Special Times

Having Grandma & Grandpa around for awhile is always fantastic! This trip included belated birthday presents, a trip to Yosemite, Lockford sausage, planting flowers, taking walks, playing Wii, and so much more.

Kathryn dresses as Darth Vader(ette) after hours of watching Drew play Lego Star Wars Wii.

Grandma time is priceless:

Yosemite in Winter

We've done Yosemite in spring and summer so we decided to try it out in winter, too! It was so exciting to share it with my parents and with Henry. Each time is different and this was no exception. The falls were running a fraction of what we saw the last time we visited but they were still spectacular. But the kiddos were so excited about the SNOW!!!!! There were no crowds to speak of so we took the opportunity to browse the village store and walk throught teh Awahnee Hotel. WOW! It was a great trip.

Anika is rocking a new fashion trend of wearing your jacket inside your pants (thanks to Daddy putting a snow ball down her jeans - and grandma's ingenious solution to a wet, cold booty!)

The Newest Addition

Our family welcomed Shin Kim (Henry) into the fold this week. We're hosting South Korean exchange student, Henry, for the semester (and maybe more). He arrived on Weds. and it has been quite an adjustment for him -- especially the language. He is unfailingly polite, respectful and, I've discovered, competetive;-) The kids have been a great asset since they coax him to play games (hence the competetiveness I've learned about) but they are also easier for him to practice his English on. Each day is a little easier for him with the language but he has a way to go. Today he shared a few Korean foods with us. The Korean noodles were a big hit with the kids -- Henry even showed them how to use chopsticks. (I'm so grateful to my dear friend Deb whose visit to southeast Asia resulted in a gift of chopsticks for me.)

The kids trying out the chopsticks and the noodles:

Henry tries to give Andrew a hand:

Andrew switches to a fork:-):

Nothing but the blood

Anika blessed her Daddy by singing with him in church on Sunday (on his birthday). It was really special for us, in spite of Mom's inept attempts at being a "roadie". (I forgot to turn the mics on -- oops!)

Happy Birthday!

We were able to celebrate a special someone on Sunday!!!! The kids were so excited to greet Dad was a rousing "happy birthday" in the morning. Since it was Sunday, there wasn't much down time but we had a blessed day. Anika & Daddy sang and played guitar in the morning worship service. We made Dad one of his favorite meals (tri-tip/twice baked potatoes/green beans), took a long nap, watched a big football game, and hit up Baskin-Robbins for some bday ice cream after evening worship. All in all a wonderful day to celebrate the most special man in our lives!

Under the Weather

Last week was a L-O-N-G week for Anika! She came home Weds. complaining of a sore throat, but then it was fever and vomiting all night long. I couldn't keep the fever down, so Fri. am we headed off to the doctor. Strep wasn't a surprise but the rash was! Somehow I missed the scarlet fever/scarlatina rash covering Anika's body. Our sick little girl is now on the mend but I'm posting a pic for the grandmas. Boy, am I grateful for modern medicine!!!! Yeah, antibiotics!!!

Anika showing off her red (scarlet) cheek.