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!

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.

Sisters...my girls

They are happy...

goofy and giggly...
and they tell each other when "enough is enough." :)

We had actually gone outdoors one Sunday afternoon in hopes of getting a few pictures that would be nice enough to put on the wall and give away. The girls were certainly in favor of that over going to a studio... and it's a lot cheaper!! I'm learning a lot about photo shop and hoping to do the boys' pictures now.

These pictures I snapped in between our "real" poses!