet. I think also makes the "public" more aware of what they are saying and how they are acting about the Higher Order Multiple factor.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the attention we receive while out with the boys. I've understood for quite some time that there is this intense fascination with higher order multiples. I'm not sure if some of the new television shows, like "John and Kate plus 8" have fueled the interest. Perhaps the rarity of it all is what attracts people to us.

I've been wrestling with how to respond to the many people who approach us. One of my newest concerns is what my boys will learn from me when I do respond.

There are so many things that the general public just doesn't understand about having multiples. We get asked the same things all the time. Here is my best attempt at debunking some of the most common myths about our multiples. Enjoy.

1. Families with multiples receive help. I'm referring to two types of help: financial and help in the way of childcare. We've had many people ask what kind of assistance we get from the government. None. In our state/county, only families that live beneath the poverty level can receive aid in the way of health care, groceries and formula. We happen to live in the county with the second highest median income in the country. The median income in our county is 98K. To be considered living in poverty, a family of 5 cannot earn more than 18K. The financial burden of having triplets (or more) is heavy. Many families with multiples take on this burden alone.

I will say that there are some great companies that sent us free samples and coupons. It was very helpful. Unlike what you sometimes see on television, we did not receive a lifetime supply of diapers or any other item. We were also incredibly fortunate to be showered with beautiful gifts from our families, friends and coworkers.

I also get asked all the time what kind of childcare help we have. Lots of people also ask if either of our parents have moved in with us. While I do know families who have done one or both of these, we have have neither. We sacrificed my salary so that I could stay at home with the boys. While this is a very demanding job, help in the way of a nanny would be incredibly expensive. As for an au pair, we just don't have the room in our home. We have no family living close by. There is also a pride issue involved here. What kind of mother would I be if I could not care for my own children? While logically I can accept that I do need occasional help, I have a very hard time letting go.

2. The biology of it all: If I remember correctly I learned all about the conception of a human in ninth grade biology. Either people don't remember this or they get confused when more than one baby is born at a time.

Identical multiples have the same DNA. One egg. One sperm. The embryo splits. Depending on when the embryo splits, the babies may or may not have their own amniotic sacs. Identical twinning is completely random.

Fraternal identical do not have identical DNA. Each baby was conceived with it's own egg and sperm. (That doesn't sound right, but you get the point.) Fraternal babies have their own amniotic sac.

They can all be identical. They can all be fraternal. You can have a mixture of both identical and fraternal.

I have also been asked on more than one occasion: "Are they all the same?" I don't always understand what this means. Each of my boys is his own unique individual. They have different personalities, likes and dislikes.

3. All multiples were conceived by means of fertility treatments. First of all, this is not true. Spontaneous multiples do happen. Secondly, it's not appropriate to ask. Most importantly, it makes no difference at all.

4. We were "trying" to have triplets. While we often joke about having sex three times in one night, no one can "try" to have triplets. Even those of us who have undergone some sort of fertility treatment NEVER intended to conceive multiples. There is no way any fertility clinic would try to help a couple conceive triplets or more. It's dangerous. It's risky. It's bad for their statistics.

5. It's okay to point, stare, gawk and comment at families who are out with their multiples. I would never dream of pointing at a person in a wheelchair and saying, "Look boys, that lady can't walk!" I would never say out loud in public, "Wow. That man is bald. He must have cancer. Poor thing." Surely if I went around town running my mouth like this, I would get attacked. Maybe shot. For some reason, the basic rules of common courtesy are thrown out the window when we take the boys out.

6. What really happens in a multiple pregnancy: Few realize the toll a triplet pregnancy takes on a woman's body (and mental health). Yes our bellies get much bigger. Our pregnancies are often void of joy. Very early on, many of us were asked to reduce or terminate our pregnancies.

Our pregnancies are huge emotional roller coasters. We worry daily if our babies will be born too prematurely. We worry about cord entanglement, twin to twin transfusion, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre eclampsia, pre term labor, extreme prematurity, premature rupture of membranes, birth defects. . .the list could go on forever.

Most of us suffer the pain and heartache of having three babies in the NICU. We spend weeks, and sometimes months, on bed rest. We travel back and forth between our homes and the hospital trying to be a mommy to three babies living in two different places. We try to protect our preemies from RSV and other dangerous germs.

Our bodies struggle to function again. Our skin stretches beyond your imagination. We have stretch marks in places that we never knew possible. We have aches and pains that last for months (sometimes longer).

We cry because no one understands. We grieve over the pregnancy we didn't have. We have days filled with guilt because we feel like there just isn't enough Mommy to go around.

With time, love, and support we begin to heal. We learn to rejoice for the miracles we've been given.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Morning Snuggles

30 Days To Live

Jon came home the other day and told me he found a book at Barnes and Noble titled "30 Days to Live". He did not buy it but ever since he told me the title, I have been intrigued by it. This has made me think a lot lately about living life to the fullest and appreciating everything we have and counting all of our blessings.
So it is easy to say "Live every day to its fullest and count your blessings" but in the real world, it is easier said that done. Some days, I just don't feel that upbeat about everything. Shamefully yesterday, was one of those days. I was in a bad mood and I will spare you with all the details of why but as I laid in bed last night before I reached my slumber, I thought about my actions of the day and I could not help but feel ashamed at my bad mood and attitude. I am so blessed with so many things but yet I find myself taking those for granted. Really, though, what is important in life, material things like houses, cars, or toys? NO! Even though we live in times where we want instant gratification for the things we want, need or think we need. What is really important is spending time with the people you love. Hugging your kids and playing games or putting the computers away at night and spending time with your spouse. This past week there was another death in our extended family. Death always seems to bring life back into perspective. So I am very guilty of not living every day to its fullest but I intend to work on this area of my life. I also intend to buy this book or at least one like it so I can read it and try and practice it.

