She's 16 (Sure it's published a month late- it's a pandemic!)

 You are 16! I love looking through all the photos to pick the ones to post- one from each year of life (2 from your 16th bday). You are a beautiful young woman, funny, smart, light, wise. I know this last year has not been the best with the pandemic and your 16th birthday was celebrated in a way that was not planned (in a shut down).

You are so loved by family and friends. Keep being you. You are the greatest!

A Letter to My Family 2020

 

Dear Family,

Normally this letter is written on the last day of the year. I loaded these pictures in to write the letter over December break. It is March 2nd. This is very telling of how the last year has been during the pandemic.

I never thought I'd be writing those words, "during the pandemic." But here we are. A year into this and I am just now writing my letter to you because this year has been like nothing else.

Each year I usually write a separate part of the letter to each of you. But this year I have so much to say to both of you that I am going to just keep this letter different than the rest.

To put it simply, you have left me even more in awe of you this year. You each were in your groove in life- finally settling into your first years of middle school and high school. Finding more independence. Hanging with friend groups. Then COVID 19 hit and turned it all on its side.

There have been unexpected hardships to overcome- the huge interruption to your school and social lives, a mostly isolated summer, the start of a new school year online, navigating classes and expectations and time management, the loss of seeing friends every day, the shifting of friendships, not being able to see family, and it goes on. 

You have handled it all in stride. You have been hard working and diligent. You have stayed in it and haven't let this all get you down. I KNOW how hard this has been on you.

The VERY best part of this year for me has been all of the time I have spent with you. Seeing you go about your school days, binging shows, movie nights, DoorDash. This is a time in life when you would be out and about more at school events and sleep overs. I have hated so much of this pandemic, but spending time with you and learning more about you than I would have otherwise, has been a shining light.  And Ryan, this year has brought you to new heights (5'6" and growing!)

I love you both so much. I am INCREDIBLY proud of you.

He's 12

Ryan Joshua Russell was born on June 11, 2008. 12 years of an incredible adventure! Ryan is happy, funny, sensitive. He is the most creative person I know. You can find him playing with his figures (wrestling or super hero), making stop motion, or recording a YouTube. He loves his hamster, Chubby Z and takes good care of her. He just zipped through all seasons of "The Office" and Dwight is his favorite character. He enjoys watching horror films (too scary for me!) with his dad. If there is a body of water around, he's in it. He is constantly maturing both physically and emotionally. He is still the champion of "whoever laughs first loses". Ryan is laser focused when he is working on something he finds passion in.

Ryan, I am blessed that you were born. You completed our family. You make me laugh every day. Thank you for being who you are- perhaps the best mannered young man I know, bright, fun, caring, adventurous, creative. You bring light and I love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ry.

You are incredible.

She's 15

Haley is 15! 

She is: funny, intelligent, a good friend, goofy, IN LOVE WITH MUSIC, messy, organized (yes, both messy and organized), willing to try new things, beautiful, wise, calm, fun.

If she had an hour to spend with anyone, it would be her friends. She is connected to her school and goes to Westmont activities regularly. She loves family time. Her favorite snacks are edamame and hot Cheetohs. If she could pick one place to eat the rest of her life, it would be Chipotle. Her favorite singer right now is Harry Styles, followed by Ariana Grande. She constantly has her Air pods in when she can. She still, and always has been, a professional eavesdropper. She knows how to do school and brings home awesome report cards. In her own words she "doesn't want to be part of the drama" but does "want to know about it." She's watched all of "Friends" and "Grey's Anatomy". Her favorite friends are Camryn, Taylor, Emily, and Kaylie. She is forgetful at times and always laughs at herself. She handles mistakes and embarrassment with grace. 

She's 15 years of awesome. 

Hours old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

7 years old

8 years old

9 years old

10 years old

11 years old

12 years old

13 years old

14 years old and SUCH an angel! haha

15!