Birthday Princess

Anna is becoming a cullinary genius, just look at the cakes she made for Maria.
Maria had lots of fun with our relatives on Anna's side, she received so many generous gifts from everybody. Thanks!

Happy 2nd Birthday Maria

Our little girl turned two years old today. She is such a girl, and so much fun too. Let me explain: I always thought playing with dolls was dumb. When she was first born I resisted purchasing dolls and other girl type toys because I actually thought that nobody could actually enjoy playing with those things. My wife, Anna, showing her superior wisdom 6 months ago, purchased a neat Graco Baby set with doll size heightchair, and playpen, keeping them hidden until today. Initially I scoffed, but over the last six months Maria has showed me how wrong I could be. She is truly filled with joy when playing with her dolls, she brings them everywhere and cares for them gently. If they are missing she shows real concern until they are found. Watching my little girl become such a little nurturer makes me happy.
So this morning when we were setting up her presents I was really excited to see her playing with them. Just as Anna expected, she really likes them.

Google Maps Satellite

Here is a nice Google Maps hack that shows satellite position in real time. Not very useful, but amazing none-the-less.
Thanks Wohba!

Generous Neighbors

Our next door neighbors have an 11 year old daughter, Katie, who was no longer interested in the swingset in their back yard. She wanted a club house instead. Todd and Debbie were so nice to offer it to us. They carefully took it down a few days ago; and Todd helped carry it into our yard and set it up with us. They are really nice people, and so generous to give it to us for free.
The kids were ecstatic, they immediately started swinging, sliding, and would you believe it...climbing.


It was just the right time for them to have a swingset, both Joshua and Maria are the perfect size for it.

Visiting our Land

It was a sunny Sunday so we planned a visit to our land after chuch today. The sky was blue, and the sun was bright, but the 50 degree wind "cancelled out" the sun as Anna pointed out. Anna's Mom and Dad, and her little sister Regina come with us on their first visit to the property.
Dad B and Regina had tons of fun exploring and Mom B seemed to enjoy milling along the paths with Anna. Joshua was in dandilion heaven as he collected a huge fistful of the yellow flowering weeds. Maria spend most of the time in the carrier on my back reminding me of my boyscout backpacking trips.
We saw the large bald eagles again; one soaring high in the wind and the other moving about in the nest. I also saw a cute little hummingbird that flitted around us and then sat on a nearby treebranch just long enough for me to identify him.
The visit just reminded Anna and me how much we really look forward to moving out to this peaceful plot of land that God has blessed us with.

Dominic's First Sleep-over

Joshua and Maria's cousin, Dominic Brown, and Aunt, Emily, spent the night at our house on Friday night. Dominic was a really good boy. He ate more popcorn than any of us and fell asleep later than anyone else.
During breakfast Dominic was so polite and gentle with Maria, who was sitting next to him. He kept saying nice things and giving her kisses.

Fun Music for Kids

By Loituma

Breakdancing for the Pope

Pope John Paul II was really a great Pope. He loved people and enjoyed their talents, even breakdancers. Way cool!

Body Art

We gave Maria and Joshua some paint and paper to have fun being creative. While we were out of the room, they ran out of paper, so they got REALLY creative.

We miss Charlotte

My sister, and our kids Aunt Charlotte left for Kansas last week and we sure do miss her! But she'll be back when summer is over. Yay!

Maria says, "I miss you Chlalaht."

Savage Chickens

Doug Savage has a daily blog (www.savagechickens.com) with his comic chickens. They are usually humorous, but this one just struck a chord with me...