First Basketball Experience

Grant is playing YMCA basketball for the first time this year, and he couldn't be happier about it. He was so excited for his first practice and could hardly contain his excitement at his first game. He has loved every minute of it, and it shows on his face. I love watching those games. He plays basketball with the same exuberance he does everything in life--full-bore and with joy and intensity. In his first game, he guarded his guy on the wrong side, but he did it with enthusiasm! Coach Amadio is great with the kids, and Grant is learning a lot and having a blast with friends from church and school. He was thrilled when he saw that his jersey number was the same as Joel's--matching #4s.

Joel turned 12

Joel had pizza and cheesecake for his birthday party this year. It was a non-friend party year for him, so we celebrated with family. He is growing into a great young man--funny, caring, helpful, and just fun to be around. He's rocking middle school. :)

Shopping Trip

For Christmas this year, Grandpa and Grandma gave the older kids an "experience" as a gift. Kari got tennis lessons, Joel got to do iFly (sky-diving simulation), and Aubrey got a shopping trip and lunch date with Grandpa and Grandma. They took her to the American Girl store in Portland and to the mall, and she came home with all kinds of doll goodies, sparkly clothes, and a huge smile on her face. It was an ideal day for Aubs. :)

Stuffed Friends

Grant was proud of his arrangement of his stuffed animal friends and eager to show it off. Out of all our kids, he is the one who loves his stuffed animals the most. Not much room for him on that bunk, especially when Sir Paws is up there!

Sledding in the New Year

New Year's Day was the perfect day to drive up the mountain for sledding and playing in the snow. It was absolutely beautiful. We tried to do this the weekend before Christmas, but a snow storm on the mountain led to us postponing our plans the morning of, which disappointed the kids terribly. We spent that day at the Wilsons', playing sardines and hide and seek, and then playing games inside. It turned out to be a really fun, relaxing day with friends, but we promised the kids we would try again to go sledding. It was a success!