Twins-9 years old

Happy 9th Birthday Caleb and Lauren.  This was the fastest year ever, despite still dealing with COVID-19. As expected we are going to have to learn to live with this virus and that is what we are doing.  I would say that our year has been pretty "normal."  We were just as busy, if not busier than previously with all your sports and activities. I can still remember being so scared when you were born early and were so so little.  Those NICU days seem like yesterday so it's hard to believe it was 9 years ago.  

Since we didn't do parties last year due to COVID, we let you both have a friend party. Of course, you wanted separate parties which always makes the Fall even crazier for me while I plan 2 parties around our numerous activities.  

Lauren went with an art theme for her party and had a small get together at Painting With a Twist.  Her and her friends painted a canvas painting that she chose, with guidance from the artist at the studio.  They all turned out very cute.  

Caleb invited his friends to Urban Air; a trampoline/zipline/VR place.  His entire basketball team was invited, along with a couple other friends from school.  It was nice hosting away from home but I think next year we will stick to a couple small at home parties.  

Lauren, what a joy you are.  Your mind is constantly thinking and processing things.  You definitely received the early bird genes from your mom and dad.  You are often the first one awake and most of the time are in a really good mood.  You are constantly chatting in the morning, while your brother and sister are a little slower to wake up.    Like most girls, you are a worrier and frequently wonder if your friends like you or are mad at you.  This is something we are frequently processing through.  We know you are a great friend and I especially love that you are good friends with both boys and girls. You remain busy with dance and gymnastics but are starting to love traditional sports as well, especially basketball and softball. This year you played with older girls for both sports and held your own.  You are competitive, (not as much as your brother), but become a little emotional when you don't feel you did as well as you should have, (even if you happened to get a victory).  You inherited my sweet tooth and are not a big eater, except for hitting that candy drawer after dinner.  We continue to love your spunk, hilarious personality, motivation and positive attitude.  What an amazing little person you are becoming.  

What is your favorite color?  Teal

What is your favorite toy?  Mini Brands
What is your favorite fruit?   Apples
What is your favorite movie? Jumanji
What is your favorite TV show?  The Thundermans
What is your favorite thing to wear?  Sweatshirts
What is your favorite animal? Dolphins
What is your favorite song? Voices
What is your favorite book? My Weird School
Who is your favorite friend? Jules Modracek 
What is your favorite snack?  Cheeseballs
What is your favorite drink?  Sprite
What is your favorite breakfast food?  Crepes
What is your favorite dinner? Steak
What is your favorite place to go?  Home
What is your favorite game?  Monopoly
What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Play in the Snow
What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas
What do you sleep with? Stuffed animals/blankets

What do you want to be when you grow up? Veterinarian 

Caleb, you continue to become more and more boy every year.  I never knew boys went through pants and socks as much as they do.  If you are not playing with a ball in your hand, you don't know what to do with yourself.  You continue to love playing and watching all sports.  Over this last year,  you enjoyed flag football, baseball, basketball and soccer.  You have quite a bit of talent in everything you do. We hope you continue to focus on each sport as the season comes, working to improve.  You are so fun to watch.  You remain so competitive; at times a bit too much.  We are working on trying to reel this in a bit.  Even things not related to sports are a competition to you!  For a 9 year old, you eat A LOT! I suppose I should be used to this as it is only going to be worse.  We love your adventure to try new foods.  You continue to make friends easily and are very social in school.  You don't love school but you excel in it.  I feel like you have grown up the most over the last two years and love who you are becoming as well. 

What is your favorite color?  Green

What is your favorite toy? Laser Tag
What is your favorite fruit?   Watermelon
What is your favorite movie? The Grinch (animated)
What is your favorite TV show?  Ninjago
What is your favorite thing to wear?  Shorts and t-shirt
What is your favorite animal? Lion
What is your favorite song? Shooting Stars-Owl city
What is your favorite book? Magic Treehouse Series
Who is your favorite friend?  Kellen Velky, Jayden Fineran, Gavin Velky
What is your favorite snack?  Animal Crackers
What is your favorite drink?  Diet Pepsi
What is your favorite breakfast food?  Doughnuts
What is your favorite dinner? Waffles
What is your favorite place to go?  Florida
What is your favorite game?  Doghouse
What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Play basketball
What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas
What do you sleep with?  Bears blanket and big stuffed dog
What do you want to be when you grow up?  Pro Basketball player