12.11.2015
We're on the NICE list!
Written by Melissa
Photos by Santa's Elves
Another year has past and many more memories were made!
The kids are growing like weeds... an infant became a toddler; a toddler began pre-school; and a kindergartener entered the 1st grade.
Adult growth? Yes, there was that, too. New businesses were embarked upon (property management and personal protection); facial hair grew (and grew and grew until it become high maintenance and was immediately shaved); The A Team vacationed together with extended family (and lived to tell the tale); and parental and life lessons were learned and shared all year.
I think 2015 was our best year yet. We've grown closer. We're really getting the hang of this unconventional family of ours. Well, not just a hang - we're thriving! :-) And we owe so much to all our family and friends who support us. Your unconditional love is oh so graciously received. We are forever grateful for it. And our children will forever be better people for it. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!
We wish you the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years.
All the best to you and yours!
Photos by Santa's Elves
Another year has past and many more memories were made!
The kids are growing like weeds... an infant became a toddler; a toddler began pre-school; and a kindergartener entered the 1st grade.
Adult growth? Yes, there was that, too. New businesses were embarked upon (property management and personal protection); facial hair grew (and grew and grew until it become high maintenance and was immediately shaved); The A Team vacationed together with extended family (and lived to tell the tale); and parental and life lessons were learned and shared all year.
I think 2015 was our best year yet. We've grown closer. We're really getting the hang of this unconventional family of ours. Well, not just a hang - we're thriving! :-) And we owe so much to all our family and friends who support us. Your unconditional love is oh so graciously received. We are forever grateful for it. And our children will forever be better people for it. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!
We wish you the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years.
All the best to you and yours!
12.02.2015
November Fun
Written by Melissa
Pics by Heather and Melissa
November came and went. Quickly. Trips were made, good times were had, beards grew longer! Take a look.
Part of The A Team headed to Orlando for fun in the sun with the grands! (The rest of us were super jealous!)
Thanksgiving came around and the other half of The A Team went to Lexington, KY to see cousins, aunts, uncles, and grands. Luckily (and uncharacteristically), the weather was perfect up north for us, as well.
Pics by Heather and Melissa
November came and went. Quickly. Trips were made, good times were had, beards grew longer! Take a look.
Part of The A Team headed to Orlando for fun in the sun with the grands! (The rest of us were super jealous!)
Thanksgiving came around and the other half of The A Team went to Lexington, KY to see cousins, aunts, uncles, and grands. Luckily (and uncharacteristically), the weather was perfect up north for us, as well.
Of course, in between trips, The A Team spent time together. We just forgot to take pictures. We were having too much fun! :-)
11.13.2015
Happy Halloween (I know it's already mid-November!)
Written by Melissa
Time flies when you're having fun. And The A Team has tons of fun! Check out a few recent photos from Halloween. I'm hoping to do a better job of blogging through the upcoming holidays.
Time flies when you're having fun. And The A Team has tons of fun! Check out a few recent photos from Halloween. I'm hoping to do a better job of blogging through the upcoming holidays.
(Top pics - Axel, 2015; Bottom pics Asa, 2009)
Brother-Sister LOVE
(Top and right pics - Axel, 2015; Bottom left two pics - Asa, 2009)
Our SUPER Girl, Ariana!
10.12.2015
Fall Fun at the Farm
Written by Melissa
Pics by Heather & Melissa
What a great day we had at the farm this past weekend. It was a bit muddy after a week of rain, but we had fun petting animals, riding ponies, getting lost in a corn maze, and going on a hayride. What else does one awesome family do in October?!
Pics by Heather & Melissa
What a great day we had at the farm this past weekend. It was a bit muddy after a week of rain, but we had fun petting animals, riding ponies, getting lost in a corn maze, and going on a hayride. What else does one awesome family do in October?!
10.05.2015
It's Fall Y'all
Written by Melissa
Can't believe we're in a whole new season already. Been too long since my last post. And I'm still having a touch of writer's block - ha! So, here are some recent pics of the little people.
Stay tuned for more Fall adventures.
Can't believe we're in a whole new season already. Been too long since my last post. And I'm still having a touch of writer's block - ha! So, here are some recent pics of the little people.
Stay tuned for more Fall adventures.
9.04.2015
What a Week!
Written by Heather
First we want to thank everyone for the beautiful company and gifts at Ariana's birthday party. It was so nice to see you all. The weather this year was a welcome change to last year's sticky heat.
Jim and I assumed (incorrectly) that the activity of the party, family visiting, and the start of school would wear Ariana out and lead to some great nights of sleep. What it has brought, though, is greater focus on all of our parts. Time apart to breathe and reflect, and an excitement to return back together (that use to be reserved only for Jim). In the first short week of preschool, listening and communication skills have improved. Also, since I can get things done more quickly at home, and have more energy when we are back together. These short hours apart are necessary for growth and strength. In the back of my head I knew all this, but just did not want to admit it and let go.
And everyone was right, of course. I had no need to worry about Ariana's transition to school, just as I never need to worry about how she will adapt to new situations. She has always impressed us with that. Her teachers commented on how sweet she is and how they love having her. Well, there is no doubt about that. I still wish we had a little bit more information as to how her first week went with class and therapies, but all in good time. For now we are so proud of how Ari has stepped up to this next stage of life. Her village is getting bigger all the time. We thank everyone who is a part of it. God bless you all!
