Easter Fun, Softball, & Field Trips

It was with great joy that we were able to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior with all four of our children. While we were waiting for Eliza we often thought about the holidays we would celebrate when she came home. We go to the same Easter Egg Hunt every year and would wonder if the next year would include our new daughter. There were a few "hiccups" to the "perfect" holiday we envisioned (the fridge stopped working Easter morning) but to be with our children and see Eliza participate in our family traditions was truly a gift. She was not at all sure about the Easter Egg Hunt we went to on Saturday but by the time we did our family hunt on Sunday she was ready. She also thought the coloring of the eggs was pretty cool. Her favorite part was eating the chocolates in the eggs. It is because of Easter that we have Eliza. If God did not send His Son to die for our sins, if He had not risen, and if we did not have a relationship with Christ we would not have the capacity to love her like we do. We love because He first loved us!






























On another note, Emma has decided to play Softball this Spring so here are some snapshots of her first game.

















We recently visited the Portland Art Museum with one of our favorite people, Nancy. Nancy is married to Claude who was not able to come with us. They are a joy to be with always. She is an amazing artist (though she would never admit it). We were able to see some paintings from the collection of Madame Pompadour (Louis XIV's mistress). The way the colors "popped" was amazing! It was a thrill to be up close to paintings from the late 1700s. We were not able to take photos but I do have one of all the kids and Nancy outside the museum.

Happy 1 Year Gotcha-versary, Eliza!

One year ago today Eliza was placed in our arms. It has been an amazing year! Some of her favorite things lately include pizza, chocolate, playing outside, her brother, giving kisses, Elmo, and seeing new things. It is hard to believe it has been a year already. Once again I feel an abundance of thankfulness to the Lord for changing our hearts and bringing us together. Words cannot express....

Spring Break 2009

We took a week off from school and enjoyed exploring some local areas. We enjoyed hiking on the Banks-Vernonia Trail,
























seeing all we could in the Japanese Gardens,



and learning all about the Pittock Mansion.



We had a great time with the kids. Eliza was so cute walking through the Chinese Gardens and then "peering" through the railing on our hike. It's amazing how time flies and kids grow! There is not doubt that we are abundantly blessed.

Eliza's Gotcha Video

I recently finished Eliza's Gotcha video and although it took some doing, got it posted online for everyone to see. Enjoy!

Eliza's Gotcha Video

March News

In the last few weeks Ethan finished up his basketball season. It was a lot of fun to watch him play.
















We also enjoyed another visit with our friends the Fortlanders. Eliza and Emily played really well together and had us all laughing.

One of My Favorite Things.....

This is our first year home schooling our three oldest children and I have to share one of my favorite things about it----field trips! I love that we can go out as a family and have fun together on weekdays or any day we wish without missing any "school". We had one of those fun days today. Toby took the day off and we all spent the day at the Children's Museum and one of our favorite parks. Eliza went down a slide all by herself for the first time today and it happened to be the same slide that Ethan, Emma, & Faith all used the first time they went down a slide alone. It was a beautiful day to be out and about. Here are some pictures from today and a few snapshots from the last few days to go with them. Enjoy!

The Blessings Keep on Coming

Things continue to go well. We have settled into being a family of six and are truly blessed. Emma had another piano recital this month and did fabulous! Eliza continues to amaze us with her silliness and loving personality. Here are some pictures from the last few weeks of fun:)