Here’s to Twelve

Reed turned 12 on September 26th, 2020.  A dozen years of laughs and love, curiosity and questions, adventure and activity, and kindness and caring.  In 12 years, he grew from 4 pounds to the same size and his mother. He’s taught his mom and dad to be parents and showed his sister what it’s like to have a forever friend and protector.  We love you and are so incredibly proud of you and honored to be your family, Reed.  Happy 12th birthday, Reed!  

The Little Things...

...Are sometimes the big things.  Never have we ever known someone who so fully lives for the little things as Willa does. Like unbuckled car washes. She is the one who reminds us daily that the ordinary can also be the most extraordinary!

First Day of School

Finally after the longest break from school of their lives it was the first day of 6th and 3rd grade for Reed and Willa.  There were new grades and the same grins for these two and deep gratitude from all of our family to the teachers, staff, leaders and community of Onondaga Central Schools.  On the first day of school, these two, along with their classmates, returned to Wheeler Elementary after nearly 6 months away.  This little district with the biggest heart made a plan to keep kids safe and smiling. They wore masks and socially distanced but that wasn’t what defined the day or the days since.  They learned, laughed, ate lunch with their friends, had recess outside and library in their classroom.  Yes, it was a little different but the creativity and commitment of the district remained steadfast.  Here’s to a happy and healthy year! 

Metamorphosis Moments

This summer and fall, Willa has been a caregiver to monarch caterpillars.  She’s found them, fed them, housed them and watched them metamorphose into bullerflies.  She even learned how to gently move a cocoon into a safter location using pins and dental floss.  Willa is a true caretaker of all creatures great and small.  

Guitar Lessons and Life Lessons

Reed was thrilled at the beginning of the summer when his brilliant, insightful and honest guitar teacher found a way to safely offer lessons again.  Reed has been taking lessons from Mr. Moore for 3 years and in those years, he’s learned so much about playing the guitar as well as the value persistence, patience and practice. 

Willa’s BFFF

Willa’s Best Feline Friend Forever is Kitty! They fall asleep together, they wake up together and, indoors or out, spend much of their days together.  Kitty will always be her BFFF! 

Mount South Onondaga

Reed, Willa and their parents took a Labor Day weekend hike to an area off the far side of our property that we affectionately refer to as Mount South Onondaga.  The views from here are pretty great but, in this case, the company is even better!