We REJOICED! as a family.

The month of April is always jam-packed with family celebrations. Uncle Andrew's Birthday comes first, then Marty's, then Zach's, then Aunt Kelly's and finally my own. And right in the midst of all the cake and presents is Easter. This year we continued what has become a tradition over the last few years: a simple, but absolutely joyful celebration of our Savior's resurrection with my parents. (We hope next year our entire family could join us)

Jayden can nearly recite the Biblical account, from Jesus breaking bread with his disciples at the last supper through the miraculous empty tomb-- for which she exclaims "Jesus is alive!". Check out this really fun teaching tool called Resurrection Eggs http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=297220&event=ETS

Mima took on the challenge of baking Marty's birthday cake with the help of tiny hands.
Papa brought up Jayden's new favorite book about a little mouse named Marty.
Sunday morning we worshiped together with our awesome church, which meets at the Junior college just a mile from our house.
Mima brought up the egg-hunting supplies and the kids had a blast discovering them in the backyard and in their rooms.

The days are filled with fun.

Monday morning we picked Mima up at the train station. We always arrive a few minutes early in order to elevate the anticipation, so when Jayden and Zachary catch the first glimpse of Mima the squeals begin. (Jayden's statement at the end of the clip is a celebration indeed -- many of you have prayed for the "double 'o's" as we call 'em).


Our first destination was the Simi Golf Course to feed some hungry ducks. Although Zachary opted to chase them while Jayden ate the bagels. But it was a beautiful morning and prancing through the green grass and fresh air was invigorating.
Today was the Easter Egg Hunt at Jayden's preschool which we were gearing up for all morning but managed to arrive late anyway (After an awesome opportunity to help a stranger at Goodwill transport a large dresser in our car to her house!!). So we sat in the class for the circle-time story and then gobbled cupcakes outside. Lunch was a super treat as well: Happy Meals in the backyard!

My little mother

One of the questions I am answering a lot these days is whether or not Jayden will be a big help to me with the new baby. My answer of course is YES! She is longing for July and the day when Mima, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa will take her to the hospital to meet her baby brother. She has it all planned out and is convinced that her jobs will be to hold him, buckle him in his car seat, feed him a bottle, and babysit Zachary so he stays out of mischief.

What I hadn't realized until my mom discovered some old video is that Jayden was a precious helper when Zachary was born. This scene unfolded at my parents Encinitas home days before we celebrated Jayden's 2nd birthday. I think I'll try to recreate the scene with a 2 year old Zachary and the baby so we can compare their "mothering" instincts. I'm sure Zachary will be much more interested in wrestling with the little guy then feeding him!

Some of her phrases: "lap. sitting lap." -- "I think he hungry much." -- "Doggy he go Hospital. Doggy sick." --"Need a napkin"--"Sit up straight. Help him be straight"