Wordless Wednesday ~ PJ Party

A Whole Lot of Fun

On Sunday, The Erickson Five joined three other triplet families at a hotel not to far from our home. It was an overnight and water park party. I am happy to report that we had a BLAST! We spent hours at the hotel's water park and then we spent hours in our adjoining rooms hanging out, singing, dancing, and truly just have a great time.
Who could have thought that this...
Could have caused all of this to take place....
We had a huge dance party with the mommies and the kids. Of course the Dad's stood off like this....
as I am sure they were scared to get in the mix and show off their moves.

The kids really enjoyed the big water slide and we took many turns going up and then back down the water slides with the kids. I think the adults enjoyed it as much if not more than the kids. Both Jon and I feel so blessed to have such great friends that know exactly what it is like to have three little kids at one time. They understand our daily life and they don't think it is strange at all the things we go through. We feel blessed to be able to go to a water park hotel and make such fun memories with such fun friends. You know you are blessed when you come home from an overnight and your sides hurt from all the laughing and fun you have had. We just can't wait until the next water park family play date!

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Whole Lot of Wii

Ligth Switch Emotions

Yesterday, K woke up with GG Del on his mind and heart. He has mentioned her a few times in the past few weeks but yesterday was different. You can imagine my surprise when we were on our way to church and out of the blue, K said to me "Mommy, I miss GG Del and I want to go and see her"! I always just tell him our belief that we will see her again in heaven someday. This answer usually satisfy him however, yesterday it did not. He kept asking all sorts of questions all the way to church about GG Del and then in a very sad voice he told me how much he misses her. I told him that we all miss her so much and then it happened. The light switch of my emotions was turned on and the tears and sadness took over. I quietly cried through church yesterday and then after I had that sad ache in my belly all day. My saving grace was that I spent the day with Jon on a home project and this kept us busy all day long.
This is not the first time that I have lost someone that was close but this is the first time that I have lost someone that was such a BIG part of our lives. I know that grief can take a long time to to process. I know that I will ALWAYS miss GG Del and that we all have an empty place in our hearts with her gone. I just wonder at what point my emotions will be easier to control than at the"light switch" level.
Tonight as we were driving home from Grandma Mary's house, GG Del came up again. A, E, & K were all tuned into the conversation this time. K started in again about how sad he is and how he wants to go to heaven to see GG. Ella pipes up and says "K, stop talking like that, I don't like that talk" and then anytime after that if K said something she kept shouting for him to stop. So at this point, I told everyone that if they miss GG so much they can just talk to her. So we all took turns talking to GG and telling her all about our Christmas and everything else that we have going on in our lives. I then said that maybe GG will give us a sign that she can hear us. What I thought was interesting was that A said to me, "GG will come see us at night when we are sleeping". To which I replied "how do you know that have you seen her"? A said "No but I just know she comes at night when we are sleeping". Interesting perceptions for a 4 yr old. I do hope that GG Del is watching over all of us from heaven and peaking in on us at night.
If anything this is a great reminder that I am not the only one grieving GG Del. We are all grieving her. These kids are amazing and strong and for that I am grateful.

NEW SPORT-CUSHION DIVING

Tonight the kids wanted to bring their new CD player upstairs to the living room so they could have a dance party with me. I agreed so we started to dance and have a lot of fun. The new favorite CD around here is GO FISH-Preschool Party. It is all the good ole preschool/toddler songs but to a fun beat.
After we had been dancing for awhile, the kids started to find all the cushions from the sofas and chairs in our house. They lined them all up and they started to Jump off an old stone plant stand that I have. It was so much fun to watch and the kids were really have a great time. As usual, they were like the Energizer Bunny and they kept going and going and going.It was a fun night with the kids after an already too long week at work. Also, Daddy is back and focused on home now that he has passed his big test with flying colors. We are all so proud of him and we are so excited that he is mentally back with us. I have already assigned Preschool research to him. AHHHHH, something off my plate.
Life is good. One of my new year resolutions this year is to slow down and smell the flowers or at least notice the fun around here. I think I did a great job of it tonight.

Wordless Wednesday-American Girls

Happy New Year 2009

As we are settling back into our normal routine, I was thinking about how crazy busy I feel all the time. That is part of the reason that this blog has been quiet lately. I got to thinking about why I have not been as dedicated to it and really, this past holiday season was a whirlwind. Jon is studying very hard for something that is really important right now and he has been doing this since Thanksgiving. I understand how intense and important it all is not only for him but for all us and our future so I have been doing my fair share of stuff around here. On top of all of that I am busy at my own job so my stress level has been high.
Having said all that, let's talk about the new year and all its hope and promise. New Years Eve we had our annual party. It was fun. The kids had a blast and they are always so excited when we are going to have friends over. I told Jon before our guests arrived, "I think our kids like to party even more than we do" Jon replied "you know that is going to come back to bite us someday like when they are in High School and we are out of town"! Anyway, the party was fun and this year I was honored to have some of my eldest and dearest friends come to the party. We had a great time and we even had our kids in bed by 9:30 PM so that made for a nice New Years Day!
We have so much to look forward to this year. Our family vacation to Disney, celebrating many important birthdays like the triplets turning 5 yrs old, the wedding of my eldest friend Kristin and all the important roles we are going to play that day, and I am sure many more events that I am not thinking of right now.
My wish for 2009 is for much happiness, excellent health, fun memories, and most of all to be reminded daily of the importance to slow down and enjoy this stage of our lives. God sure has blessed The Erickson Five. May those blessings continue this new year and always.