Clemson

Kayla has been at Clemson now for a few weeks. All the kids really miss her. Kayla and Noah surfed together, went out to eat together, went to church together, stayed up late and did homework together. They have such a great friendship beyond the sibling relationship. It has been so much fun to watch them grow up together and it is a little strange without her. Noah looked a bit lost at Grandma and Grandpa's for a Labor Day picnic. There was no partner in crime.

Mckenna is 8 years younger than Kayla but despite the years, Mckenna feels quite close to Kayla. They double team Noah together and when Noah is not around Mckenna messes with Kayla. Mckenna gets so excited when she sees Kayla is on facebook and she can chat with her for a few minutes. (yes, my 10 yr. old has a facebook and yes, I would have never let the older 2 at her age...) I know Mckenna is very excited to show Kayla their new room now that they are room mates.

Ayden Jane soooo misses Kayla. She has the added trouble of not really understanding this whole college thing so she keeps asking if she is 'done yet'. Ummm. No AJ, Kayla will be at college longer than few weeks. Kayla called today with a random question for me, but Ayden Jane wanted to talk to her. It was so cute I almost cried. She told Kayla, "I love you this much!" with her arms spread wide. Then AJ told her, "I miss you. I wake up every morning and give you kisses." Wow. Good luck Kayla getting Ayden Jane to let you out of her sight when you come visit:)

It has been so much fun as a parent to see the differences, similarities and relationships between all the kids. We are blessed with great kids who have enough in common to be able to relate to one another and yet are different enough in personality that they get along really well.

The dynamic left at home is a bit different. It is much quieter which is funny because Kayla is not the noisy one! I think the others just have so much fun messing with her it winds everything up. Noah is now driving and it is strange to see him go by himself. It was always the 2 of them. He is really stepping up as the lone big sibling and Ayden Jane has attached herself to him quite a bit these days. I guess it can be tough to be a boy with 2 little sisters! He even took Mckenna out for a treat tonight. Used to be Mckenna got left home and the 2 big kids went. In some ways the changes are good, but we will all be glad when things get back to normal around here! You know, at Christmas.