TCDC Graduation

William finishing his time at our beloved TCDC preschool was so bittersweet. This precious school, which happens to be our church, has nurtured and encouraged him physically, emotionally, cognitively, socially and spiritually since he was two years old. Saying goodbye to his precious preschool friends was tough, even on Grant and I because we grew to love these families over the past 3 years. Thankfully, many of William's preschool friends go to our church and are in choir and Sunday school with William. 

Soccer and Baseball

William played fall soccer 2016 and spring 2017 baseball. He enjoyed both and became more confident in his ability with each game. It was a joy to watch him play!

 Biggest cheerleaders...haha!

Charlotte at 26 Months Old

My darling daughter, Charlotte, you bring so much light, love and sweetness to our family. We adore you. 

You are looking at your Daddy in these photos. He had just arrive home from work. I hope you always look at your Daddy just like this. 

Happy 5th Birthday William!

Wow...it felt really weird to title this post! It seems like I just did William's 5 MONTH post and now he's 5 YEARS old. I really cannot believe it. Age 4 - 5 was filled with a lot of growth (emotionally, physically,  and mentally). William really begin to understand cause and effect and learned to push limits ;) while also learning to love on a deeper level. I saw his relationship with Charlotte become one of the most important bonds he has, which was truly special to witness. Of course there were plenty of sibling quarrels, battle of the wills with mommy and daddy, but also a lot of growth in maturity. William experienced his first loss of a loved one, his great-grandfather Sam, birth of another baby girl cousin on the Shaw side, move to a new house, and last year of preschool. He has been so resilient through each of these major life changes. He's asked hard, deep questions and it's been an honor to guide him through it all. {I'll post random pics from year 4}

Oh my boy...I love you even through your moodiest of days :)

 Grant hung the moon in William's eyes. 

 Although he's now 5, he still loves an afternoon crash and will fall asleep anywhere. 

 We had lots of special mother/son dates because I know I won't be able to keep him home whenever my heart desires when he's in Kindergarten. 

He learned to ride his bike without training wheels shortly after he turned 4, mastered swimming without floaties last summer, learned to pump on the swing, and learned to read short words. He also played team soccer and baseball which was hands down the cutest thing I've ever witnessed. I wouldn't say his athletic genes are evident yet but maybe there is still hope...hahaha!

 Kindergarten "Forest Fling" 

 5 year old check up

Height: 90th %ile

Weight: 75th %ile

Report: Perfect :)

 We moved on April 1st leaving behind his very best girlfriend, Amelia. We still spend lots of time with "Sissy."

He loves art, any sort of creative play, exploring outside, and going on new adventures. He can be shy  around large crowds but I definitely think he's more extroverted than introverted. William, I am so proud of you. Love, Mommy

Easter in Dothan

We went to Dothan for Easter. While it wasn't the same because a huge part of all of our hearts was missing, I was reminded just how blessed I was to have Sam for 32 years. I have the most precious Easter memories of hunting eggs in Juleann and Sam's beautiful, sprawling yard after a traditional, special Easter lunch prepared by Juleann. This year it was a little surreal. I felt his presence everywhere... at church, at my parent's house sitting around the dinner table, Easter lunch when we said the blessing, and obviously everywhere in their home. As eery or crazy as it may sound, in many ways it felt like he was with us and for that I am very grateful. I could even imagine him saying, "Hi darling, I love you. Come see me soon." Just as he did for me, Julie, and Douglas year after year after year, we had a big Easter egg hunt in his front yard for William. I know he was smiling down from heaven as William giggled while darting through his yard searching for eggs. I never pulled out my big camera but here are some pictures from our lenten season :)

 Overton Park Easter egg hunt

 Sunday school Easter egg hunt

 Last preschool egg hunt. William and his 4K teacher, Mrs. Lindsey. 

 Baby Madison!

 Charlotte is very obsessed with Madison. Swoon. 

 Dothan Country Club Easter egg hunt

 And bunny trauma...

 Visiting Madison's new house and playground

 Easter morning. William kindly obliged to staying in the nursery with Charlotte instead of going to church with the grown ups. 

 I love the way Madison is looking at Charlotte in this picture. 

 I snapped a couple of pictures of Juleann's beautiful Easter decorations. She also had precious Easter baskets for all her great grand babies. 

As William says, "The tomb is empty. He arose!"