Sweet and Clever

Doreen sat and read to her two sisters for awhile this morning. It was a sweet sight to behold. Later Donovan showed us his new car made of an oblong magnet and four black thumb tacks.

Many Hands Make Light Work

If painting can ever be "light work" it was yesterday with all our little and big helpers. Doreen climbed our maple tree somewhere during the late afternoon. Derek stayed up with me until it was finished last night.

Another Facelift

Yesterday Bradley, Donovan and Danika tackled the planting of our seeds. Donia had pre-filled all the little planters for them. They loved it. Derek took some time today to lay out some clothes. Danielle thought it would be fun to be a stow-away, and visit her sisters. (Derek is leaving for 11 weeks on May 20th to work on the operational staff at Camp Joy. He will get to visit the girls for four days on the way.) We had talked already for some time about freshening up the little boys' room. I had told them that we could do it when Grandpa and Grandma were gone. Well, they left for two days in Denmark on Monday morning, and I had gotten the green color for the paint last week when I saw it on sale, so I guess we were all set to go! :) The boys stirred, and Dustin, Donovan and Danika did most of the lower half of the room while I edged in the areas.

Sunday--Part(y) 2

ON Sunday morning Mom took some pictures (being a visitor, and all :)). I'll just post the group shot here, though. Then after dinner we had 14 people join us for more fellowship. (that includes 6 children) It was a good afternoon of fellowship. Danielle wore a dress that Mom gave her for her birthday. The dogs on it were called Rookie, in honor of our mutt that looks a lot like it. Danielle was a happy camper all day and right until she dropped asleep. She often lies on her bed at night after being settled and sings. Her favorite songs are "Hallelu", "Read your Bible" and "Gloria" a children's Christmas song. She is branching out though, and this morning I heard her singing the first words of "Holy, holy, holy".

Doubling Up

The tradition began 16 years ago when Devon was born on Bradley's 31st birthday. :) We enjoyed a nice party with 17 relatives and friends. Bradley grilled for us, and later played as well. We were spoiled. :) Mom made and decorated the cake for the birthday boys. I had forgotten to get little candles, hence we improvised with wachs sticks and sparklers left from New Year's Eve! The little kids were being sorely tempted by that ice-cream. :)

A Special Salad

I think that Grandma's fruit salad has become a tradition each time she visits. She had many willing tasters watching. :)

A Day With Mom and Dad

On Thursday Bradley joined his parents for a day in Eisenach. The city is about three hours south of Magdeburg. They took a tour of the Wartburg (above Eisenach)where Luther translated the Bible into German. Later they went down to the Bach family home which is in the city of Eisenach.

On the Safe Side

A couple times recently the boys hit the ground underneath the trampoline, so last Wednesday Devon decided to start digging. Though Derek posed when we got back :), he and I were actually gone during the afternoon for a "trial run" for him with contacts. We go back again tomorrow for an evaluation. Meanwhile, back in the yard, Devon and Donia dug for over four hours. The dirt ended up in our garden, and along the outside of our fence. Not having to worry about touching the bottom has given them freedom again, and they are bouncing VERY high at times!

The Family-and-Friends Party

Danielle enjoyed a wonderful time with little and big cousins, friends and aunts and uncles. It was dry so the trampoline was always occupied. Danielle helped sing "Happy Birthday" each time we sang it, and clapping at the end. :) There were many helping hands for handing her presents and sometimes even to help open something. :) Three of the kiddies put together the bunk bed on their own. Grandma McKenzie decorated Danielle's birthday cake, and everyone enjoyed eating on it after she successfully blew out her candle.

Lunch Date With Daddy

Danielle and Brad left for lunch shortly before noon. She was very concentrated while she ate :)! She loved her balloon, and enjoyed her little trip to the builder's market. There were lots of new things to see and try there.

April 22nd: Danielle Robyn Turns 2!

The day started with two special e-mails. One was a video that Dalene put together of the first moments after Danielle was born. (Dalene shared that special time with us!) The second was a very special birthday drawing that Danae made for Danielle. (It looks just like Danielle's one-year old portrait which Danae has sitting on her bed.) Danielle thoroughly enjoyed both, and so did the rest of us. :)

Warmer Weather

Monday the Lord gave us a beautiful day for playing (and drying clothes :))! Amber took the kids to "our" spot on the edge of the housing area we live in to play street hockey for the first time this year. Lynette and Edwin joined them when they came up for piano lessons.

My Sunday School Class This Morning

I am not in the little Sunday School class very often, but it was a joy this morning to be with the youngest children. There were 7 one-, two- and three-year-olds. Lynette was my helper today.