Resurrection Sunday

While we want to be in a state of thanksgiving of the death and resurrection of Christ our Savior everyday, not just during Easter season, it is fun to celebrate the traditions of Easter. I think it's been a few years since the last time I worked up the nerve to dye Easter eggs with the kids, but this year as I was looking through our storage I came across what must have been a clearance dye kit purchase from last year. So, on Good Friday, we dyed some eggs. And they were beautiful!

Look at this crew. Even daddy made it into the picture, in a freaky sort of way.

The finished eggs. Aren't they gorgeous?

I told Jonah he could draw whatever he wanted on the eggs and without our prompting, he drew this. I asked him who it was and he said it was Jesus "see his crown of thorns?" So precious!
Not too bad for writing on an egg!
What a blessing it is to raise our children in light of the Gospel and to the glory of God!

Random April

A few random pictures to post and then I think we're all caught up!

Mimi and Papa came for a quick trip around Valentine's Day this year, so we decided to have our party tradition with them. No heart shaped pizzas this year- instead we had cheese fondue and soup. The kids had fun dipping in the cheese and it was a tasty way to celebrate. Thanks for coming to visit Papa and Mimi! It was fun!

There also was a Valentine's Day party at church. Abby decided to go dressed as Rapunzel. Jonah came as the Most Eligible Bachelor. No one else dressed up. What's up with that? Here is one of the only pictures from Abby's dance class. Unfortunately they don't take very well in that room. The class is over now, but Abby loved it!! We are thinking this isn't the end of dance class for her.

And this is from a few days ago. Two of my boys in matching jammies. We have never done matching before, so this was an exciting day. Aren't they handsome?

Good Sports

I mentioned in an earlier post that Jonah was on a basketball team this year and he absolutely had a blast and if you look at the pictures below, you will see why. A church close to us has an Upwards Basketball league and they treat the kids like stars with fancy uniforms, announcing their names as they run out, and half time devotional speakers. It was a great experience for all of us and we will definitely be doing it again next year. Coach Daddy, head coach of the Kangaroos, was gone for this particular game, so Coach Uncle Reed was on duty. Running out

The squad.

Playing D Not to be left out, Abby has also been busy with her own sport of dance. She is taking 8 weeks of classes at the Y and having so much fun while also being insanely cute. I will let the video speak for itself...

Five - A Good Age for Firsts

Let us begin with a few months ago, January 7th actually. Jonah turned five years old and our dear, sweet, boy decided to forgo a party of any kind to have a day with the family. We started with donuts, his choice, and ended with bowling, go carts, laser tag, cake, and ice cream. It was a very special day and it was extra fun to just celebrate as a family.

Starting the day off in style, candle blowing #1.

Unfortunately we don't have any in-between pictures of all the festivities, but here we are again at the house sharing cake and ice cream. Reed, Dana, and kids were here to celebrate this time. Never lose this genuine, sweet smile, Jonah!
Five has already proven to be a special year for Jonah. While he has continued spending many hours in the basement practicing his moves...

He now has begun his first ever basketball season on a team. He plays in an Upwards basketball league with daddy and Uncle Reed as coaches. The team name is the Kangaroos and Jonah ends each game and practice by asking when the next time he can play basketball will be. More pictures to come of this, but here is one from my camera of a game. Jonah is #15 with his back to the camera.

Another first that has arrived with age five is family game night, which has nearly become a weekly regular. We all love playing Uno Attack, including the budding card shark, Levi.

He may play showing all of his cards, but I think it's just a ploy to make you feel confident before he slaps you with a Skip.

More often than not, Jonah is the winner.

And for the most recent of firsts that has arrived with five, today, March 10th, Jonah lost his first tooth. After a bit of hesitation, Jonah put on a brave face and decided to let daddy pull out his tooth. Brian grabbed some toilet paper to help him grip it and pulled that puppy out without a wiggle. Pulling out your child's first tooth has to be one of those moments that officially makes you feel like a dad. Here's Jonah showing off his new smile.

And keeping in tradition of when mommy was little, Jonah put his tooth in a cup of water to see what will await him in the morning. Although he knows the story of the tooth fairy, he also knows that fairies aren't real. :) So, like a smart boy, he's waiting to see what mommy and daddy have for him.

We love you so much, Jonah, and have a bittersweet feeling about you growing up. While it is sad to think of how it is getting harder to hold you on my lap, it is also so exciting to think of the man that God is growing you up to be. We are so thankful that God has entrusted us with you and pray that you will grow to glorify Him. Love you big guy!

Part of the Reason...

So, if you've noticed that we've been a little more sparse posting over here, there is (more than usual) a reason. I have started a new blog. It is not family related, I will keep personal posting here, but it is something I have considered doing for a while. For those who know me, I am quite the bargain hunter. I am always looking for ways to save money and better steward our resources and over the years from time to time people have asked me to share some of the deals I have come across. A blog seems like the best outlet to share the information, so for the time being, I'm giving it a go. If you're interested in looking at it, it is www.fullpricefighter.com. I actually have a way to get awesomely cheap diapers on there right now. And if you feel compelled, let me know what you think! Thanks!

Big News

Jonah has his first loose tooth!

We will have continued coverage as this story develops.

We are clearly hilarious