Disney Grand Marshals

God has been building my faith lately through some fun (silly even) answered prayers. Knowing that our passes were expiring and yesterday would be our last trip to Disneyland in a while, I prayed that our family would be chosen to be the Grand Marshals in the parade. Who does that? Evidently I have some inner- princess that wants out. Well, out of the 30,000 people in the park yesterday we were chosen! What fun!!

 We were really given the VIP treatment with the kids given notebooks, balloons and personalized mickey hats!  Here is a family photo in the waiting lounge where we hung out. (Sadly I only had my phone to take photos on). Here are Sarah and Calvin walking us to the parade start.

 The kids waved with these giant Mickey hands as we drove down Main Street. Josiah even had two classmates at the park that day we got to wave to.

 My favorite part is that Annabelle not only kept her hat on, but she got so excited at all the smiling faces that she started waving!! What a precious memory.

 And if that wasn't enough Annette got to meet 3 princesses. As we were walking to the car she said, "Mom, I wish the day could start over because it was so fun!"

11 Months

This is our last monthly shot before our baby turns 1! I'm a little sad about that, but logistically speaking it is pretty hard to keep her in the chair for a photo these days. I gave up trying to get  a looking- at- the- camera photo this month and instead captured some of her active personality.

Annabelle delights us with her
- spontanous clapping, often in her highchair
- she also will hold her feet and clap them together while reclining in the sroller
- she has found her shouting voice and likes to call out to others saying "ahhhh!"
- what little, invisible hair she has manages to stick up in tiny tufts
- she can now eat just about what the rest of the family eats which makes things a bit simpler for me
- she loves bath time and is constantly trying to crawl into the shower

We managed a photo for the .5 seconds that she kept the headband on her head

Roar!!!

 Here are a few more shots of our baby turning into a girl before our eyes

March

I woke up yesterday morning and heaved a sigh, it’s March. Muggy, moldy, mosquito- welcoming March. As I look back on our 7 years in Hong Kong I feel like March has typically been one of the hardest months for me. The holidays are over, but summer still seems far away. The sun usually hides from us during this time of year, inducing some serious “blahs” for me. March is also the month Josiah has had some of his most serious hospitalizations, courtesy in part to the HK March air. This March feels especially heavy for me as we currently have two friends in critical condition in the hospital (one a 6 year old girl) and another friend starting chemo. 

I love that this Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Growing up in an ecumenical church I enjoyed the rhythm Lent brought to the 40 days leading up to Easter. I feel a hunger to press in this Lent, to create space and usher the light and hope of Jesus into my days. My motto for the month is to “live above the clouds”. My desire is to receive a perspective and joy that cannot be dampened by dreary weather or even sickness. 

March is not without it’s upcoming joys, my sweet girls both turn a year older this month. Then at the end of the month we are taking a family trip to the countryside of Laos. What does March have in store for you? Do you have months/ seasons that get you down?  

My Boys

After ALL these years (nearly 17) Jason still just melts my heart. I get excited to see him at the end of the day- and not just because he can hold the screaming baby. To me he is still my blue- eyed high school heart throb. On Valentine's Day he surprised me by bringing home my favorite- sushi. Then he seared the salmon with his blow torch, it was yum (and fun for him to play with fire) 

 Josiah is a mini- Jason in many ways and has equally stollen my heart. Look at these two!!

Olympic Fever

We have had SO much fun getting in the Olympics!!  I've been so inspired by all you can learn through the Olympics; geography, flags, events, rankings etc. This is really the first our kids have heard of the Olympics and their enthusiasm has been contagious. Around our house you'll hear them cheering "Team USA, Team USA" or "Go Jamaica!" 

 Any guesses at what "sports" they are practicing here?

 Answers : figure skating (with wax paper skates), bobsledding (that's right) and curling

Here is Josiah sporting his salt- flour gold medal. A champion in the making!

Grandparents in da House!

This Chinese New Year brought with it the best February weather ev-er AND Grandma and Grandpa! We've had so much fun with them!

 Guy Stuff

 Josiah came to breakfast like this the day after Grandpa's arrival

Of course there was building. . . the crowning project being a catapult per Josiah's request

 Girl Stuff

 We had a tea party a home then later in the week Annette went to her first REAL tea at The Langham Hotel. They offer a princess tea set for little girls. Annette loved every minute, especially putting sugar cubes in the tea cups and capturing everything on her camera.

We did some cultural things like the Lion Dance and fireworks over the harbor

 Got four Paines on the ice

Took a fun hike with friends to lunch by gorgeous Sai Wan beach

 Enjoyed the Zoological Garden

 And a surprise meeting of orangutan twins!! So fun!

 We'll miss you Grandma and Grandpa (and the San Diego weather you brought- it is now freezing!!!)