Sometimes I can't imagine what Samuel must be thinking. There is always something new going on, and he probably thinks we are SO weird. Today we boiled eggs and put them into little cups with pink and blue and green water! What?? Haha!
But he soon got the hang of it and had a good time.
We have talked a lot about why Jesus died and that Easter is a celebration of His rising from the dead. This will be an on-going topic of conversation, as it is difficult for Samuel to understand. We trust in God's Spirit to make those truths real in his mind and heart.
Easter Sunday before church. It turned out to be a cold, dreary day with snow on the ground, so we were dressed for winter! Poor Caylie wasn't feeling well, so she does not have her usual big smile. This was the first time we were able to talk Sam into wearing a button-down shirt and tie!
I am way behind in posting, as usual! So here are some pictures and videos of our activities for the past few weeks.
Caylie's Chinese class did a dance for one of the monthly international days. The classes study many countries and cultures, not just the ones for their submersion language. This one was for Vietnam. (They're wearing Chinese clothes, though!) Caylie is in the middle, front row.
Here she is!
Here is a video of the dance.
Is it not the cutest thing ever? I just wish the other classes hadn't been so noisy in front of me.
Caylie's class after the show, with both their Chinese and English teachers.
Samuel's class went on a three-day, two-night trip to the Calwood Education Center in Jamestown, Colorado. They hiked and learned a lot about nature, and had yummy food and slept in cabins. Sam had a great time and wants to go back! Here he is on the morning they left.
Keelan bought himself a new guitar and has been teaching himself chords and notes. He wants to play with our church's worship band.
The kids were with me one day when I was watching Tessa. Caylie decided that they would give a concert by playing wooden block "flutes". Tessa was not so cooperative, haha.
And here is a video of their efforts!
Introduction in Chinese and English by Caylie.
Keelan was in Gateway High School's production of the musical "Ragtime". He played trumpet in the orchestra, and spent many, many hours rehearsing. We went to see it during the Saturday performance, and the kids were mesmerized.
Caylie loves this shirt from her friend Stazia. :)
Keelan's band also had a spring concert. My phone was nearly dead, though, so I have no video this time.
The boys have been playing a lot of foosball this winter.
Justin has been learning the trombone for about 4 months now, and practices every day. Here is a video of him playing the trombone part of "Boot Scootin' Barn Dance."
I still hang out with Tessa on Mondays and Fridays.
We have fun. :)
Eating yummy lunch.
And giving baby a drink.
Keelan is still making ice cream at Dairy Queen. Here he is with his friend Jordan.
And he's also learning to play the ukulele in his spare time.
Daddy and Samuel enjoying some ice cream.
We had a new sidewalk and front steps put in, so this great big truck was in our driveway. The kids were mesmerized again!
My big boys at church last Sunday.
We've had a lot of spring-like days since early February. Samuel and Caylie like Dinosaur Park near our house.
Daddy and Samuel throwing a ball for Jack at the school yard near our house.
One Sunday afternoon we visited another park with Brittany, Brad and Tessa.
And Caylie overcame her fear of the trampoline!
And the very next day after that, we got this! Yep, it was 72* on Tuesday, and 24 inches of blowing snow on Wednesday. And now we are on our second snow day in a row, the week before Spring Break. Ack . . .
Keelan turned 17 on March 6. We are so proud of the young man he has become. He is interested in so many things - we can't wait to see what God has in store for him. His birthday was on a Sunday, so he's opening some presents before church. (If you look closely at the previous posts, you'll notice that Taylor, Caylie, and now Keelan all have birthday presents wrapped with the last of the Christmas paper, haha.)
Little sisters like presents. Even if they're not for them.
One of the things Keelan is interested in is 50s and 60s music, played on a record player. (And I don't seem to have all my pictures from that day, ugh. Brad and Brittany gave him more vinyl!)
He picked Rosie's Diner for his birthday lunch.
Tessa and Uncle Keelan. (And again . . . I really thought I had pictures of ALL of us!)
And Elvis dropped in to wish Keelan a happy birthday. ;)
And the best part . . . the ducky cheesecake. Keelan wanted cheesecake, but we were at Brad and Brittany's house when we ate it, and didn't have our regular birthday candles. So duckies and matches it was. Ha!
