Finally 48 inches tall

As parents we mark certain milestones in our children's lives as much for the freedom they give us as the accomplishments. Their first words which mark the end of guessing what the finger is pointing to . Their first steps which mark the end of lugging 30 extra pounds every where. And of course potty training and the end of dirty diapers.

As our children grow they mark different milestones for the freedom it gives them. Being able to cross the street alone, riding a bike. Sami made the most important milestone in her life this spring. She is 48 inches tall. Finally she can go on the water slide, ride the big scary rides at fairs and do everything her brother got to do last year. This past Friday, we went to a summer festival in St. Charles. Sami was giddy with excitement. She went on scary rides as much because she could as because she waneted to. Zero Gravity bested her. Being slammed against the wall of a spinning barrel was a bit much.

She has been begging to swimming at the indoor pool for months. We went today. She was not sure about the water slide at first and mom had to go down with her the first time. She soloed five times in a row after that. If a person can get this excited at being 48 inches tall I can only imagine the enthusiasm at being 16. She'll go out for a quick trip to Wal Mart and return 8 months later because we forgot to specify which Wal Mart and the one in Florida was too tempting.

Laid back Chris is enjoying his status as a black belt, though in a low key manner. His school put on a demonstration at the local movie theater on Saturday, then watched the Karate Kid movie. He showed off his form and some moves with his weapons - numchucks and short sticks. He is very confident performing in crowds. His teacher told me she is impressed at how confident he is. He was in two parades last month and showed off throughout the route. He has helped instruct lower belts and is learning to judge sparring. The boy down the street drops by at 8:00 in the morning so Chris can teach him.

Each day holds its own adventure as they learn more and more who they are.