Visiting with Grandpa and Grammy

We had a delightful visit with the boys grandparents.

It is always so refreshing to have family around and

share in the joy of life together.

Tulip Festival

This last weekend, we drove up to the tulip festival. Ever since I knew of the festival I have wanted to go, but have not been able to make the timing work. This year we really wanted to get the boys up there to see the tulips, tulips, and more tulips! We checked the weather to be sure it would not be rainy, prepared the night before so that we would be ready to leave the next morning. We hit the road and sure enough, about half way there we were hit with a down pour of rain. My heart sank as I knew that the flowers would not be much fun in cold, rainy, wet, and muddy fields. But Kenta seems to always know....he said...."just wait". Sure enough, the weather was clear and we had a wonderful time exploring the fields of color.

The Book Reader

Micah found just the spot for him. :)

Snuggle Time

The boys all love their blankets. Most things they know that they need to share; there are not many things that they get to call their own. But they know whose blanket is whose...and they are very protective of their own. Lately they have been particularly in need of extra snuggles as they are breaking in their two year molars. They get their blanket and say, "Snuggle time! Snuggle time!" How can I resist it! I know I need to do the dishes, laundry, cook dinner... but when the call for snuggles comes, I must stop and take it in. I know it won't be long before I will be the one calling for snuggles! These kids are growing up too fast, I am sure my parents still think the same about their baby. One night before bed, the boys got on the couch with their blankets and decided that they could snuggle each other. So sweet!

Did you say please?

The boys surprised us with their palettes as they could not get enough of the Japanese pickles.

My Little Potato Heads

The boys think it is really fun to wear the potato head glasses themselves. Probably they want to wear glasses like daddy. They each put together the entire peg board while wearing their glasses. You would think the glasses would get in their way. :)

Happy Easter!

This Easter was the first one that we were able to talk to the boys about the meaning of the Holiday and have them begin to make some connections of why we celebrate! As it only seemed natural to continue the traditions that my parents began, we began the day with the boys waking up to three Easter baskets in a row. Underneath each basket was a brand new Bible for each boy. The boys have loved and loved their first Bibles so much that we had completely lost the story of Creation and a few stories in between. The boys had also begun to memorize the stories. They could say just about every last word in each sentence. So we decided what a great time to give them new Bibles than on the day that we set aside to focus on celebrating Christ's life, death, and Resurrection. They were pleased to find little treats in their eggs and M took only a minute before he had his dad reading to him out of his new Bible. K read to the boys the Easter story, then it was breakfast, getting dressed, and off to church.

The boys are dressed and ready for Worshiping!

This is K reading to the boys when
they first found their baskets and Bibles.

After fellowshiping at church, we drove up to see cousins, aunts, and uncles, and Grandma Ellis. We had a fun time of visiting with those we love. When we returned home, we found a wonderful surprise at our front door! Our good neighbor Sandra had brought the boys (and K and I) more Easter baskets! It was filled with cars, play doe, bouncy balls, bunnies, and of course chocolate!

After the basket opening, the boys got to open packages from their Grandpa and Grammy. They sent them more sweet treats, bubbles, pegs for their peg boards, and play sand! Thank you to everyone who made Easter fun and a special celebration. It is a day to celebrate for Jesus is Risen Indeed!

Brush Those Teeth

Who knew that brushing teeth could be so bonding!

Enthusiastically Cooking

This morning I was helping M in the bathroom and I and J were happily cooking with their cooking toys. I was so pleased as they were laughing and playing so nicely! When I came out of the bathroom to check on them, I found out that they can successfully open the refrigerator and access exactly what they want. Do we really need to lock the refrigerator already?

J cooking his egg. I was lucky that it did not

break until I was trying to take it out of his hands.

I was so pleased to be scooping out little
bites of the refried beans with his play spoon.

I think M would really like a bite.

Hugs

It is so good to have brothers!

J, M, and I

The Patient

The boys have acquired an interest in playing doctor. It began with our neighbor, Connor, coming over and wanting to play what we call the "horsey game." He was an injured horse that had to go to the vet for surgery. The boys took on the role of my assistants and would help me in "fixing" the horse. After Connor returns home, the boys always want to continue the game, but they have to decide on who will be the patient.

M was the decided patient this day.

Friends

Friends have always been such an important part of my life. Growing up I had some really special friends that I could run around the neighborhood with and play endless games. We caught bugs, spied on our sisters, played in sandboxes, built forts, and of course our favorites were the after dark games of kick the can or grey wolf. We had sleep overs outside under the stars even when we had to hide our faces inside our sleeping bags it was so cold.

It is fun knowing that the boys will always have each other to do these childhood adventures with, but there is something special about having friends too. The boys have acquired some very good friends in their earlier years already. Sora and Kira were born at the same hospital and stayed at the same NICU as the boys. We have enjoyed gathering with their family for play dates and the boys adore their baby brother Kei as well. They have also become very special friends with Isabel and her baby brother Isaac. Isabel goes to church with us and is a very independent and loving girl. These friends have been a blessing to us.



From Left to Right:
J, Sora, I, Kira, and M

The girls are so kind and well behaved when they come over. K and I really enjoy visiting with their mom and dad too.









From Left to Right:
I, J, Isabel, and M

The boys look forward to play dates with Isabel. She brings enthusiasm to everything she does.