Chocolateness

I don't think I ever posted this picture from back in February. I wanted to show off this beautiful cake that our niece Kayla made to celebrate all the February birthdays in our family. There are 3 in our immediate family alone! Sorry for the flash reflection, but isn't it pretty? Kayla's only 15! Don't you think she should start a business? Love the browns and turquoises. The cake was delicious, too!

Sweet Sixteen

A short trip down memory lane...

(1st 3 are pictures of pictures so not the best quality)

3 months

I'm thinking 3 or 4 yrs old (any idea, Mom?)

I'm pretty sure he was 4 here. Taken at Rawhide in Scottsdale, AZ - 1997.

♪ Happy Birthday to Jordan on April 27th! ♪

He loves his cheesecake!

Oh how time flies! He got his driver's license this Tuesday so there is another teenager out on the roads of America. We're already looking into college classes for Running Start next year. It'll be over before we know it!

♪ Happy Birthday Dear Twin ♪

Hope you're having a wonderful birthday all those miles away, Donald! ♥ Anita

Fishing

A certain little guy had been counting down the days till fishing season officially began. He knew Dad had to work on Saturday, but there was the promise of a fishing outing in the afternoon to celebrate the start of the season. Even though Dad was at work, he had his pole and tackle box sitting by the back door all ready to go first thing in the morning. As soon as Dad got home, he put everything by the car in great anticipation.

They didn't catch anything, but they "had some nibbles" according to Jaeden. A little boy couldn't be happier that fishing season is now here! Anyone else "in the same boat"?

Married Cousins

Our oldest nephew Chris and his sweet wife Krista from AZ stopped to visit us the end of January when they came up to WA to get the rest of her things. What great news to hear that they're expecting a baby at the end of the summer! That will make us a great-aunt/uncle. Can't wait to spoil the wee one!
We saw Chris' married sister, Molly Jo (middle) from AZ a couple of weeks ago when she was up to take care of some business. The cousins always have a great time together! Can you tell? Jordan, where's your goofy face?

Spring Break

We had hoped to go up to Canada to Keith's uncle's dairy farm, but decided to stay home instead and do things locally that didn't cost very much.

We enjoyed visiting one of our favorite places last Tuesday. We'd heard that they had some babies on the farm so the kids were excited to go check them out. Even Jordan was looking forward to it! Only downside was that it was a weekday, so no fresh apple fritters for us.

Jaeden & Brooklyn always insist on a picture with the apple tree.

Strutting his stuff

The kids were delighted to see that there were some "escapees" that had climbed through the fence.

Love their fluffy little tails!

These little darlings were feeling rather frisky! The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

King o' the barrel

It was a VERY cold and windy day so we didn't stay as long as we would've liked to. We still had a great time and enjoyed our day. During Spring Break last year, we were on our cruise so we were wishing we were on another one again.

Walkin' on Sunshine

We took advantage of a rare day (lately, anyway) of sunshine and went for a nice long walk to the park. Walking is such a wonderful way to see things that we can miss when driving.

More evidence of spring

The Mr.

The middle child

The baby

The first born

Oops! He wasn't happy that he was forced to go on a walk and was uncooperative so I missed the opportunity to take his picture. He was in a much better mood on today's outing, so I promise a picture will be forthcoming.

Send more sunshine our way. . . . it seems to have been misplaced here!

♪ Happy Birthday, Dad ♪

Thinking of you on your 60th and wishing we were there to help you celebrate! We hope you had a wonderful day!

Donald and Dad in Tennessee - Jan 2009

Signs of Spring

Usually, I seem to prefer a palette of just one or two colors with flower groupings, but this year I am enjoying the showy, mixed colors. I have a whole new appreciation for them and am loving each sign of spring!

Faithful primroses
Sunny daffodils Keith brought home last night. They were closed, and the kids and I have enjoyed watching them open up one by one.

I'm thinking it'd be fun to attend the Daffodil Parade and Festival. I'm also looking forward to visiting some tulip fields here and here in the next few weeks. I'd love to see them some day in the Netherlands. Nothing like getting in the mood for spring!

“The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness." ~Therese of Lisieux

Cousin Time

Last night, we spent time with family. My aunt and uncle were up from AZ, one cousin from northern CA and his family, along with the other cousin and his family who live here in WA. And yup, a baby was involved!

Isn't she the sweetest little bundle?

Grammy looks pleased as punch!
Not to mention Miss Brooklyn...

Baby's big brother

More cousins... This one was constantly on the move and I couldn't get a good face shot.

His brother however, loves his picture taken and is a little ham!

We had a great time together and, as always, time went by all too quickly! The fathers of these munchkins are so special to me. Growing up, they were more like brothers to us (my twin and I) than cousins. They both sang at mine and Keith's wedding, too. And that will be 10 years ago next month - wow!

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. ~Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford

Our Humble Abode

Yikes!

See the progress???

We are in love with our sweet little home!

Much better, right!?

Of course, an extra bathroom, rooms for each of the kids, and a separate office space all are wonderful, too! Come visit any time - we'd love to have you!

We've Moved

Should be back soon! We miss you all...