They grows up and they grows up and they grows up.

Look what we’ve made. Lila’s first few weeks of life zipped by. Dad was dealing with lacrosse nonsense, per usual. Liz was recovering from ACL surgery and going back and forth to the rehab several days a week. Jack trying out for lax teams. Noah and Maggie finishing up a summer schedule for lax. Eden and Maggie preparing for a new school. The boys all getting ready to go back to school for the first real time in a while. Liz was finishing up summer school; she managed to take three classes with exams (which she had to take in Essex) and have surgery in the middle of it. Luke got a bike for his birthday and everybody was wheels up in August. Maggie went camping with Becca in Chincoteague. We all took a quick trip down to spend a night or two with Aunt Joan and Uncle Greg. Eden started a job at Play It Again Sports. All the while, Lila was eating, sleeping, crying and pooping. And being loved.

And in a blink, it was time for the seven to part, at least for Liz to hit the road to go back to Louisville.

Taking stock. Seven is a lot. There is a lot of love in this picture right here. A lot of kids who are smart, respectful, funny, conscientious, and, in my opinion, pretty amazing. And I want them all to be happy. So, we do our best as parents to provide for them. Help them become good citizens. Help them through their struggles. Help them dream. Help them grow. Help them to learn the value of hard work. And help them find joyous moments in life.

2020 was tough. In so many ways it was tough. It was tough on Liz. It was tough on Eden. Noah did well, but 2021 threw up new challenges. Maggie seems to bee bop through anything that comes her way. 2020 was tough on Luke. Jack is a cool customer and is ready to be back to school soon. It certainly had some hardships for Marcia and me. And Lila is coming onto the scene with no expectations.

At the end of 2021, I hope to have two (licensed) drivers in the house, and one working on it. And Eden figuring out where she wants to go to college. And for the seven to be together again for a few weeks around Christmas.