Hope, Idaho

We just got back from a week in Hope, Idaho. We stayed in a condo on Lake Pend Orielle. We played lots of games, watched movies, played by the lake. Though it obviously isn't "beach weather", the kids still had a blast building "dams" and playing in the sand.

Just put down the brushes & no one will get hurt...

Sometimes it's just no fun being a big sister. Though Kailyn and Claire want to run and hide each time they see Emily and Ashley with brushes in their hands, they patiently endure this very regular ritual. : )

Conversation of the Week

We had an interesting conversation with Cade this week...

Cade: "Mom, I just wanna kiss someone..."

Mom: "I'll kiss you. Come on over, bud"

Cade: "No, I mean I wanna kiss someone long..."

Dad (overhearing the conversation): "Excuse me?! What did you just say?"

Cade: "I said I wanna kiss someone long, like on the movies..."

Dad: "Hmmm...that's sort of odd comin' from a 10 year old boy. Why do you wanna kiss someone?"

Cade(a little sheepishly): "Uh, I dunno, it's just looks....satisfying"

Dad (taking a deep breath): "Buddy, how many years you got til you get married?"

Cade: "Um, at least 10."

Dad" "Yeah, that's right. You got a long way to go, bud. Why don't you go put your jammies on."

Cade: "Ok." Heading up the stairs he looks back, "Mom, can you not tell all your church lady friends that I just said that?"

Mom: "Sure, hon."

Great reminder

Yesterday, I had a long day at work starting at 5:30 am and ending at 6:30 pm so I was gone most of the day. Needless to say I was pretty exhausted as I came through the door. I received the usual greetings from the family (where everyone lines up and gives daddy a big hug and kiss - which is always refreshing after a long day at work). I noticed two little girls missing in this line up, which was not a surprise because it was late and they were probably already in bed. LaNae told me, however, during dinner Emily noticed that I was missing from my usual spot and and signed "where's daddy". My gut reaction was to just say - Oh she was probably just scratching her head, but by God's grace, I refrained from letting my mind go there. She was looking for her daddy...

I came across this video from "Lifesong" and it reminded me of why we did what we did in bringing Emily and Ashley into our home. Watch it and at least consider asking yourself the question, "why wouldn't I?"

Emily and Ashley turn 3!

I imagine most kids who are turning three understand about birthday parties, cake, candles and presents...but to Emily and Ashley it was all new. I imagine next year they will understand it and enjoy it much more.
But, we had a little party for them with my family and Roland's mom who has been here for the week.

Bike ride

Last month we borrowed a bike trailer from the Klocks (thank you, Erica!) and we have had so much fun biking as a family. Emily and Ashley get sooo excited when we tell them that we're going on a bike ride. We've been riding over to my parents' house and around the neighborhood. Last Saturday we packed up the bikes in the car and drove out to Fish Lake. We biked 7 miles on a trail that runs past the lake and then alongside a stream. It was the perfect way to spend the day.

Fall is here!

There's just something wonderful about toddlers in new, snuggly footie pajamas! : )