Playgroup

I've organized a play group for the last few years. It is comprised of the most amazing families. The moms are my dearest friends, and incredible examples for me to follow. They encourage me and love my kids. It is a privilege to be a part of this group and to watch the development of godly, childhood friendships. It always amazes me how kind these toddlers are to one another.

There are many families in this group, but usually only a few show up each week. This week, almost everyone came. We went to Municipal Park and the MK Nature Center. Kedrick and Victor and their many friends enjoyed running around together in the grass, playing with bugs and sticks, watching the fish, and climbing on the playground equipment. The kids get along so well and are always excited for an opportunity to play together.

I always love that moment when they first see each other. They pause briefly, then their faces light up, followed by screams and squeals of delight as they run towards each other. It would be cool if we all showed that kind of enthusiasm about our friends.

Evy

We visited Great-Grandma Evy yesterday. She lives at a local nursing home and the boys love to see her. Her bed has a remote control and Kedrick has become an expert bed-operator. He makes the bed go up, up, up...almost all the way to the ceiling. Then we go back down, over and over. When that game gets old, they take turns riding on and pushing each other in Evy's wheelchair. Her small room is full of amazing activities. And in between each activity, they pause to give Evy a hug, a kiss or to describe to her in detail what they are doing.

She bought the boys some fabulous books, a children's dictionary and encyclopedia, along with some other fun games. Evy loves to spend time with Kedrick and Victor. They always brighten her day...and she brightens theirs.

Astronauts

While we traveled west, my parents hopped on a plane and flew east. They visited friends and family in the D.C. area. They lavished the boys with souvenirs from their trip. They picked up these cute outfits at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Kedrick and Victor are huge fans of anything having to do with space.

The Teacher

Here's a video of Steve, Tracey, and Victor doing an impromptu skit. Many of these occurred around the dinner table during our visit. This was not the funniest, but the best one I captured on video.

Vacation Post #3: Seattle

After the coast we drove up to Seattle to spend some time with my sister Tracey and her family. They have the most incredible house, which I like to call Dellario Playland. They have a swimming pool, a full, outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, sandbox, and a huge playset. Their property is surrounded by a forest full of trees and bunnies. Plus they have two large mastiffs (Ranger and Ladybug) and a cat.

They kept us well-fed with three gourmet, made-to-order meals each day. Vacation doesn't get any better than waking up to the smell of bacon & eggs or waffles & syrup. Yum!

We ventured away from their Snohomish Paradise and drove into Seattle to visit the Aquarium. It was mysteriously closed! But we returned the next day to see the fish, octopus, seals, and the kids favorite, the divers.

Dellario Playland:

Making s'mores:

Looking for bunnies with Uncle Steve:

Petting starfish at the Aquarium:

Vacation Post #2: Our Final Trip to the Oregon Coast

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." --Rom 8:28

We left Portland and headed to the Coast. Nancy hooked us up with a great deal on a condo. And it was nice to have some downtime with just our immediate little family.

It was overcast and windy so we bought kites and flew them on the beach. The kids loved the ocean and splashed around in the waves and dug in the sand with dad.

A couple of years ago, we returned home from the Oregon Coast on a Sunday night. Damie returned to work the following morning only to turn around and come home. He had lost his job! So, once again, we returned home from our vacation on a Sunday night. Bright and early Monday morning I had a conference call for work and found out that my position had been eliminated! I'm not superstitious but I think we may hesitate before planning another trip to the coast.

We have been through enough trials in the past 11 years to know with confidence that what seems bad, God always turns around for good. I can't imagine what our life would be like if we didn't have those trials! We have been so blessed through all of them.

And it is already easy to see that losing my job is a blessing. I was working more and more and spending less and less time doing what I love: being a wife and mom. We had talked often about me quitting and were waiting on God for his perfect timing. He revealed it! But this way I got a nice, big severance package. And we know that God provides us with all that we need.

I'm so excited to be a stay-at-home mom 100%!

Vacation Post #1: Portland

We started our vacation in Portland, OR. We stayed with my sister Nancy and her family. Their house is being remodeled, but they are always gracious and hospitable, even with their house torn apart. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of the kids with their cousins. Kedrick and Victor adore them! They pointed us to all the cool places for kids and found some great deals!

We visited Multnomah Falls, OMSI, The Portland Zoo, and The Children's Museum. The kids had a great time.

Multnomah Falls:

Driving a bus at the Children's Museum:

Fun activities at OMSI:

First Ultrasound: 12 weeks

The kids are pretty excited about the upcoming arrival of their little brother or sister. I've been telling them there is a baby in Mommy's tummy. They both grab the edges of my belly button and pull, looking into my belly button and saying, "I don't see the baby." "Where's the baby?"

A few weeks ago, Kedrick said, "Your tummy will get bigger and bigger and bigger, then POP! the baby will come out of your mouth."

I had my first ultrasound on Monday (12 weeks). I showed the pictures to Kedrick and explained them to him. After seeing the separate pictures, each with different body parts, and the body parts looking detached, Kedrick asked, "Is the baby broken?"

So far, all is well and the baby is healthy and moving a bunch.

Due date: December 26th.

The baby waving:

A leg and foot: