Water lovers

Here are our little water lovers. They were so excited to go swimming in Dee-Dee's pool. Kyle brought back some goodies from his last show that he worked. The boys are sporting their new body suits and we were giving the underwater camera that he won a try.

This ones for you daddy...

We miss you daddy! We wish you were here but know you are working hard for us on your business trip. We wanted you to be apart of this special day when Collin figured out how to ride his bike by himself. This ones for you. We love you! xoxo

Happy 4th of July (belated)

We enjoyed spending the Fourth of July as a family. It was a busy day. We started first by heading to St. Paul for the parade. Collin learned from a neighbor of ours how to gather all the candy (the kid is a magnet - you wouldn't believe how much loot he brought home).

Then we were off to the St. Paul rodeo with our friends the Kirsch family. We got to sit in the box seats, which was an absolute treat. The boys were mesmerized by all the excitement.

After some hot dogs and naps we were off to make use of that boat and watch the fireworks on the river. It was our first time putting the boat in in Portland and watching the fireworks. We weren't sure what to expect. It was a blast (no pun intended). We were concerned about the noise for Brody. Kyle did his best to wrestle him down and cover his ears but Brody would have nothing to do with it. He just watched with a huge smile on his face and loud giggles. Collin was a bit apprehensive at first but came around by the end. If you look closely you'll see the tons of people on the water front waiting for the fireworks show after the blue's festival in Portland.

With all the excitement the boys were a bit tired. Brody fell asleep down under the seat to take a snooze on the way back after the fireworks.

These boys were troopers. I'm thankful for my little guys always willing and waiting for the next adventure and our freedom to be able to do that. Hope you all had a great day as well!

Brody is 2!!

Brody,

I cannot believe we just celebrated your second birthday. You have grown and the time has sped past us. You add so much to our lives. You are a lover of balls, hats, dancing, anything your brother does, boats, driving, smoothies, binkies and snuggles. You squeal when you see Daddy come home and chuck your binkie at those who cross your path. You say a few words and every day you add another one as you are quick to soak in everything in your world. You sing the best version of "I'm in the Lord's Army". It's my pleasure to get your many hugs through out the day, be your comforter when life gets rough and pamper you with foot rubs on the changing table. I love how your cheeks get rosy in the warm afternoons when you are playing hard and your infectious laugh when you are tired and giddy at night. Your sense of adventure keeps me on my toes. I am thankful for your cordination since there is no holding you back from whatever it is that cathes your eye.

I pray for you. I pray that God will continue to make himself known to you and shape you in his image. I can't wait to see what an amazing man you will turn into but am cherishing these moments until then. Happy Birthday Brody. We love you!

Love,

Mom

"Mom...

...is it summer time?"

Kind of felt wrong telling him, "not yet".

It is in the 90's and time to cool off by breaking in our little pool.

Didn't take Brody long before he figured out the hose while it was filling up and turned on his own flesh and blood...

first me, then...

Run, Collin, run!!!

When the Oregon rains hit...

We opt for playdough. With boys, this means trucks too! Here's a few picks from our lazy rainy day afternoon! :)

Treasured Tradition

It seems like I am behind the curve when it comes to making my traditions focus more on Christ. Slowly but surely I am learning how to change things little by little to reflect our God and not get lost in the hype of the season.

This tradition of ours started a couple years back when a family friend of ours who although doesn't have the official title of god parents to Collin definitely plays the role. This book was passed onto them when their children were little and they felt it was time to do the same. They handed us a treasured, well used Easter book that tells the Easter story in a kid friendly way. Their only request is that we use it as long as we want and then pass it on to someone else. Each year, we pull it out during the season and read it through several times.

It wasn't until this year that things started really sinking in with Collin about Jesus' death and resurrection. In fact, even being apart of church my whole life, I get caught speechless by some of his questions. But it brings me such great joy to hear him working through some of these thoughts. Praise God!

Here it is my friends (at a very reasonable price)! Happy Easter! What are your traditions?