Ben's preschool carnival

On April 29th, Nathan and I took Ben and Andrew to Ben's preschool carnival. They had a great time! Here are a few pictures of our boys...

A few last minute touches to February...

As you have seen from my previous posts, February was a very busy month. But here are a few last minute memories that I want to record. Things that bring a smile to my face, that I actually remembered to take a picture of and that I must record. Enjoy!

Andrew LOVES being pulled around in the big DUPLO wagon. Nick arranged him in all comfy-cozy with pillows and blankets. Ben set up my basket with a blanket and his stuffed puppy dogs and they were having fun going around and around the house. They are so cute and these brother get along so well! They are the best of friends! (Now, tell me...when you hear or read "the best of friends" does your mind go to the theme song of "The Fox and the Hound"? Mine does, every time. Oh, I love that movie...some sad parts...but such a good movie.)

Nathan made, by hand, all by himself, this really cool wooden ropemaker. That reminds me, I haven't taken a picture of the actual rope maker. I HAVE to do that and get it posted on here! coming soon... Anyway, the kids each made a rope. Grandpa helped with some when they came to visit for Nick's birthday. Then Tatiana used her's to jump rope. Daddy and Grandpa were good sports and had a good time turning the rope for her. They had a good time in the garage for a while with that. See, kids do not need fancy toys and electronics! Just give them a handy daddy, a grandpa, and a rope!

While Grandma and Grandpa were visiting another funny thing happened that I have to record. I really hope my father-in-law doesn't mind me doing this. Well, they say it is easier to as for forgiveness than permission. So, Dad, please forgive me! When they visit, both Perry and Connie are so awesome about pitching in around the house and usually take over the after dinner dishes. I am very grateful for this little break when they visit. Anyway, one evening after we were all settled down, I went into the kitchen to get a drink and I saw bubbles POURING out of my dishwasher. I freaked out a little and yelled, "NATHAN, COME QUICK!" I had no idea why it was happening and though our dishwasher might be broken or something. They all come running over and as they get to the kitchen I actually have a flashback to some sitcom I have seen (cannot remember which one, probably the Cosby Show) where someone put the wrong soap in the dishwasher and soap came pouring out in an abundant and comical way. So I asked Perry which soap he used and he immediately said, "uh-oh" and we figured it out. I guess he had used wrong soap, the kind for when you hand-wash dishes. Whew! All was right with the world and my dishwasher was NOT broken, just needed to run through the cycle to get all the soap out. On the bright side; nothing was wrong, we got a good laugh, and my dishes got REALLY clean! I love my father-in-law! He was such a good sport to let me take this memorable picture of him! And by the way, "thank you for doing the dishes, Dad!"


Tatiana's science project this year was one that "killed two birds with one stone" kind of thing. She got to work on her science project and daddy got to get some foods dehydrated to use on upcoming backpacking trips! Her project was "How much water is in food and why does it matter?" Her report was VERY good! I will put up a picture of her board when we get it back from the school (I forgot to take a picture before she turned it in.) I am VERY proud of her. She worked really hard on her science project and learned a lot!

Here, Tatiana and her daddy are cutting up the fruit that they bought together.

Now it is time to weigh the food before dehydrating it. Isn't she a cute little scientist!?!

I think that wraps it up for February. I just need to get pictures of the rope maker and Tatiana's science board on here. Whew!

Valentine's Fun

The annual school Valentine's Day parties were a big hit again this year. Andrew came along for Ben's preschool one. The boys had a lot of fun and love was in the air!

Yummy treats...

Loving smiles...

Playtime for little brother...

handmade valentines box...

Ben had a great time! Happy Valentine's Day!


Tatiana's class party was also a big hit. One of the best things about it is that we were able to sneak around and make her teacher, Mrs. Peters, a bouquet of flowers! Each kid in class made one of these coffee filter flowers, Mrs. Peters just assumed it was a craft they were going to take home. I was discretely bringing children into the back corner to have them sign this vase I had decorated and then we put the flowers in and presented her with a bouquet of love that will never die. She was very touched and the kids were thrilled that we pulled it off!

Tatiana and her valentine box. She is my little sweetie! Happy Valentine's Day!


On Valentine's Day, I gave everyone a little something. It was fun and I love any holiday! The kids were not expecting anything so this was a nice treat!They all got a little LEGO kit (the $5 ones). Even Andrew got a little DUPLO Thomas! He loves it! Nathan got a backpacking book and some chocolate. The whole family got an ice cream kit. Recipes for homemade frozen treats and a bunch of toppings and new ice cream bowls! Yummy!

Love, sweet love!

Tatiana's Holiday Music Concert at school

We all attended Tatiana's Holiday Music concert. She and her classmates did a wonderful job. Our adoptive aunties, Trish and Angie, came to support Tatiana as well. I think the kids love have "local family" that comes to things. Its fun for them.

Ben sharing his seat with Andrew. Are they cute or what?!

This is not a good picture of me, but I love it anyway. It was hard for Andrew to see so he stood on my chair to watch. He was very interested and did a good job. He was being very cute and Trish took this picture.

They did a couple of very impressive musical numbers on the xylophones and afterwords we took this picture of Tatiana showing off her skills.

Our beautiful little Christmas star!

Ben jammin' out afterwords too.

Good Job Tatiana!

*I'm not sure why these pics are uploading in a funny order, bear with me.

Nick's Robotics Team

I had to include this, even though I did not get a lot of good pictures.

Nick was on the LEGO Robotics team at the middle school this year. It is something he has been wanting to try for a few years now. He loves LEGOs, he loves robotics, he loves science and engineering. So this really appealed to him. He had a great time and learned a lot. When I asked him if he wanted to do it again next year, he said probably not. He said he's done it once and that is enough. BUT if we would like to use that money to buy him some LOG robotics stuff he could use at home, then he could keep working on things at home. Like I said, this kid is a thinker! Nice try Nick! We'll see.