Well, ladies and gents… it has been a hot minute since I last wrote a blog, and a lot has happened around here!

Let’s catch up.

One of the highlights over the last few months was our trip to Edinburgh. This one was truly one for the books. I think all four of us have completely fallen in love with the city. There is just something magical about it. Between the castle sitting high on the hill, the charm of the Old Town, the clean streets, friendly people, and incredible food, it completely stole our hearts.

We toured Edinburgh Castle and learned so many fun facts. One that I remember was that the staircases spiral to the left as you walk up. Why? Because anyone defending the castle while coming down the stairs could more easily use their right arm to fight. I had never even thought about architecture being designed for battle. History has a funny way of making you stop and say, “Ohhh… that actually makes so much sense!”

While we’ve been busy exploring, the kids have been busy discovering new things too.

Lincoln started golf lessons, and let me tell you… the kid has a swing.

Most of the lesson is spent talking, joking, and making everyone around him call everything chicken or banana. But every once in a while he locks in, makes perfect contact with the ball, and absolutely crushes it. It’s equal parts impressive and hilarious because you can clearly see what he’s capable of when he decides it’s time to focus.

Both kids also started swimming and music lessons.

Naomi is an absolute fish. If there is an opportunity to go underwater, she’s taking it. She has zero fear and fully embraces every splash, dive, and challenge.

Lincoln, on the other hand, has a much gentler approach. He usually waits patiently by the wall until his coach carries him across the pool. Not because he can’t do it, but because that’s where he feels comfortable. He also refuses to wear goggles… while simultaneously getting annoyed about getting water in his eyes. Some battles just aren’t worth fighting.

Music lessons have probably become one of their favorite weekly activities.

A couple of weeks ago, both kids had their performance, and watching them couldn’t have been more different.

Lincoln went first. I was honestly a little nervous because he usually likes to watch Naomi go before trying something new himself. But he walked right up, confidently did everything his teacher asked, and played the piano so well. I couldn’t have been prouder.

Then came Naomi.

If you’ve met Naomi, this next part will not surprise you in the slightest.

She marched up, took center stage exactly where she believes she belongs, and politely told her teacher she didn’t need any help because she wanted to do it herself.

That girl was made for the spotlight.

As the school year wrapped up, both kids absolutely thrived.

Naomi passed her phonics assessment, which was an especially proud moment for us. With her speech delay and some challenges sounding out certain phonics sounds, we weren’t entirely sure how it would go. Watching all of her hard work pay off made us incredibly proud.

Then Lincoln’s teacher said something I’ll probably never forget.

“If you could ask for the perfect student who is kind to everyone, listens, helps clean up, and is funny… you would get Lincoln.”

I don’t know if there are many compliments that could make a parent’s heart happier than hearing their child is kind.

We are officially on summer holiday now, which means the kids are home with us for the next several weeks. Before we know it, Lincoln will be starting Big Kid School alongside Naomi, who will be heading into Year 2.

Watching these two grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Every season brings something new. New adventures. New milestones. New stories that somehow make life feel both wonderfully chaotic and incredibly sweet.

I’ll do my best not to let so much time pass before the next update. Sharing these little moments has a way of helping me slow down and appreciate them all over again.

Until next time…

I’m off to clean up a mountain of LEGO.