First Day of School

The morning began with Hand-made crowns, Old Navy uniforms, chocolate muffins, and smoothies.

 

Then we snapped photos outside.

And we were off to Bethany Christian to meet up with dear friends. Sophia and Morgan Elder and Taylor Ikenouye are all in Zachary's preschool class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  I am so blessed by the friendship of their Mamas, Nikki Elder and Kelly Ikenouye, and so excited that our kids will grow up together!!

 

 Back and home, Oliver had a nap, and Jayden and I opened the door to her new classroom!  She is a quick and eager learner, and I had the best time, the most fun, the perfect role as her teacher!  I am incredibly blessed to stay home with my children and to have so many options for their educations.  And I have a feeling that Homeschooling is going to become my very favorite mothering activity.  God is so Good!

Firsts

First day of VBS....Pandamania!!

 Jayden's crew is filled with almost all of her besties: Isabella, Zoey and Paul (whom she is going to marry apparently).

 Zachary also found himself with his best buds:  Charlotte, Morgan, and Ryder.

 First day of Swim Lessons!  I was amazed to see my rambunctious Oliver respond so well to his instructor -- following directions! A.M.A.Z.E.D

New Year's Eve

The weather was spectacular.  You know,  the magical combination of atmospheric ingredients that make Southern California winters envied by frozen States across the land: 

warm, sunny rays piercing through nippy air to toast the skin. 

Conditions perfect for releasing boisterous little ones into the outdoors for running, laughing, and cardboard sledding!

 Our friends Kelly, Cole and Taylor Ikenouye met us at Ant Hill Park for a couple hours of Holiday happiness.

  In the EVEning we busted out noise-makers, and let the kids stay up really late (9:00 is late around here, folks). 

Three.

Zachary Is:

Tender. Exuberant. Curious. Focused.

Adventurous and Brave.

Seriously Funny.

Generous.

Eager to do what is good.

Quick to share with a friend.

Always available for hugs and cuddles.

An amazing helper, especially in the kitchen.

A creator of mess and mayhem (keeps us on our toes and on our knees --in prayer).

A loyal brother.

Handsome as can be.

A one of a kind person created in the image of God with a purpose that only his hands can fulfill. (Jeremiah 29:11)

And he just turned 3!

On April 19th we celebrated the day we first had the joyous honor of holding him in our arms.
His life is evidence of the Divine Creator; the Loving GOD and Savior of the world.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his external power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20

Happy Feet

Although she no longer receives formal Ballet instruction, Jayden still has a passion to twirl and twit about on her toes.
She loves to tell people that she goes to "pretend Ballet class" which takes place in our living room.
Zachary often obliges her requests for a dance partner, but he put his foot down when she told him to put on some white tights. He said "no ce-ce I can wear my pants!".
Here's a bit of video from some recent pretending :)

2 Samuel 6:14
David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might,