Thanksgiving Weekend

Thankful for the Thanksgiving weekend and the beginning of the Christmas season.  Peter put together his annual gift bags for the homeless people that live around us.  He is very passionate about handing them out every year.  Dirk got his big 10 foot Christmas tree that he wanted (and realized that a big tree means "big" work).  The boys got to cut down a "real Christmas tree".  Ben spent a good portion of the day dancing around and singing Joy to the World and pretending that he is Santa Claus.  Fun times!

2nd grade and a sister

A few weeks ago, we decided to have a foster daughter move in with us for about four months. It has been a huge change for our family. We went to all the state trainings and we thought we were prepared, but it is a huge adjustment. Peter and Ben are learning to adjust to having a girl living in their house because I am not a girl, I am their mom. It is definitely been challenging for all of us, but we are trusting that God will use this time to grow us in our faith and ability to love others. Dirk left this morning for training for a month, and so it is me and the kids. I know that I can be a great mom to all three of them, but it will not be easy. 

Our summer vacation

 It has been a great summer and I feel like we had a good time.  The highlight was our big trip to California.  We went to San Francisco, Hearst Castle, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Disneyland, and Yosemite.  We also spent 5 days surfing and boogie boarding in Southern Cali.  It was a fun time.  Peter's favorite part was being able to play in the water and Ben loved Disneyland. 

Awana

Peter and Ben completed another year in the Awana program.  Ben completed his second Cubbie Book. Peter completed his third book in Sparks and received his Sparky Award.  We were really proud of both of them.  Dirk and I were leaders for the third year.   

Baseball days

Peter played baseball this spring and had a great time.  He really enjoyed it. 

Whistler

                                                     On the peak to peak gondola

We had a great time.  The boys impressed us with their riding abilities.  We all rode the peak to peak gondola, which is pretty amazing. 

Random winter time photos

                                      Ben hanging out at the Pacific Science Center.  Fun times.

Peter being a cowboy. He still likes dress-up

Peter and Annie at the 5th Avenue- Grammie treated us to a play- Oklahoma.  We went with GG, Great-Aunt Rosie, and Grammie. It was a treat.

Ben helping Uncle Bill with laying cement and building retaining walls.

The boys loved the cement truck and all the construction.

Snowy Days in Seattle

Annie out in front the house. January 2012. 

We had a whole week of snowy weather.  Peter and Ben both didn't have school.  It was a great time.

Peter being silly.

Peter built a jump out in front of the house.  He had a great time going off of it.