One Month to Go

I'm not sure if there is anyone tuning into the Hopkins Family blog anymore. However, for you loyal followers...we should be back to the land of the living in exactly one month.  We are doing well and pushing through another hectic tax season. I am on the verge of surviving my 10th busy season and Nick is on number 12.  People always look at me like I've got four heads because I willingly chose the profession (and chose to marry someone in this profession). However, my boss says it best...it's cold, it's dark, it's winter, there is snow (well, most winters there is snow)...what else are you going to do but work?  I used to buy into that theory, but two kids later...I can think of a number of things I could do besides work. However, I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy the balance of working part time and being home with the kids.  The kids and I have our routine and we make every minute of family time count.  Above all else, it goes by fast. 

The kids are doing great. Ali is still doing gymnastics once a week and we have her signed up for spring soccer. We are hoping her athleticism comes into stride a little quicker than it did last year.  If not, we may let Brock take her spot.  Brock is talking more and more every day.  Tonight he babbled something to me as I changed him and then started laughing at himself as if he just said the funniest thing.  I love that!!!  Him and Ali hate to share.  It never fails that Ali wants whatever Brock has discovered at the instant he discovers it.  It could be a toy she hasn't touched in 2 months, but she just remembers that she wanted to play with it.  That is usually followed by Brock's temper shining through. I'm disclaiming that comes from the Hopkins side of the gene pool.  While Nick is very laid back, I understand he had quite the temper growing up.  I'm considering getting a whistle and black & white striped shirt since I spend most of my day as a referee.  I could also carry a yellow flag to assess infractions. 

We have had such great weather and it's been fun to get outside.  Brock is discovering a whole new world.  He loves to just be walking/running outside and his power wheels he got for Christmas is a big hit. He's catching onto it pretty quickly. I turned around the other day and he was off roading with it in the neighbors yard. I have a feeling I am going to have some battles getting him back indoors this summer. 

I will post some pictures soon and will definitely be updating the blog more as my schedule is starting to level out.  I am taking the kids to see Nick's family next weekend and will definitely have some fun updates from our road trip.

Much love from the Hopkins Family!