Yum! Cookie dough!

Plain oatmeal won't ever be quite the same after this!  I was baking cookies last weekend for the girls' after-tournament treat, when, unbeknownst to me, one of the big brothers knocked this cookie-dough covered whisk on the floor.  I turned around to find Cody quite happily getting a few tastes!  I started to snatch it away and then realized the harm was already done.  I decided I might as well get some pictures!

Special Lady

DJ, Levi, Kade, and Cody with Grandma Alice.

(Kalai and Malia had already left for a class)

 
Living in the Twin Cities has its perks, the close proximity of the airport being one of them!  For the second time, Alice has had a chance to pay us an unexpected visit due to a layover in Minneapolis.  She volunteered to give up her seat in return for a nice voucher to be used in the future.  A couple weeks ago, she was able to spend afternoon and dinner with us.  What a pleasant surprise!  This special lady is grandmother to our children, mother-in-law to Kent, and gift from God to me.  She is the mother of Susan, Kent's first wife.  She exemplifies a woman who loves and fears the Lord, "her children rise up and bless her."  She has encouraged me, welcomed me, inspired me, and even gently corrected me. God's family is amazing!

Remembering...

 Looking forward to this again...summer dinners on the porch,

And freshly picked hydrangeas from my backyard!

Cody - 8 months

I'm 8 months old and I....

• tried out the infant swing for the first time...loved it!
• am gradually adding solid foods like sweet potato, rice cereal, avocado, and banana
• am scooting forward and almost ready to actually crawl
• know that there's food under the table after dinner for me to pick up
• put everything in my mouth...every piece of fuzz, every staple, every tiny Lego, stickers, etc.
• am learning to sleep on my own (and it's probably more difficult for mom and dad than for me!)
• often pat mommy on the shoulders when she picks me up because I'm so delighted
• would rather play with a phone than any other toy you might place in front of me

One bed is fine

They each have a toddler bed, but occasionally, Kade will decide he'd rather sleep on the floor right between the two beds, right on top of Levi, or, like this picture, beside him.  Precious moment for mom!

Black Belts They Are

Kalai and Malia passed their black belt testing a couple weeks ago.  I think I'd like to have one on either side of me wherever we go. :) They've worked very hard to get to this place.  Even though I'm personally no expert on Tae Kwon Do, having never even participated in one class, I've managed to learn some through their talks around the house.  Their instructors have the highest standards and expectations which has been good for the girls.  They've also become strong physically and have learned the value of exercise and keeping in shape.  And for the most part, they're still gentle and sweet, not running around looking to beat anyone up!  I feel like that a good attitude is emphasized at this school, and I'm glad our girls have had the chance to develop skills and build self-discipline. 

I've learned that I'm a silly emotional crier at these things.  I get all choked up when they go to break a board.  Very silly.  And I laugh at it.  So do the girls.  But I can't help it.

Malia's Creation

Malia and Kalai had received a gift card to a pottery/paint shop nearby.  They spent an evening there and this is what Malia chose and painted.  I especially like the mushroom add-in at the bottom of the cup.  So cute!