Skiing and Boarding

The boys have gotten really good this year with skiing and snowboarding.  Peter looks like a small Dirk carving down the hill.  Ben is getting really good at skiing down steep slopes and staying in control.  I am really proud of both of them.  Peter would like to go up every weekend, but Dirk is working on Saturdays and it cost a lot to buy tickets.  I am out for the rest of the season due to my big pregnant belly.  They have been to Crystal, Stevens, Snoquamile, and Alpental so far this year. 

Our Foster Daughter Left

Our Foster daughter a little over a month ago.  It was a unique experience having her live with us.  We learned a lot about ourselves.  It was very challenging at times.  We hope she is doing well.  Dirk is making Christma cookies with her in this picture. 

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.