Powell Gardens

Figure it's about time for a new post. I don't have anything profound to say at the moment, or at least, not enough time to let the thoughts ruminate into something deep, but pictures of my kids are always a good substitute, right?! Haha!

Mark & I aren't as cute-

but I know you all still love us!

ohhh, baby boys...

The princess after a dip in the fountains

My rocker-

thankfully this is water, not sweat.

This time.

My entertainer

= JOY

Just loove this one.

There were 4 grandparents in tow on this trip as well, but for the sake of space, I will save the 127 pictures for a Facebook album! :D

SLEDDING!!

 

23 degrees doesn't feel so cold after its been -14!

Why is it that it seems you spend twice as much time climbing back up as going down?

Ch- ch- cheeeesezzzzz......

Even Zaria went down the hill a few times!

The obligatory wipeout

Cahira

Somehow, some way, known only to God and the mystery of time, my beautiful first born became a lovely 7 year old! How did this happen? I am amazed at the lovely young lady I see her becoming. She is truly kind and loving to everyone, and such a good friend. She is smart, fun and crazy, graceful, conciderate and creative. And I adore her. And now she is 7! I am in awe.


Cahira wanted to have an Island theme for her birthday, so on the day, we took the family to one of our favorite special occasion spots on the plaza, Kona Grill. We had delicious Pacfica food and sushi. So proud of my kids being willing to try unfamiliar food, using chopsticks, and eating sushi!

Then we sat by one of the many fountains while Cahira opened her gifts from the Grandparents, and family.

That weekend we had all her friends over for a "Luau". Nothing like swimsuits and island print shirts in February!

complete with hula contest!

which Esther won decidedly!

First time!

We took Zaria on a walk at Longview Lake, the first of many to come! It was a little chilly but she seemed perfectly content bundled up, cruising in her new, amazing stroller! (Thanks Stan and Susie!!)

He He! you can't even see her in there!

Sister Kisses!

One for the record books...

Here's the last picture taken of our family unit as it is now.

We'll never be a family of 5 again, and that's a very exciting thing. Shortly, we'll be posting pics of our new arrival, Zaria Horizon, and the step of us becoming a family of 6. Check back often!

A perfect outing

Several weeks ago we discovered a wonderful new activity here in Kansas City; the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. It has miles of lovely trails through the woods, a beautiful garden and lots of stuff for the kids. And- It's FREE!!! I love free stuff! We spent a great day wandering the trails, hanging out in the bird watch, eating lunch and enjoying the beauty of God's creativity. Here are a few photo highlights, including the after shot of Cahira and I after we slid down a particularly muddy slope. She did a perfect backwards somersault! LOL! Luckily there was a little stream at the bottom so we could wash up. If you come to visit us, it is a must that we find time to go. Or if you live in the area, be sure to check it out!

Zoom, zoom!

There is a lake about 3 minutes from our house with a 9 mile walking trail around it that we love to go to, as often as possible, no matter what the weather. So on a lovely, blustery "spring" evening a few days ago, we grabbed the kids, their bikes and the dog and went for a little outing. We were pittifully underdressed since it had been warmer earlier in the day, but we still managed to have a great time. Here are a few pictures!

" Lightening McQueen"

Who enjoyed racing in circles around the rest of us!

So proud of herself on her "Spidey" trike

Learning to balance without training wheels!

Beautiful finish!