Welcome to a glimpse into the last year at the McVeys. This year our letter is still Happy Holidays but more on the end of Happy New Year since I’m finally finishing it on 12/31/11. Of course long winded like Sherri tends to be. Time flew and while we’re getting our cards out, it’s certainly later than planned. Par for the course the year has been a busy one. There was a ton of stuff that we experienced in 2011. Reflecting on that, the things that come to mind are all of the new experiences that the kids had. Sweet things that lit them up with wonder. It makes us smile to know that we have and continue to make the effort to give them these experiences. We thought we’d share a few and hopefully they’ll bring a smile for you too.
The boys met Santa for the first time, roasted marshmallows, cut with scissors, had haircuts in at a “haircut store”, made a birthday cake, painted pottery, acquired a first Nerf gun, took a first RV trip, went to Grandma’s twice in the same year, had frozen yogurt and chose their own toppings at “the yogurt store”, saw a parade on the 4th of July, Carter learned to walk and talk, experienced their first pig roast, visited a fire station, ate in a sit down restaurant, got a new, real swing set, picked corn, rode a mechanical bull and petted the animals at the pumpkin patch, visited Apple Hill, ate a caramel apple, discovered Angry Birds (they are still obsessed) and Zombies, became iPod Touch experts, decided “Despicable Me” is their favorite movie, visited the Discovery Children’s Museum, fired their first firearm, had an Advent calendar, hot chocolate in Christmas mugs, drank a Root Beer float and finally… moved to “big boy bunk beds”.
A huge part of creating these experiences were all of the people that visited and help us. Our Florida family helped us get the year rolling ringing in the New Year with us. It was great having them here to kick it off. Right away in January Chip and I both had to travel for work. For the first time ever it was at the same time. Sherri’s mom came and helped for the week which was great! Colvins jumped in from there and took on the kidlets for a couple of weeks in January as well. Fast forward to May. We headed to Winnemucca in the Colvin RV to see family. Sherri’s grandparents made the trip from Montana. The weather wasn’t awesome but it was good to see them. The months just seemed to fly by. Before we knew it we were in the middle of summer. Kaitlyn and Gillian were with us for five weeks which is always really fun. One of the highlights was Kaitlyn getting her driver’s permit. It’s hard to fathom that she’s 16 now! Chip and Sherri celebrated anniversary #8 in Tahoe. Our first overnight for just the two of us in 3 yrs. As a treat to ourselves we took a sunset yacht cruise. It was fantastic! We also took the Colvin RV out again to Fernley, a very small town about 30 minutes outside of Reno. After an overnight at the RV park we headed downtown to take in the 4th of July parade. The kids were troopers considering there was no shade and 90 degrees outside. Again fast forward and September and October were upon us. Sherri’s friend Bonnie visited Reno for the first time since we moved which was awesome. Gary, Ben and Ryan turned 4 in Septmeber as well. We celebrated in style with the Girls and then after. It’s hard to believe it’s been 4 years. As well, Fred, Celia and ‘Nina (Colvin) arrived back in Nevada just in time for fall. We packed everyone up and went to Apple Hill. We had been hearing about it since our move to Reno in 2008 and finally thought it was do-able and would be blast for the kids. We visited several places up there and had a ball trying cider, some local wine and beer, toured a few of the orchards as well as buying apples, pears, caramel apples and pies. It was a fabulous trip but requires more than 1 day. If you have a chance to visit you should!
Halloween was so fun too! Sherri made the boys costumes this year. It was purely due to the budget and what costumes cost. She had creative input from her mom, Celia and ‘Nina. In Nov. Colvins left us and headed to exotic places so we packed up and headed to Winnemucca for Thanksgiving. All of us had a good time, especially the boys sleeping all four of them on the air mattress watching
Winnemucca with Sherri’s family. Grandma and John bought the 3 boys and Gillian a .22 rifle. Both of us were almost mortified that at 4 they would be handling a gun. Each boy and Gillian went, individually, with John and Chip and shot the guns. More training is required. We’ll be working on that.
