2nd Article of Faith

So our church has something called "The Articles of Faith" which is a list of 13 statements about our beliefs. We've been working with the kids to help them memorize all 13. The 2nd Article of Faith says this: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." Here's Jackson's rendition:

Roller Slides

Japan has the absolute coolest parks. One of my favorite features is the roller slide. You usually have to hike up a little hill or climb some steps to get the the start of the slide. Then you sit on a piece of cardboard and slide down on a series of spinning rods. It is so much fun. Some slides are faster than others. Some jiggle your butt and some make it hot from the friction. The other day we bought what can only be described as lunch trays, to sit on while sliding. They significantly increase your speed--and isn't that the whole point?! As you can see in the first picture, Soren goes pretty slow and the locals get backed up behind him. But the kids always go back for more. Uncle Chris was a big fan when he was here. We found a park near the airport that had the longest roller slide we've seen. Chris and Christian found a flat piece of wood to ride on and they were flying! I'm starting to realize that it's the little things, like crazy park slides, that you really miss when you move.

 
 
 

Happy Birthday Sydo!

Is is possible that my first born is seven years old? We had a fun day today full of everything Sydney. She started the day by running her first 5K with her dad. I couldn't believe how awesome she was. Three miles is FAR for a little girl! But she did it. Immediately after, we headed to Dunkin Donuts. Nice. Then she opened her birthday presents including the bike she's been wanting. So we rode around the neighborhood before lunch at her favorite restaurant. Next we hit the beach and yakisoba for dinner. Whew---what a day. It was like a triathlon for Sydney. She is such a great kid...we are lucky to be her family. Happy Birthday to Sydo the Kiddo!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Easter egg hunt

Some friends from a nearby neighborhood do an annual Easter egg hunt. We were so excited and got there just before 11:00, ready to find some candy-filled eggs. However, it seemed strange that the big kids were already looking for eggs when we arrived. Come to find out, the hunt started at 10:00. Oops. The one thing I had planned for my kids and we totally missed it. This goes on my application for "Mom of the Year." Luckily there were still eggs to find and my kids didn't seem to notice that everyone else had gone home. Happy Easter!

 
 
 

Old Friends

While Christian was away, I had an old friend here to keep me company...Veronica Mars: seasons 1,2, and 3. Oh how I LOVE Veronica Mars. Why do they always cancel the shows I like? But is was so nice to have the whole gang back to visit. This seems to be a pattern with me...move to a new place, feeling a bit lonely, so I call on my dear friends Veronica and Sydney Bristow. What I appreciate the most is that they always make the move with me. No leaving them behind with only emails and phone calls to keep us close. Seriously, I don't understand people who don't watch TV!

Vacation's over.

It is starting to feel like the vacation is over. Christian is leaving on TDY soon, we have church callings, and I've already backed into something with the car. I've been thinking...OK, this was fun, but now it's time to go home.

So now is the part where I vent. (Feel free to move on if you don't want to hear my bitching.) I miss Target. I miss Wesson. I miss being able to call people at a normal time of day. I miss driving past a building and knowing what it was because I can read the sign. I miss being there for the important events in my loved ones' lives (like my two wonderful friends having their babies). I miss my family and friends. I miss all things familiar.

Here's what I don't miss: Snow. And Wesson's hair. And all things familiar.
Yep, I'm a woman and I'm complicated. I think now I'll go frost the coconut cake I've been working on today. Baking always makes me feel at home.

Jackson turns 5

As much as I tried to convince Jackson to stay 4 forever, today he turned 5 years old. When our kids have a birthday, we spend the day doing and eating everything they want. So for Jacks' big day, he chose to go to the movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, to McDonalds for lunch, to his favorite park, and finally to the beach. He topped off the night with a dinner of Cookie Crisp cereal (his choice, not mine!) and jumping on the trampoline with Dad. He also requested I make him a white cake with pink frosting. I was happy to make him pink frosting for his 5th birthday, but if he asks for the same thing when he turns 14, I might be concerned! I think he had a great time. He also assured me that even though he wasn't four anymore, he'd still be sweet and loving at five years old, just a little taller. I love this boy.