Fridays are for picnics

Remember how in my last blog post I was all "ooh, I loooove January! It's so cozy!" Turns out that January, even in south Texas, can be a dreary month. Although I will admit we (I?) have been loving the opportunity to turn on the heat, wear comfy sweaters, and take hot baths. But when we woke up this morning and the forecast said the high would be 75°, it seemed that the right thing to do was pack a picnic lunch and head to our favorite park.

And so we did. :-)

December photo project - Zoo lights

Christmas magic

Awww, isn't this sweet?  

Look at those wide eyes, full of Christmas magic.

The joy in his eyes says it all.

I'm sure he's thinking of ways to show his appreciation for his wonderful parents.

Completely overwhelmed and thankful for his many blessings.

Nope, just thinking of the next funny thing to do.

making me laugh today...

 I was lucky enough to snap this pic last weekend, and well, I think it speaks for itself :D

Texas

So, yeah...as everyone already knows, we are moving to Texas! It's happening!  Even though this is old news to most of you, I figured I should probably go ahead and put it on my blog since it's kind of a big life change.   ;-)

To keep things light, I've had fun compiling some useful tips that will help us get to know to our new home state:

{this one's for you, S & E!}

{if anyone wants to read a fun article on Texans' favorite foods, check it out here.}

But seriously, we are very excited to be making Texas our new home.  Yes, it's a little bit scary to be moving so far from Washington, and everything that is familiar to us, but we feel secure knowing this is the right move for our little family and we love seeing how God is paving the way for us.

And, it doesn't hurt that we are only an hour from this.  Ahhh.

boy genius or expert multi-tasker?

Either way, it's awesome!  You are such a cool kid, Henry.

Our day out at American Girl

About twice a year Havalah and I go out for tea.  It's usually at our local tea shop, but this time we decided to try the afternoon tea at the American Girl Bistro.  We always have such fun, giggling, nibbling on tea sandwiches and drinking tea with our pinkies up.  I'm so thankful for this time together!  

this is what happens when you put three silly cousins in the car (for far too long)

We LOVE you, Anna girl!

Birthday Girl!

To the sweetest, most precious and wonderful girl, HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY!  

God has blessed you in many, many ways - you are a beauty, both on the inside and out.  You are so much fun, Havah. Your sense of humor and joy light up a room! You are quick to love and quick to forgive.  All these things make you YOU!

Things you are loving this year:

American Girls Dolls, Caroline in particular

your American Girl class 

My Little Pony - how exciting that Build-a-bear has started carrying the ponies!

collecting stamps
working on embroidery

finding miniature doll furniture for your doll house

baking - and adding that little special secret ingredient

Redwall, both the books and the cookbook

Lion King - you have especially loved finding Lion King pins

sushi, always sushi

laughing with your Daddy

swimming - you are such a fish

making up stories

matching your shoes to your outfit (a girl after your mama's heart for sure!)

doing thoughtful things for our elderly neighbor; watering his flowers, writing him a note of encouragement, taking him a baked treat.  You really have a heart for others, Havah!

drinking tea with a little bit of sugar and sometimes milk

Every single day you become more dear to us and we are so thankful that you are ours.  May God continue to bless and lead you.

We love you! Happy, happy birthday, Sweet, lovely Havalah!!

For a laugh...

{Museum of Flight - Seattle}

Never a dull moment with these three.

Life lately - according to my phone pictures

Twinsies

A silly little project from our handiwork class (it's a Kleenex holder in case you can't tell)

Bellsie is NOT loving her new sweater.    :)

Yes, the donut is really that big.  

Did I mention that the kids are loving their new remote control helicopters?  Yeeaaah...Henry got a little close to me on this occasion.

Homeschool fitness/pe class.  They work hard!

We've been trying to take more walks as a family on weekends - it's a simple way to get some fresh air.   I have no idea what what capturing their attention at this moment, but it must have been good.  Ha!

They are getting really good at tennis.  On this particular day Havah was playing so well I was getting positively giddy!  We're hoping to join the club sometime so they can play more than once a week.  

Along with our homeschooling PE class, H and H got to be apart of a photo shoot for a new urban playground.  

 

Did you know we have stick bugs?  Well, now we have baby stick bugs - and a lot of them.  H and H have started selling them on Craigslist.  Here we are meeting a family who was buying a whole bunch of the little guys.  

We got a sprinkling of snow - yay!

This kitten warms my heart.

When the sun shines in my energy is boosted about 150%.  I LOVE it.