Tanner

Tanner has had a busy week. On Saturday we travelled to Corvalis to take part in the State Destination Imagination competition. Until Tanner started to go to Cascade Heights, I had no idea what DI was. It is pretty much a team of kids chosen from a particular school to compete in creative challenges using problem solving skills. A recent article was written about one of the teams in oregon http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2010/04/beaverton_third-graders_among.html
Anyway, after a lot of hard work and fun, Tanner's team took 1st in State and was invited to the global finals. Tomorrow Tanner is on his way to outdoor school where he will spend 5 days in the rainforest of Washington state exploring the ocean, the forest, and so much more. We will miss him so much, he is such a great son, brother, and helper and makes our days so much more pleasant. Knowing Tanner, you are probably not shocked that besides the normal things he had to pack, he also included a camo ruck sack, binoculars, and a compass. He is not allowed to bring any food, money, or electronic devises so it is just him, his class , and the great outdoors. We will let you know of all his adventures when he returns.

Happy Birthday Nick, Happy Easter, Happy Birthday Annabelle

Happy Birthday Nick- WOW YOU ARE OLD

We had a great Easter. One of the best things was that Grace hand wrote each of us a card. Here are two of them. Then today, I looked on our family calendar and Tanner wrote "Great Mom I love you, you are the best mom you are the best dad." Ben is still getting bigger and we couldn't help but include the pics of him before kim took him on a walk. Eva was so excited for the Easter Bunny. She got a zsu-zsu pet and plays with it non-stop, in fact this morning she was eating Cheerios with Eva.

Playing around...

I borrowed a friend of mine's digital SLR camera and thought I would take some candids of the kids. I guess it was good timing since Gracie's body went through steroid withdrawal tonight and she has been feeling awful. Benji is teething , hence the drool running down his ginormous cheeks, Eva is starting to wear big girl undies and trying hard to get out of diapers, and Tanner is extremely excited to go to outdoor school at Olympic National Park.

Spring Break Fun!

There was plenty of fun to be had over Spring Break! We tried to really live it up before Grace's chemo and spinal tap this Friday. She did well, though is feeling yucky. We decided to visit the beach, went to the OMSI, the A.C. Gilbert House, the park, and had fun play dates. It was a blast!

Long time, no post...

A lot has been going on lately so we haven't had much time to post. We went swimming during an event with Candlelighters, a children's cancer group. The kids loved it and wanted Ben to enjoy the water. He loved it and did not want to leave. I think it was because he was having a great time showing off his hot bod. Grace and Tanner's school had a sock hop and although Tanner avoided all the pictures they all had a great time. Grace and Eva danced the night away and Tanner, the 6th grader he is, socialized with the ladies. We just got back from the beach which was awesome. 70 degress and no wind is rare on the Oregon coast. We played all day, climbing sand dunes, collecting sea shells, and playing with Belles. Of course, since we were on the West side of town we had to hit up 5 guys burgers and fries on our way back. I can't think of a more perfect day. Spring break starts tomorrow and Kim has a ton of fun things planned for the kids. We are starting to feel the effects of spring and can't wait to dry out. Grace has Chemo and a spinal tap planned for Friday, so we are trying to get all the fun things done before chemo strikes. We hope you are all doing well.

Oh, Grace, Tanner, and Eva think Ben looks like Santa in his red sweater. You make the call....