2012 has been an adjustment year for us. In April, I returned back to work, after staying home for 10 years. The kids spent their first summer with a sitter, whom I'm pretty sure they thought was a whole lot more fun than mom, and dad has gotten a better look at what goes on "behind the scenes" at school and home.

It has been a fun year, I have enjoyed working and Jack has been very supportive. Jack' s back has given us no trouble this year and he has been able to participate in many of the kids activities. Although he was not coaching soccer, he was able to practice with the kids at the park and help them develop new skills.

Frances was blessed enough to be chosen to play in the AYSO Turkey Tournament and she loved it! Emily and Jackson practiced Muay Tai for a few months and loved it, Emily excelled at it and Jackson developed good form which helped him in the upcoming soccer season. Mom had an interesting but fun time learning the ropes as a new referee. 

Overall our family is healthy and happy. The kids are growing older and collecting new friends each school year, all the while becoming more independent.

Our usual tomboy Emily has been experimenting with girlier things although she will not admit it. One day the kids were all cleaning out their toy bins and Frances decided to throw out a makeup kit she had that she did not use. I knew Emily had been playing with it but the next morning I was awakened with this image in my face and Emily saying "Look mommy, I look like a barbie!".