Our Backyard

We are loving our new home, and since the weather has warmed up, the kids have been enjoying the backyard too. They have been spending a lot of time outside. 

There's plenty of space to run around and play hide-and-seek.

We finally put together a playhouse that was given to the kids for Christmas.

So fun to have a sister to play with!

Bible Story Time

For Bible Story time in the evenings, Derek used to read from a children's Bible. It was hard to keep Makena's attention on most nights. Then recently, a Bible app came out and Derek has been using it with the girls. The app has short stories and interactive parts -- perfect for their age! 

Kyle got wind of what's been going on in the next bedroom and invited himself to be a part of it. He plops himself down and gets comfy and enjoys the animated characters and stories with the girls. 

Proud Parents - A Great Dentist Visit And An Act Of Kindness

Makena went to her dentist check-up yesterday. She doesn't like the dentist which has made for unpleasant experiences. Leading up to the appointment, we tried to squelch any of her fears by telling her how great she was going to do and that the dentist would give her a great check-up (after all, we have been very diligent about flossing and brushing the girls' teeth every night). Karis wasn't quite on board with our endeavor at this point. She just kept trying to tell Makena how bad the fluoride paste tasted and that it made her cry.

Derek took Makena to the dentist while I stayed home ... and prayed! While at the dentist, Derek texted me and told me Makena was doing great. She even said, "I like the dentist!" We were so excited!

I told Karis that Makena was doing great at the dentist. Karis thought we should put up decorations and balloons and make a sign for her. I didn't really want to do that in the middle of making dinner but I was so touched that Karis thought of that. So I put up some streamers and Karis drew some rainbow pictures. Makena was very proud of how well she did at the dentist and loved the attention.

We were very impressed that Karis wanted to support and celebrate with Makena. A true act of kindness, something they have been learning at school this past month.

Playmates

The kids have been playing so well together. The girls are so sweet to Kyle. They put up a lot and exercise as much patience as expected for a 3 and 5 year old. Kyle loves to play with them and is always watching and observing them. 

I love that they play together and find ways to enjoy the same things. Here are some pictures of them playing together one afternoon.

Today's Nap

These days Kyle has been sleeping with his giraffe lovey and two beanie baby dogs...and of course his supply of pacifiers. Some days, he picks a random thing to sleep with. It's usually whatever toy he's holding in his hand when I'm putting him down for a nap. Today it was Daddy's hat he had been wearing. 

Soon there won't be any room left in the crib with the way he's been growing lately and with all the stuff he's sleeping with!

Sunglasses

Kyle loves to wear sunglasses. These are his favorite. He wears them almost every day. He even sleeps with them on! 

Bath Time

The girls love taking baths these days. They like our jetted tub and their new Ariel bath toys. Today we tried bubble bath soap for the first time. I learned what happens when you add bubble bath and then turn on the jets -- it makes a lot of bubbles!!

A Day at the Zoo

Today was a beautiful warm day. We took the kids to the Dallas Zoo. The girls were so excited. We were excited to show Kyle animals that he had only seen pictures of. 

I loved watching his big brown eyes as he saw some animals for the first time.

The girls were tired today and Makena took advantage of the double stroller.

Karis' favorite were the pink flamingos.

Kyle got to see his favorite animal up close and personal. The giraffe certainly looked different than his little toys and stuffed animals!

I had never been that close to a giraffe. They are so beautiful and gentle.

Fleeting Days

Everyone always tells us to cherish these days while our kids are young. I certainly am trying to. It's so physically demanding during this season and I joke about how I can't wait until the girls can make their own breakfast (and my coffee) and wash their own clothes. But in reality, I love them at this stage for their innocence, their pure hearts, their laughter and the cute things they say and do. 

Makena especially has been adorable these days. I love her sweet voice and all her questions that reveal what's on her mind. I can tell she copies a lot of what Karis says, but she's definitely showing more of her own personality. She's a funny girl who acts so silly. I like that it doesn't feel like she's growing up too fast. She's not aware of what others are doing or saying and she rarely cares about what she wears. She is easy-going and let's her sister have her way most of the time (e.g., picking a TV show, letting her have the color plate/cup she wants, and playing dolls her way). 

Lately she's been telling me she wants to be a mommy. She wants her own baby, like the way I have Kyle as my own baby. She envies the work that I do. She's been wanting to help with the laundry, making dinner and preparing coffee in the morning.

Last month we made a big deal about Karis' birthday. We celebrated it on two different days and Karis got a special cake that she designed herself. Makena quietly envied Karis as she got all the attention and new toys, but yet never made a fuss about it. She just kept telling me she wanted her birthday party now (not really understanding she has to wait for a certain day). At school, they did an activity where they got to share the one thing they really wanted for Christmas. My sweet girl...

She even told me she was going to ask Santa for one. I encouraged her to change her mind (so I didn't have to make her a cake Christmas Eve!) and assured her that I would make her a cake for her birthday.

I'm excited for this new year and watching all three continue to grow and mature. I can't believe Kyle will be two years old and no longer a baby. Makena will be four and Karis will be starting Kindergarten. Wow...

Our Christmas Card

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We have been in Texas for just over a year and we are enjoying it. We, of course, miss our family and friends but we know full well that we are where God wants us to be. Our church community at GracePoint Church of Coppell (www.gracepointcoppell.org) has been nothing less than great. We have enjoyed getting to know the people, being involved in different areas, and participating in family-oriented serving opportunities with the kids. We love the culture and the vision of our church and feel privileged to be a part of it.

I severely underestimated the amount of and intensity of all the changes a move entails from little things such as annual vehicle inspections and choices of home power providers to big things such as investing time in building relational capital with new to me church members. I committed to commuting year-round on my motorcycle and have kept that promise in 100º down to freezing temps (and from 81º one day to 38º the next). The best curvy roads I have found are on a cloverleaf exit ramp! Overall, I enjoy the varied weather here despite all the family sans Lena being sick with new allergens and pollens the first 5 months.

I appreciate that Lena has made efforts this past year to go out make friends instead of remaining stuck at home with three little kids. She spoils not only the children but also me with all the work she does in and for our home. Lena’s biggest adjustment this past year has been the weather – thunderstorms, extreme summer heat, and even an ice storm. It was hard for her and the kids to spend so much time indoors because of the weather, especially during the summer. All three kids are enrolled in preschool, which gives Lena a nice break for a few hours on school days. The kids are thriving and learning so much and Lena gets some much needed alone time.

As you can see in our Christmas picture attached, our kids are growing up fast. They continue to bring us joy, make us laugh, and keep us on our toes! Karis is loving pre-K. She is shy but has made some good friends. She loves to do new things and is always up for going out. She is our little artist who always impresses us with her drawings and creations. Makena is easy-going, always asking questions, and pushing boundaries. She loves to play with and take care of her little brother. They have the sweetest relationship. She is our little nurturer. Both are flossing all ready to avoid more expensive dental bills! Kyle is now 19 months old. He is a sweet boy who loves to show affection. He is a quick learner and takes full advantage of being the youngest child -- he is loud and knows how to get his way!

We are very blessed to have purchased a house a week before Christmas. We (read "Lena") have been busy making it into our home. Come visit us!