Auntie Mindy- Part 3

On May 26, the weather was so nice that we all decided to head to the park. This was the last day that Auntie Mindy would be with us. We were so happy to see her and sad to see her go. We were suppose to go to a graduation party for Andrew before they left, but Sue (Mindy's mom) ended up getting sick :(. So they left soon after. We miss you, Auntie Mindy!

Auntie Mindy- Part 2

After going to Focus On The Family and putting the girls down for a nap, the day was nice and we decided to go outside and play. The kids had alot of fun having Auntie Mindy push them on the swings and running round with them. (May 24, 1014)

Auntie Mindy also brought the kids birthday presents with her. The kids loved getting the presents and opening them with her. The girls each got a bear and the boys got a game set. They loved them!

Auntie Mindy- Part 1

The next day, May 24, 2014, we took Auntie Mindy to Focus On The Family. This was only place she wanted to see. The kids had alot of fun running round the place and the boys were even old enough to go down the big slide. Of course Auntie Mindy did too. Then we ate at Wit's End. The food was good and alittle expensive, but its something that we had not done before and it was fun being able to do that with her.

 Airplane set up in major play area. Suppose to be like the plane Whit's son, Jason, flew. You can walk up the steps and walk in the airplane.

 In another room, they have a BIG stage set up and different clothes worn by the characters they wore during the Adventure's In Odyssey. The kids had fun dressing in the different clothes than running around the stage.

 They had alot of fun going down this big slide. The boys went down several times. It looked like fun, but someone had to watch the girls.

 Eating at Whit's End!

 Girls playing in fenced in baby area. Mommy needed a break while the boys did something else the girls could not do.

Auntie Mindy came to town!

My best friend from Jr. High came out from California to visit us! Actually it was two-fold, to see us and her youngest brother, Andrew, who was graduating from the Air Force Academy. Whatever the reason, we were glad to see her after 5 years! She came on May 23 with her family and she stayed with us for 3 days before going and doing stuff with her family.
Her first day here:

The kids were so glad to see Auntie Mindy, including me! We just stayed around the house and talked. She didn't get there until late afternoon. It was good to see her again and the kids loved having her around.

Awanas 2013-2014

We finished up another year of Awanas on May 14. Paul completed his 2nd year of Sparks. Peter started out in his 1st year of Sparks, but then decided it was more fun to stay home with grandma (I think it was alittle overwhelming for him). Stella finished her first year of Cubbies. She loved going and seeing Ms. Serena. I am so proud of my kids and all that they are able to accomplish and for hiding God's Word in their hearts.

Paul- I am so proud at all this kid has accomplished. He received the diploma for finishing his 2nd book in Sparks as well as the blue ribbon. He also got the metal from doing the review book and all the extra credit sections (4 sections, 5 verses in each).

Paul also got his rank patch, filled in all the jewels for his wings (attendance and for passing his sections), his review patch (behind his wings), and extra credit pin. He was so excited to get all his awards that night.

Peter- I am very proud of Peter because he stayed in Awanas for half of the year and did half his book. This is a great accomplishment over last year. I wish he would have stayed in longer, but he has a sensory issue and can't deal with loud noises. I am still very proud of him. He received an certificate of participation and a ribbon for participating. He wanted to know where his ribbon is so I think we may try to finish his book over the summer. I am hoping that he will want to do Awanas next year.

Peter received his rank patch and his wings. He also got two blue jewels for attendance and 2 red jewels and 2 green jewels for finishing his sections.

Stella- She did well this year as well. At first it was really hard getting her to say and memorize her verses. But after she got the hang of it, she went flying through her book and was able to caught up. She received an certificate for being in Cubbies and her Appleseed ribbon for finishing her Appleseed book. She is so proud of her ribbon and wants to carry it everywhere (just like her vest). She wears her vest every chance she gets and would not take it off if I let her.

She earned green and red apple patches for completing her sections and her Appleseed patch. The patches are in a shape of an A. I know you can't see them the way she is holding her arms. Stella is pretending to be strong. One of her brothers put her up to it.

The Lord blessed us this year and I was able to help out in Sparks. I love Awanas and am glad that my kids are able to participate in it. Here's looking forward to next year!

Easter Baskets

Easter Egg Hunt

We have an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids every year. We used to fill the eggs with coins for the kids to find, but lately we just have been filling them with gold fish crackers. The kids seem to like it, so why not. We do the plastic eggs, not the hard boiled. It just seems easier as you don't have to worry so much if you can't find the eggs later. The kids were so excited about finding the eggs. It was cold and windy outside so we did not stay long. After finding all the eggs, the kids gathered on the floor and opened the eggs and ate the crackers. They had so much fun! Such wonderful memories!
Paul hiding eggs this year:

Kids finding the eggs:

After finding the eggs: