Rylee turned 2 in October, and yet, the world hasn’t stopped spinning since the day she was born. She keeps us going, literally, launching herself into our arms on a moment’s notice or hanging like a monkey off anything she can find, which is always fun when it’s yourself or the church pews. With hopes to channel it into something productive, she’s begun gymnastics, and is a little prodigy. Or at least she’s fearless – unlike Brooke who asks, “You want me to do WHAT!!” She thinks she’s the only child, demands ALL my attention as if her life depended on it. She has a serious addiction to Bubble Guppies and “choc-let” milk. She’s stinking smarty pants, knows all her colors, thanks to pee-pa (Grandpa), who willing obliged when Rylee asked to read the same books 100+ times. She is a sensory thrill seeker – swimming, baths, play dough, coloring on paper herself – we’re hoping her aspirations to be a tattoo artist are short-lived. She loves putting together puzzles, reading stories, wreaking havoc and pulling hair, yet ever so GENTLY loves on her baby dolls – restoring hope there’s some sweetness in her still. She’s always ready for the next adventure, the first one to the door with her shoes in hand, insisting, “I wanna come!” She gives the best kisses, full body squeezes, and her whole body surges with energy when she laughs. The age of 2 has some perks, she’s finally, FINALLY developed reasoning skills and responds with the cutest “otay” for most requests. Stubborn and smart, strong-willed and energetic, we’ve met our match as parents…and realized we just have to embrace Rylee for the FULLNESS of life she brings.
Brooke is my still little ray on sunshine, though turning 3 has added a whole new level of sass. She notices and longs for everything to be pink, purple, and sparkly! She definitely has an opinion about her wardrobe, which is obvious when you see her daily selections. Recently, she had her first ever haircut, and gone are those adorable, wispy curls, but so are the tangles. But alas, *most days* she won’t let me style her hair, and I consider even a ponytail or bow is a success! She loves to sing with all her heart, gives the best compliments, memorizes her favorite books, absolutely detests getting tickled, loves her precious beauty sleep, colors endless amount of rainbows, knows where everything is, and is my go-to anytime I need an extra hand in the kitchen. She loves going to preschool, although was vastly disappointed when her school wasn’t PINK. She has a gentleness and mildness about her that I hope never gets corrupted. And even though she cries at the slightest bit of disarray (which is nearly every 5 minutes, thanks to Rylee) and has easily shed enough tears to flood the plains of Kansas, her spirit radiates happiness and there is nothing sweeter to my soul.
Then there’s Tanner. I knew the day would come where I didn’t get to see him, but I didn’t think it would come so soon. He’s only 7!!! Between his long list of extracurricular activities (taekwondo, soccer, scouts, and as of a month ago—piano) AND his love for his neighborhood buddies, I rarely see him! He’s growing up fast, insisting upon walking home from school by himself (well—with his buddy). He in and out in a matter of seconds, playing light sabers and nerf guns until its pitch-black outside. 1st grade seemed to be the LONGEST year ever, but 2nd Grade seems to be a breeze! He loves his teacher, although I often hear stories of him having to “run laps” at recess. He still plays endlessly with Legos. I often wake up to hear him crafting battle scenes in the morning. Yet now that he’s discovered Minecraft, his Legos have some competition! Tanner is filled with wisdom beyond his years, wanting to be Captain America for Halloween to honor all the soldiers who have died fighting for America. He is funny and creative – telling stories that blur the lines of reality and fiction. He gets embarrassed easily, feels things deeply, yet so keenly aware of others feelings. No matter his age, he’ll always cuddle up for a good book and gives lots of hugs. He’s genuinely sincere – making each member of our family feel so loved.
Even though our home still looks like we’ve just moved in, we are digging our roots deep with hopes to stay planted in Kansas for years to come. One day, I have dreams of getting it nicely decorated, maybe even with the help of my talented friends (hint, hint)! What I love most about Kansas is being close to my family, the strength of communities and school, our church family, the wide open spaces, free-flowing traffic, and absolutely gorgeous Kansas sunsets. I find there’s always a reason to run to Target or Costco – and despite what the hubbie may think, I don’t spend our entire paycheck there (but let’s not talk about Amazon). I can be seen most days without make-up and do NOT like being awake before 7am (hoping endlessly Rylee gets a hint). I’m also convinced I have adult ADHD with the million directions my mind goes, yet can only manage to make small daily strides on an endless to-do list. And just to keep things interesting, I’m going to work remotely a limited, part-time basis this tax busy season with my old Deloitte peeps in Dallas. Life is always busy and exciting, just how I like it!
Anthony’s hit a sweet spot in his career – working 40 hours in 4 days – which means we get spoiled with never ending 3 day weekends. His time has quickly filled up by other worthwhile causes – volunteering as the den leader for cub scouts at Tanner’s school, serving as the men’s group leader at church, and folding the family’s fair share of laundry at home. He’s always up for trying weird, new foods, and has developed a root beer “problem.” This has led him to trying new ways to brew said root beer and tasting the world’s selections in the pursuit of the perfect flavor. He is mastering smoking foods, elevating his game to a whole new level of laziness yumminess with the addition of a blue-tooth enabled electric smoker. We never had it so good!
We hope that you are able to experience those things that bring you the most joy this year and in the next. Throw out all the bad, fill it to the brim with all that is good. For us, it is time with our family, moments with our friends, delicious food, game nights and the love of and for our Savior Jesus the Christ. Thanks for your friendship, love, and support.
Love, the Callisons
Anthony, April, Tanner, Brooke & Rylee