Christmas crept up on us far more quickly than we thought. We did a lot last minute but managed to get the most beautiful tree we’ve ever had. Fred and Celia joined us for the holidays as well. Per the tradition, Celia baked up a ton of treats and cookies. All the kids jumped in to decorate and taste test all of the delightful yummies. Kaitlyn and Gillian went back to Las Vegas on Christmas Eve so we celebrated a little early with them. Everyone enjoyed the gifts. Christmas morning was a blast in the McVey house. The boys came down the stairs and were full of excitement, wonder and surprise. Santa was kind enough to leave new bunk beds made for three. Very cool. Fred and Chip spent almost a whole day putting them together. Now it’s just the nightly battle of who gets to sleep on top. We don’t have a system yet.
On to the kid updates…Kaitlyn and Gillian still primarily reside in Vegas so that continues to be a challenge for all of us in Reno. Kaitlyn is doing well in school and is a sophomore this year. She’s into softball and really involved in church. Her dad just bought her a car so she’s very excited about that. Gillian is in middle school and plays the Viola in orchestra. Gilli is one of the few 6th graders in the advanced orchestra. She just had her winter concert and I was lucky enough to be in Vegas and could attend. Those are the moments that are bittersweet. Glad I could attend but sad that it has to be in Vegas and not Reno. Every time the big sisters come for a visit the boys are so excited. They’re also sad when they leave. Not easy.
Gary, Ben and Ryan are just crazy growing! They take everything in, want to touch it all and often ask why, what and how come about anything and everything. TV is big them too. These days it’s all about Super Why on PBS along with Calliou and Wubzy. At least there’s variety. They are so good with technology too. It’s all about Angry Birds and Zombies. We put both games on our old laptops as well. It didn’t take long from a touch screen to maneuvering a mouse and keyboard. It’s hard to believe that in less than a year they will go to kindergarten. Over this last year as their personalities are becoming more and more evident. All three are total extroverts. Gary is as stubborn as they come. The red hair fits! He is the one who always asks why. More often than not they are great questions. Ben is still the quieter boy but is smart and funny. Just recently we learned that he needs glasses. He looks so cute but best of all we’ve improved his 20/200 vision in one eye. We felt like bad parents! I’m sure everything is much clearer for him. Ryan is our keeper of the rules Chip says he inherited Sherri’s type A. He gets so excited when he talks that he almost can’t get the sentence out. It’s so funny. Ryan is the most sensitive and a little sneaky. He’s very close with Carter bug. They are special buddies.
Pulling up the rear is little Carter Bug. Never has it been more evident that he has left being a baby in the dust and wants to be 4 years old like his big brothers. At 18 months he’s talking away and on the run to keep up with Gary, Ben and Ryan. He has the sweetest little laugh. He’s definitely a ray of sunshine as we hear him giggle and discover how to talk. He tries to say everything. I especially like his “peas” when he says please. His favorite thing lately is Calliou and cars. We’re a little sad that the baby has moved on to toddler/preschooler. Carter is also big on books. He often demands that whoever is around read to him. It’s a great start! Between 12 and 18 months it’s almost as if he has awakened. In the last couple of weeks he’s figured out how to put too words together. Now when he gets up in the morning he says “Hi Daddy”! He’s curious and an independent soul. Last week he had his 18 mos. checkup and he’s officially the size of a two year old!
That’s about it for 2011. Overall pretty stressful but when we step back it’s OK. We’re grateful that we have a happy, healthy family and wish the same for our friends and family. We’re excited to welcome 2012, optimistic for continued good health and prosperity. Be sure to keep in touch either via email at smcvey707@gmail.com or chip@metaforge.net . We also have new cell numbers which are: Sherri: 775-737-3032 and Chip: 775-772-3024. Of course those of you that are Facebook friends with either of us know that we will continue to post pics and updates often. Until next year, all the best to you and yours. Take care and be well.