Mmmm??? Seaweed??

While Ken was eating rice and seaweed, Nathan grabbed a piece to try. He like the first two bites, but that was all! We were surprised he even tried it the second time. (Using seaweed is the only way we can get Thomas to eat rice! Gotta love their Japanese roots!)

Thankful...

Well, this is a picture of our van the day that it was purchased. Thomas was six months old! After many years of payments I am happy to say that the van will be paid off this month (9 months early, too) woo-hoo! Thomas was cutting teeth when we bought the van and soon he will be losing those sweet baby teeth.

Little did I know that I would be making the final car  payment while the van is sitting in a collison repair shop. We are very thankful for many things this past week. We are thankful that the kids and I are safe, that no one was hurt and that our car protected us. We are thankful for the people who came to help us including my brother, my parents and Nathan's speech teacher who happen to drive by. We are thankful for the police and fire fighters that came to the scene to ensure that we were all safe. We aren't going to dwell on that day, but cautiously move forward and know that things can be replaced.

Firkin Fun...Evans Style

After school, staff and their families were invited to Firkin & Kegler Bowling alley for some extra after school fun! It was great that the event included the spouses and children of the staff. Thomas was very excited yet a little nervous to go. He LOVES going bowling there, but we usually only bowl the small kiddie lanes. Thomas did great with his 6 pound ball and bumpers! He really enjoyed it and hated to leave. Nathan loved all the lights and sounds. I was glad that Ken came after work, too. We hope that the spirit committee at school plans more fun events like this one!

All Lined Up!

Here's the new trick! Nathan loves lining things up. He lines up matchbox cars on the carpet. He lines up blocks and plastic beads. Now, he lines up his fruit loops before eating them! Too cute!

So Many Accomplishments!!!

On Thursday, I was outside on the playground with Thomas at school while his class was out there. He was so excited that he finally was able to go across the monkey bars without falling down! I was excited that I was there to see it! That afternoon he also became an AR Reader. An AR reader is someone how masters reading all 5 sight word lists that are Kindergarten and First Grade words. Then the children can check out certain books from the school library and take 5 question comprehension tests on the computer. He is so excited and we couldn't be more proud of his incredible accomplishments all in one day! Way to go Thomas!

Thomas and his first AR book!

Fun at the Park

After school on Thursday, we went to see Emily and baby McKinley. They have a great park in their neighborhood and since the weather was so nice we took the kids to play. McKinley was super cute in her sunglasses!! Thomas had fun climbing, swinging and dribbling his basketball. Nathan was tired and a little grouchy. I was nice to walk around the block and have an adult conversation with my BFF.

Lordy, Lordy...someone's 40

My brother turned 40 this week. To celebrate he had the family over for a little party. While we were there Thomas, my brother-in-law and nephew were playing several versions of "Rock, Paper, Scissors". It was so cute that Nathan wanted to play! He kept putting his fist in like he was making a "rock". He's such a big boy! We had a very nice visit, ate lots of yummy food and I still can't believe that Mike is 40. You know what that means??? I'm next in line for that milestone. ugh!