Tyler and just two wheels

Tyler is growing up so fast. Just last summer we had to bribe him to ride his two wheeler (with training wheels of course) instead of his big tricycle. Now he is riding his bike like a pro. Just last week Travis took off his training wheels and already he's got the biking thing down. A couple of times he fell down but he was so funny doing it. It was more like a slow motion laying down of the bike. Watching Tyler on his old bike, we discovered that it is too small for him. He looks like a giant on a mini bike. So guess what he is getting for his birthday!?

Getting into the groove

Rachel's 2nd grade class was putting on a class talent show and she wanted to do something. I asked her what she thought she could do and she said she wanted to dance because she was "really good" at it. I was thinking, "This should be interesting." She picked a song from High School Musical 2, Fabulous (edited shorter). When she started practicing, I thought we could have some girl bonding time coming up with some cool moves but she said to me, "Thanks mom but I don't need your help." Talk about a blow to the mom ego! She did great job with her dance and proud that she wanted to do it all on her own. (Just ignore the background noise!!)

The boys didn't want to be left out so Justin made up his own routine to The Boys are Back (HSM3). He put his all into it and it is quite a workout for him and the best part is the last three seconds!

This past year Justin has made some big changes. He can walk without holding onto anything. He has been getting better and stronger as the year has gone on. He amazes me with his determination! I'm so proud of him.

Our little Spooks

This year for Halloween the kids had a blast deciding what they wanted to dress up as. Rachel decided that she wanted to dress up as Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray. What a riot that turned out to be. More adults knew what she was trying to be than her friends. Justin wanted to be an Army guy but there were so many camouflage colors to choose from so he decided to be Blue. Tyler has been dying to be Super Why, from PBS kids show, because he has the "power to read!" Travis even got into the spirit of things by dressing up for the kids school carnival. Now you know why kids are scared of clowns!

Rachel's Baptism

Rachel has been talking about being baptized for a year now. She has been telling everyone about and inviting one and all to her special day. The day finally arrived Saturday, September 6th. She was all smiles and so excited. Someone asked her if she was scared and she looked at them kind of funny like and said, "About what?"

I can't believe our little girl is growing up. For three years I was an achievement day leader for the 8-10 year old girls. The girls were always at our house and doted on Rachel. Right after her birthday she started going to achievement days and she came home saying that she was like the other "big girls now". It was one of those "reach for your heart and clinch it" moments.

Getting with the Program

This Hess family has decided to "get with the program" and start blogging. I decided not to be so afraid of technology and try to use it. I think my big problem is having to sit down and set somthing up that represents who we are as a family and try to be creative. I stress when it comes to being creative! I resisted for so long and now it is time to jump into it.
We have family all over and it would be nice to be able to share pictures along with talking on the phone.