Lucy and Ellory recently.

It's past time for an update! Lucy and Ellory are growing up and doing great! Being their parents is a joy and we are so thankful for the gift of their lives. They finished up first grade very well. Having their own classes last year worked out really well and they enjoyed having their own class. Both got great reviews at conferences and we are thankful for their friends and growth in school! Lucy and Ellory enjoyed winter rec basketball and spring rec soccer and did great! They also continued on with Sunday School and piano lessons. Their piano teacher, Mel, is moving away and we are sad because she was wonderful, but it worked out great that they could start summer lessons right away with Heidi (Norah's teacher and their past Kindermusik teacher). Lucy and Ellory each played two songs at Norah' piano lessons (because Mel didn't do piano recitals), and they were nervous but did great! We also had a great time back in January at Great Wolf Lodge as the big Christmas present for the girls.

We celebrated Lucy and Ellory turning 7 in February! What a joy to celebrate two of our favorite girls and biggest blessings! They had a party with family and a party with friends at Kinderzone. Ellory's party theme was rainbows and Lucy's was superheroes. Right after their birthday, both Lucy and Ellory got influenza and were super sick for a few days unfortunately. In the spring, we got to spend Easter in Des Moines and Omaha with family and we had a wonderful time at Tulip Festival!

We have been busy over the summer- grateful for the opportunity to participate in many activities and take several trips! We got to take a couple quick trips to Des Moines for family time and went to Omaha for the 4^th of July too. We went to Clear Lake for a few days in July with the Schuts and enjoyed lots of lake time. We went to Chicago with De Jongs for a long weekend in August and enjoyed Lake Michigan, Willis Tower, aquarium, and a super fun highlight was the American Girl doll store! Lucy and Ellory got to do many fun things this summer. They both did summer softball, swimming lessons, piano lessons, VBS, a short dance camp, short adventure camp at Oak Grove, short big kid camp at Kinderzone, and loved the craft class at the library. Many fun things!

Lucy and Ellory are about to start 2^nd grade! I think overall they both seem excited for the year and will do great! They were both, especially Ellory, a little nervous to not have close friends in their classes, but we have been talking about making new friends, being a good friend, and still seeing everyone they know at lunch and recesses. Praying for a great year for both of them, that they can grow and enjoy school and try their best! Both are wearing M/8 clothes and Lucy will jump to a 13 shoe and Ellory a 1 shoe for the school year. We did one on one dates for back to school shopping and it was fun to see them pick out clothes they liked! On March 30, Ellory lost her top left central incisor, and on June 1, Lucy lost her bottom left lateral incisor. They had their wellness check in April, and so glad they are healthy and growing! Ellory was 4' tall and 51 lbs. Lucy was 4'1” and 50 lbs.

Lucy loves sports of all kinds and loves to participate with excitement and determination! She loves riding her bike, throwing balls, playing soccer/football/softball, listening to music, and favorite toys are hot wheels cars, magna tiles, Lil Woodzeez and playmobil figurines, and puzzles.. Ellory is excited to start tap and jazz dance this year! She enjoys listening to music, reading books, dolls, figurines, and crafts. The pool has been a favorite summer activity by all. Lucy and Ellory, we pray His love for you would grow in your hearts and that you would shine for Him! We love you so much!