Hello summer?

So how did we miss the 70's and 80's again?? Okay, we had a week in the 80's back in mid-March, then it was in the 50's and 60's for the last few weeks and now today - 95!!!! What is up with that? I forget how we have practically no spring. Just summer! So - out came the pool and swimsuits and sunscreen today. Emma took her first dip in the pool and you can see by her face that she LOVED it. As soon as she got in, Caleb dumped water on her head, but she grinned anyway. The older kids like to jump off of a stepstool into the pool.

Poor Emma had to go for a blood test this week. At her 9-month appointment her iron levels were low, so I had to take her to get real blood drawn. Elizabeth was so traumatized, she stood in the corner of the room facing the corner with her hands over her eyes. Emma didn't seem to mind much at all.

Elizabeth has been having lots of Garden Ballet rehearsals. Tomorrow is their first rehearsal at the theater. Then Thursday will be dress rehearsal. How will I get her very short hair into a bun? That will be my challenge this week. Lots of hairspray and bobby pins, I am thinking. Here is a recent quote from Elizabeth: "Some words are hard for me to say, Mommy. Like 'diminutive'. That means small." She has a large and ever-growing vocabulary.

Caleb's new phrase is, "I strong like Samson." Sometimes he says that Daddy is "Strong like Samson". He is very interested in how big God is and where He can fit. "Can God fit in our swimming pool? Can He fit in Pennsylvania? How about in THIS country? [Meaning California]"

Okay I'm off. Since it's summer and all, I have to water the lawn.....

very happy feet

Those are my happy feet! Last year for my birthday (almost an entire year ago!) Luke bought me a gift card to a spa to have a pedicure, since at that time I was very pregnant - and it's hard to paint your toenails when you've got a big belly! But I put off scheduling it, so....I finally went today! It was only my second pedicure ever, and it just is so luxurious! Such an un-necessary thing, but I'm thankful to my wonderful husband for a fun, pampering gift.

Our Easter was pretty quiet. Church and ham. Talking on the phone to our long-distance relatives. It was a nice day overall. Today I'm making some amazing split pea soup with the leftover ham. Well anyway it's amazing when my friend Kim makes it. We'll see if mine can come close! It's a rainy and cool day, so it's great for soup.

Anyone out there have any expertise on running a thrift store? The great people who manage ours are leaving town on us =), so we're gathering ideas, information, etc.

Happy spring and happy feet to you too!!

Family

Last week Luke's sister Lydia and her husband Jeremy visited us from Wooster, OH. We were so happy that they chose to spend her spring break with us. Most of the week we enjoyed gorgeous weather and on Thursday we had a beautiful day at Yosemite. It's the perfect time of year for the waterfalls. I even caught a rainbow in this picture of Bridalveil Fall. It is so beautiful in Yosemite, I never tire of visiting there! We also enjoyed many late-evening games with them. We're looking forward to seeing everyone in July. Actually, Elizabeth is already anxious for Aunt Kate and Uncle Josh to visit us at the beach house - in October. She asked why they can't just come now! But it's another visit to look forward to.

springtime!!!

Caleb had his first t-ball game on Saturday. They have a 3-year-old division, and the parents have to be on the field with their children, so I thought it was pretty chaotic. I have to admit, sometimes I have a hard time entering into the parent craziness. (Jumping onto the field to film them, crowding around yelling, etc.) But I also noticed that many of the participants are the oldest children, so.... Caleb has wanted his own activity for awhile. Elizabeth has lots, so we are giving him the chance to play t-ball. He did pretty well after some initial shyness. I was surprised at how aggressive he was at fielding the ball. He was on the ground a couple of times! And he's very excited that his team's color is blue!

Elizabeth has begun rehearsals for the garden ballet on most Saturdays into May, so she is not playing t-ball this year. It is very cute. She's also started going to Awana. A church near us started it, so we don't have to drive her very far. She is almost obsessive about it. Last week she was very proud because she memorized all the verses, etc. to get her vest and handbook. Then she read the entire handbook and is memorizing as much as possible to get the next patches or whatever.

Emma is scooting around on her belly fairly quickly. Sometimes she actually crawls, but she's still getting that part down. lately she's been exercising her voice a lot - by screaming. We don't enjoy that a whole lot! She also says "Mama" and "Dada" a lot. She usually says "Dada" when she's happy and "Mama" when she wants something! She loves to eat whatever food we give her.

Fun times. We're still working on our summer trip schedule. Although we were hugely blessed to receive funds which more than cover the rental of a minivan for us. God is good! And the people He works through too!