Easter Eggs

More Snow

Well, we definitely got some more snow!
And then we definitely got some ice!

Snow!

Finally, our first snow of the season! Yes, the kids were very excited! Yes, we built this huge snowman without Mark or Noah! Yes, the snowman is leaning considerably to the right. Yes, I did grow up in North Dakota and should know how to make a structurally sound snowman. Yes, I have been gone from North Dakota for 20 years now, and apparently have gotten somewhat rusty in my snowman-building skills. Yes, he did fall down and break into a million pieces. Yes, there were a few tears. Yes, I'm praying for more snow so we can try again!

Cole's 1st Basketball Game of the Season

Cole was a machine. He definitely does not get his athletic ability from his mother (which is a very, very good thing for him). His team won 24-23. Cole passed, rebounded, shot, and had tons of fun. And scored 14 points.

Christmas Eve 2011

Fall 2011

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole!

You gotta admit, this kid has the gift-opening surprised face down to a science!

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole Henry!
You bring so much joy and energy to our family!
There is never a dull moment with you around, and we wouldn't want it any other way.
The Lord blessed us in such an amazing way when He gave us you!

Saying Goodbye to Summer

We'll miss you, Summer ... but we're excited for the blessing of Fall ...

1st Day Part 2

First day of 2nd grade for Cole.

Wait, what did I just say? Second grade for my baby!?! How did that happen?

Morning Instructions:
Be good.
Try to sit still.
Listen to your teacher.
Don't get your sweet friend Brandon in trouble.
Don't be crazy.
Don't lose your lunch box.
Don't get your backpack mixed up with that kid sitting next to you
who has the same backpack.
And, most importantly, be an example of God's love and grace.

My Family 2011

Some of the amazing, wonderful memories made this family vacation.

My parents, brother Greg, brother Garey and his family, and us.
We haven't all been together since 2005.
Hopefully it won't be another 6 years before we are all together again.

Easter 2011

Puyallup Field Trip

Cole had a blast on his 1st grade field trip to the Puyallup Fair School! He was able to see and pet lots of fun animals, and learned quite a lot about Washington agriculture.

Sentinels Basketball

Cole's first year playing basketball has come to a close. He had such a fun season! He improved so much thanks to his amazing coaches. He scored 14 points in the team's final game, and was a rebounding machine. We are so proud of him!

Believe it or not, Cole is going to sit baseball season out this year. He would have loved to play again, but Mom needs a little break! Noah will start track and field in a few weeks through his school, and we'll all be back full swing into football and cheer before we know it!

Life is full, but we love every minute of it. We had one of the best compliments from another parent at one of Noah's wrestling matches this year. He said, "Wow, your family always travels in a pack!" Not sure if he meant it as a compliment, or if he thought we were crazy, but we love that all six of us enjoy life together and share in each other's treks, triumphs and trials.

The Fabulous Four

Cole's First Basketball Game

Cole is playing basketball for the first time. He is on a co-ed kindergarten/1st grade team, and they had their first game last night. So, so cute! Quite entertaining, to say the least! Cole was totally amazing and scored four points. He's super competitive and energetic ... which means we definitely have to work on the "ball hog" thing before the next game!

Tacoma Art Museum Field Trip

Joy