First we want to thank everyone for the beautiful company and gifts at Ariana's birthday party. It was so nice to see you all. The weather this year was a welcome change to last year's sticky heat.
Jim and I assumed (incorrectly) that the activity of the party, family visiting, and the start of school would wear Ariana out and lead to some great nights of sleep. What it has brought, though, is greater focus on all of our parts. Time apart to breathe and reflect, and an excitement to return back together (that use to be reserved only for Jim). In the first short week of preschool, listening and communication skills have improved. Also, since I can get things done more quickly at home, and have more energy when we are back together. These short hours apart are necessary for growth and strength. In the back of my head I knew all this, but just did not want to admit it and let go.
And everyone was right, of course. I had no need to worry about Ariana's transition to school, just as I never need to worry about how she will adapt to new situations. She has always impressed us with that. Her teachers commented on how sweet she is and how they love having her. Well, there is no doubt about that. I still wish we had a little bit more information as to how her first week went with class and therapies, but all in good time. For now we are so proud of how Ari has stepped up to this next stage of life. Her village is getting bigger all the time. We thank everyone who is a part of it. God bless you all!
8.20.2015
Look who's THREE!
Written by Heather
Wow, we cannot believe it! Our beautiful, little girl is now three.
Today was her doctor's visit, and she did great! She reminded herself during her visit and wait, just how brave she is. Ari weighed in at 28.2 lbs and measured at 32.5 inches tall. I did suspect she would have a bit more of a weight advantage on little bro, but she will get there.
Ariana's official birthday was spend in her official birth city of Atlanta, where Ari, moms and dads took in the SkyView (we were all brave for that too!) We got a little wet, in Centennial Olympic Park and in the rain; but moods were bright and sunny as we celebrated all Ariana has made possible over the last few years.
Now, it's time to move onward to new adventures. Ariana will be starting preschool on August 31st. We know she will make great strides amongst her peers, and cannot wait to see her blossom. We will be sure to share great things to come. For now, Ari's birthday will continue (all month long it seems). Hope to see family and friends soon at Lake Acworth for her party. Of course, these festivities will also be photographed and shared for those loved ones unable to attend. So stay tuned.
Wow, we cannot believe it! Our beautiful, little girl is now three.
Ariana's official birthday was spend in her official birth city of Atlanta, where Ari, moms and dads took in the SkyView (we were all brave for that too!) We got a little wet, in Centennial Olympic Park and in the rain; but moods were bright and sunny as we celebrated all Ariana has made possible over the last few years.
Now, it's time to move onward to new adventures. Ariana will be starting preschool on August 31st. We know she will make great strides amongst her peers, and cannot wait to see her blossom. We will be sure to share great things to come. For now, Ari's birthday will continue (all month long it seems). Hope to see family and friends soon at Lake Acworth for her party. Of course, these festivities will also be photographed and shared for those loved ones unable to attend. So stay tuned.
7.20.2015
Holden It Together
Written by Heather
When Jim, Ari and I were invited to join the Zbeeb's and Clarkson's on a family beach vacation, we needed to take some time to think about it. Were we ready to be a family together for an entire week; the good, the bad, the ugly all out in the open? Well, we accepted the invitation and jumped into the water. Despite one shark sighting and one caught shark; we all survived.
We, Michalski's had an amazing time. We enjoyed the quiet, laid-back atmosphere of Holden Beach, NC; getting to know the Clarkson's better; our late night talks with Andrew and Melissa and, of course, ice cream. Now, more than ever, we felt like family.
We cannot say enough how blessed we are to be a part of this family. We thank everyone in our lives for accepting us, as we were nearly three years ago, and as we are now. The love that Ariana has surrounding her is so apparent, and she thrives because of it.
Thank you to Melissa, Andrew, Asa, and Axel for a great first vacation experience as a family. Thanks to Marisa, Todd, Miller, and Bennett for accepting us (especially JJ) into your lives. Thank you greatly to Pops and Fra for sharing yourselves and inviting us on this amazingly special and memorable trip.
When Jim, Ari and I were invited to join the Zbeeb's and Clarkson's on a family beach vacation, we needed to take some time to think about it. Were we ready to be a family together for an entire week; the good, the bad, the ugly all out in the open? Well, we accepted the invitation and jumped into the water. Despite one shark sighting and one caught shark; we all survived.
We, Michalski's had an amazing time. We enjoyed the quiet, laid-back atmosphere of Holden Beach, NC; getting to know the Clarkson's better; our late night talks with Andrew and Melissa and, of course, ice cream. Now, more than ever, we felt like family.
We cannot say enough how blessed we are to be a part of this family. We thank everyone in our lives for accepting us, as we were nearly three years ago, and as we are now. The love that Ariana has surrounding her is so apparent, and she thrives because of it.
Thank you to Melissa, Andrew, Asa, and Axel for a great first vacation experience as a family. Thanks to Marisa, Todd, Miller, and Bennett for accepting us (especially JJ) into your lives. Thank you greatly to Pops and Fra for sharing yourselves and inviting us on this amazingly special and memorable trip.
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