5 kids

there have been so many pictures of rachel lately, i was worried that people might think we ditched the boys! we didn't. it's simply that they are even tougher photo subjects... rachel only squirms and refuses to smile. we can barely find all of the boys these days!

everyone is busy and active this winter. taylor is in the heart of a heavy practice schedule for the musical. he will play a "who" in "whoville" for the suessical musical in mid-march. we can't wait to see it! (taylor had joined the diving team, but quit because practices conflicted with musical practice.) and drew & noah are both very busy with crew, practicing from after school until 7 pm 4 days a week. and we're getting into racing season now, so we'll have races almost every weekend (and we're trying not to read that as $$$$$ every weekend...). drew also spends a lot of time with his girlfriend and getting ready to take the test for his license (!!!). and noah is still maintaining his heavy social calendar, only now, it includes "his gaggle of gals"... fellow rowers who he hangs out with often. (it doesn't hurt that they are cute girls, i guess.) and as usual, ev isn't really into sports or school activities, but he's kicked his social life into high gear this year and is often out "walking in town" with friends.

honestly, we'd like to encourage a little more focus on school work and improving grades, but they are good boys and we're proud of who they are. and they are wonderful with their little sister! how lucky she is to have them! (and they adore her now... when she isn't getting into their things...)

rachel is great. she's smiling more every day. and she's doing pretty well with coming to work with mom. (we've had some tough days that forced us to head home early, but my boss & co-workers have been wonderful!) she's growing every day and is just more and more fun all the time!

ed is now traveling all week, every week, for a new job opportunity. we HATE the travel and having him away, but we're encouraged that it seems to be a great fit for him. and we make the most of our weekends together. :) he really adores his little girl and they love to be together when he's home - snuggling, "face-wresting" and just looking at each other. too cute. :)