Man, these Anniversary Newsletters sure get sent out later and later these days, but each year with good reason as we always seem to be waiting on big news to share with everyone. And this year was no exception as we’ll get to that big news in a little while (and no, we’re not pregnant...I think).
Actually, there have been a lot of big things going on for us this past year. Gwen turned 1 last October and is already creeping up on two years of life, which is actually quite the feat as she plays hard day in and day out. She always has a new bump, cut, or bruise, most of which are self-inflicted (insert predictable comment about brotherly love here). Nowadays, Gwen likes to
spend her time reading books, dancing, drawing and painting (see above picture), playing outside, climbing on everything (and jumping off of most things), eating popsicles, singing songs, and playing with her big brother. She is still quite the fireball at times, but she is also the sweetest thing I have ever held in my arms. She is so full of life, gets excited about the little things, and brings so much joy to our family.
Cole has had a very momentous year as well. He turned 3 in June, got to go on a real train for his birthday, and shortly after mastered the art of going on the potty. After 20 months of having two in diapers it was nice for all of us to reach this accomplishment. Cole’s New Year’s resolution was to ditch his pacifier, and after giving it up cold turkey, he hasn’t asked for it back. A few
months ago Cole was diagnosed with a super-intense peanut allergy, as well as asthma, which when combined could make for a fun trip to the ER (although none yet). So if we ever make our way to your house, no PB&J for our little guy. Cole had a great time taking swim lessons this summer (even though his little sister was there, too), and he also completed his first real game of bowling. Cole loves playing with his trains, riding bikes outside, doing crafts, and going to preschool two mornings a week.
This past year Emily finished her third full year of studies at Denver Seminary and will graduate in December with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Last fall she took and passed her comps (short word for really big, important test). In January she began her internship at a local church and in September added an internship at a local school. She has really enjoyed getting to put her counseling skills to use with real clients. She is now gone four
days a week and the kids are always telling me how much they miss their mommy. Apparently they don’t say the same thing to Emily when I’m at work. I think it is because Emily sneaks them candy all the time. But seriously, we are so excited about Emily’s sprint to the finish as this accomplishment will come as a result of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Other Emily highlights from the year include getting pneumonia for a couple months, completing a 10K run, getting to see the Rockettes Christmas show, and finally getting to live out a lifelong dream of attending the Iowa State Fair, which we did when we were in Iowa for the Yeager Family Reunion.
I have spent most of my time this past year either taking care of the kids while Emily has been doing her counseling thing, watching copious amounts of football, lamenting over turning 30, or being the General Manager of the Jefferson Village Chick-fil-A here in Littleton, which actually segues into our big news. In last year’s newsletter we mentioned that we had begun the process of working towards getting our own Chick-fil-A restaurant, and a lot of good things have happened in the past year to move us in that direction. In July, I was given the opportunity to apply for Chick-fil-A’s Interim Manager Program, in September I flew to Atlanta to interview for the program, and a couple days later I found out that I have been accepted into the program. As an Interim Manager I will become a corporate employee and Chick-fil-A will move us to 
different CFA restaurants that do not currently have an owner/operator. I will run the restaurant for corporate while they look for a permanent operator, and it will also give me the opportunity to prove to them that I would make a great operator myself. I will be in Atlanta from October 9th through the 28th for training, and then we will be sent off to our first assignment sometime in November or December. So while it is still unknown where we will living this next year or so, we do finally know what we will be doing and that is very exciting! And maybe when the time comes around to send out next year’s newsletter we will have more great news to share with you all regarding our future with Chick-fil-A.
We feel more and more blessed each year as God continues to pour out His blessings on our marriage and our family in ways we never could have imagined. As we have been walking in obedience to His calling on our lives, it is encouraging to look back and to see how He has been guiding each step. We love each other, we love our kids, and we love each and every one of you. Thanks for being a part of our lives.
All Our Love, Ryan, Emily, Cole, and Gwen Roberts
