Coffee With Elly

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was pretty impressive! When we decided to go to Yellowstone with the Shaws, I didn't realize it was this iconic family vacation experience we were sharing with hordes of other people. But as we prepared for the trip and talked to people about it, and especially after we returned and people asked, "what have you been doing this summer," and I told them, "We went to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons," and they said, "Oh, we did that last summer," I realized that indeed, this was not an idea original to us. Kind of like how most people have been to a summer camp as a youth, or been to BBQs at parks - a Yellowstone vacation is just part of the American Family Experience. We spent the first night at my parents' house in Tri-Cities, then the second night in a hotel in Spokane, having a plentiful dinner of pasta salad and watermelon with my sister Katy in the Waterfront Park across the river. The kids enjoyed the hot...

Phinehas was happy to be matching with Grandpa Mike after church, after Family Camp. Michael enjoys playing a little basketball with his big boys. Judah was shaking his head afterward and commenting that Dad can still beat him. 

My mother's day cards from my kids! We had a family birthday party for Grandma Valerie, Uncle Bryan, and Monica on Mother's Day

Burning energy is fun! Elena finished her first book! "Do you want to go out for a drink tonight?" he said. I said yes. :-) My project - researching buying a dining room table! (still, continually) Spring can be rainy in the Willamette Valley. But not all the time! Watching the big kids' assembly isn't always exciting, but anything is better with a friend! You never can tell what the weather will be like here, though. Taken on March 6. Phinehas likes to write out the Sunday School verse before class starts.

All three of the older kids did basketball with the home school HOOPS league this winter! Judah and Ezra were on the same team and did really well. At the end of the final game, with the seconds ticking down, Judah shot a basket that won the game - so he was happy! Ezra was one of the two point guards, which, apparently for basketball people, is impressive. He practiced a lot and his ball handling skills are great! I look forward to seeing how they do next year!  Monica enjoyed having spiffy basketball clothes and seeing her friends a little more often. Although she never got to the point where she really knew what was going on on the court, she certainly tried to follow directions and pay attention to the coach. There was some consternation and talk of quitting mid-season, but she pulled through and by the end was determined to try again next year! Good for her! Monica and friend Margo - so cute!

Opening her gift from Grandma Valerie! New Dutch Blitz cards! Excited about his Star Wars themed playing cards! Phinehas loves the Flash shirt from Grandma Valerie Monica is already making plans to wear her new hat to Family Camp! My sweet Valentine! Why must she grow up?! Sending Valentines to Grandma Rachel is so worth it! (We gave them to Grandma Valerie, as well!)