Early Christmas

Today we had an early Christmas with John's parents.  We got the tree up and decorated.  Drank a little egg nog.  The kids got to open gifts early too!  They really enjoyed playing with their new gifts (art easel and supplies and baby stroller/pram/carrier).  Joel got a craving for chocolate chip cookies after lunch and wanted to make some with Grandma Kathy...he's well on his way to being a great baker!

Thanksgiving 2009

Aquarium Adventures

Its really been a joy having my parents out here for Thanksgiving. We have spent alot of time together with some great memories made. Today's adventures took us down to the Seattle Aquarium; it was fun for all ages.  It was very memorable watching Mom and Dad each take the little ones and point out some new and exciting sight found there. We saw otters, seals, and of course, fish.  The highlight was the brilliant red octopus.  I was so happy to capture that moment in one of the photos.  Joel pretended to ride on a whale and Elianna loved to try to poke at the fish.  She reached right on in when we were told we could touch the starfish and sea urchins.  It brought smiles to all of our faces. --John

What We've Been Reading Lately

Joel (and Elianna) wants to send out a big THANKS to his Great Aunt Jeanette & Kent for the Highlights High Five magazine gift (smiles).  We've been putting some of the "Build It" section into play lately, as you can see with our little maze!  Elianna was amazed with it and promptly became a steamroller and destroyed it before Joel could send his little man through the maze for a second time.  Now that Joel's been reading it for a year, he's starting to get more familiar with the characters and likes the "my first hidden pictures" a lot. 

This past couple of weeks we also enjoyed reading "How To Dig A Hole To The Other Side of the World", "The Berenstain Bears' Big Book of Science and Nature", "The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit", and finished the New Testament of the "Family Time Bible".  These are all part of the Sonlight preschool curriculum.  Elianna is getting a little better at sitting and listening to stories; but still not half as interested as Joel is!   She likes the ladybug and dog books the best these days...actually anything that is short and sweet is best for her.  We've noticed her hugging books and calling them "bible" lately...I think the nursery curriculum is really instilling a love for the Word of God in her!!!

We haven't been working much on learning to read yet, but I've started reading a book called "The 3 R's" by Ruth Beechick that's supposed to give me understanding on the steps I need to guide the kids through in order for them to learn to read.   I finally finished reading "Grace Based Parenting" a couple weeks ago...a life transforming book for me and many other moms that were reading it in Beth's Blue Castle Reading group on facebook.  I only wish there would have been more discussion!  But I always enjoy hearing what Beth has to say...she is wise beyond her years.  It's one of those "if you only had time to read one parenting book, you need only read this one" type.  Dr. Tim Kimmel has so much parenting wisdom.  Also on the "mom front", we just started up a playgroup that is going to read a devotional book called "Ordinary Mom, Extrodinary God" and share thoughts while 6+ toddlers play together lol!  The Couple's Cell group we go to has been reading and discussing a chapter from the Bible each week, over the last few months.  John (and sometimes I join him) has been enjoying the informative and thought provoking "Chasing the Wild Goose" book by Mark Batterson.  What an amazing pastor and author!  I also enjoy his daily blogging (0:  

Well there you have it...a snippet of what we have considered good reads lately.  What a joy and privilege to be able to have access to so many books to change our lives for the better.  Thank you God for books!!!

A Regular Event With Dad