John was given a comp day off today after traveling to Germany. He had plans to do some work at the church and some things on his to-do list around the house. But it was so rainy and he was so tired and the kids asked so nicely to play a game with him.

(Work was done today, just with a little bit later start than anticipated)

Christina actually took this picture and I thought it looked neat. She had to think about this creative angle... it wasn't just a quick snapshot. The kids are starting to pick out what music they will play for their piano recital. Just a couple months to practice and get it polished up.

New shoes today for the four kids who desperately needed them. Now they don't have to wear their boots with their short sleeves and shorts any more.

David with one of the little toys from his Kinderegg (which he insisted on posing with).


He said two things this week which made me laugh. First was riding home in the car this evening.

David calling from the back seat: "I just saw dices".
Me: "Dices?"
David: "Yeah... you know those yummy things"
Me: Pondering in silence
David: "You know those rectangle things with the dots that make yummy pizza"
Me: Domino's?
David: "Oh yeah. Domino's"

At the grocery store, looking at the gumball machines..
David: Can I get one?
Me: No, we're not going to get any tonight.
David: Sam got some.
Me: Sam used his own money.
David: I don't want to waste my money on this. Can I use yours?

John's home! Yay!! I envisioned getting sweet pictures of the kids hugging him with his backpack and suitcase still in his hands. But I got so caught up in the surprising and hugging and kissing, that no pictures were taken.

Tina made John a welcome home card with a poem. It had one notable couplet:

My Daddy is so sweet
He is bringing me a treat.

Here they are with their Kindereggs:

Taryn had her birthday party a little early. We hadn't had a birthday party for a while, so the kids were thrilled. It was sort of thrown together at the last minute, but turned out perfectly. I wish I had gotten more pictures, but with John in Germany I was kept pretty busy. We had a couple games which involved making skits. I took a couple videos, but no pictures.

The table set with menus for the mystery dinner.


Taryn with her bowl of soda.


Tina eating with her "flipper". H eating with a toothpick. A wearing her bib. She had to eat her entire meal with a knife and toothpick.


Taryn with her birthday cake


Making cards


Breakfast: Homemade cinnamon rolls, boiled eggs, fruit salad, yogurt, juice

These are some kids that are excited about a party tonight