Beach trip

We've been blessed with unseasonably good weather recently, and decided to make the most of it and head down to Newport for the Presidents Day weekend.

The first stop was the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where we got to sample some yummy cheese and ice-cream.

Stayed at a place right on the beach, which made for some awesome views. And the kiddos enjoyed the pool.

We visited the Aquarium, Hatfield marine science center, Yaquina lighthouse, and a few other sights around the area.

  

  

And of course, couldn't miss the beach!

 Relaxing after a long day with a good book. Doesn't get much better than that.

Was a wonderful vacation. We are truly blessed to get to experience God's creation like this!

 (embedded video)

V-day

The kiddos as usual made cards for their friends and teachers at school, and had parties there. This year, though, even the parents received some awesome cards from them - completely unprompted, which made them all the sweeter!

  

  

Mama's creations for a V-day party at home

100th day

Mika recently had her "100th day" celebration at kindergarten.

The posers

Yo after a bath. Captures the madcap nature of the boy quite well.

The girl happened to get decked out in purple one day for school. 

One of our friends at church wanted to take pics of the kids for a school project. Yo had to endure some hugging from his sis.

  

Lego Ladies

M recently built a pretty cool snowman all by herself.

And she and mama built their first Lego project together: "A Spring Scene".

Awana Grand Prix

The kids participated in the Grand Prix for the first time this year. They designed and created their cars from a block of wood, and then had a grand time at the races which were held at church. They each came first in a couple of the races, which was cause for much excitement in the ranks.

Shaping the blocks of wood based on their designs

M's on the left, Yo's on the right

M's car: Speed

Yo's car: Turbo

The track - fully computerized timing and reporting

Lining up before the races

 

A new year!

What? How did those two months just fly by? Thankfully we're able to get a post in before the first quarter of the year is over.

These last couple months have been quite busy, with a bunch of ups and downs. Let's try to get this blog caught up a bit.

The kids running a church service at home on of the Sundays we couldn't get to church. This is the "praise & worship" part, with some imagination added.

M got a magic mixer for Christmas. One evening she whipped up some brownies with that, and with mama's help set up a good 'ol English Tea Party for the family.

  

The kiddos entertaining themselves.

And in Jan Yo started taking the bus home from school. Big step!