Progress

Well, we couldn't be happier with Anika's progress with her braces and we wanted to share!

Anika's brand new braces:
Anika's progress after six weeks (three weeks with active turning of the expander):Do you see how much that wire as straightened as her teeth dropped in now that they have room? She has been such a champ! She never lets us forget to turn the key on her expander and she really doesn't complain much. As you can see in the bottom picture, we are opening up a gap between her front teeth. The ortho says it will be pencil-sized before we are done. I'm really pleased with how well her teeth seem to be responding!

Monterey Bay - A Last Hurrah

We decided to take advantage of our last opportunity to visit the aquarium in Monterey before our membership expired so we missed out on parades, carnival rides, and Almond Blossom festivites. However, I don't think that any of us were disappointed. Every experience is different at the aquariuam and this time we were able to enjoy a behind-the-scenes adventure simply because I asked a staff member where the pacific sunfish was. (The sunfish got to big for the tank and was released but we were blessed with the opportunity to sneak in the back and see some sea turtles that they are working with. Henry loved the aquarium but he was ecstatic to visit Fisherman's Wharf and eat some real, fresh seafood.

Behind-the-scenes:

Special Times

Having Grandma & Grandpa around for awhile is always fantastic! This trip included belated birthday presents, a trip to Yosemite, Lockford sausage, planting flowers, taking walks, playing Wii, and so much more.

Kathryn dresses as Darth Vader(ette) after hours of watching Drew play Lego Star Wars Wii.

Grandma time is priceless:

Yosemite in Winter

We've done Yosemite in spring and summer so we decided to try it out in winter, too! It was so exciting to share it with my parents and with Henry. Each time is different and this was no exception. The falls were running a fraction of what we saw the last time we visited but they were still spectacular. But the kiddos were so excited about the SNOW!!!!! There were no crowds to speak of so we took the opportunity to browse the village store and walk throught teh Awahnee Hotel. WOW! It was a great trip.

Anika is rocking a new fashion trend of wearing your jacket inside your pants (thanks to Daddy putting a snow ball down her jeans - and grandma's ingenious solution to a wet, cold booty!)

The Newest Addition

Our family welcomed Shin Kim (Henry) into the fold this week. We're hosting South Korean exchange student, Henry, for the semester (and maybe more). He arrived on Weds. and it has been quite an adjustment for him -- especially the language. He is unfailingly polite, respectful and, I've discovered, competetive;-) The kids have been a great asset since they coax him to play games (hence the competetiveness I've learned about) but they are also easier for him to practice his English on. Each day is a little easier for him with the language but he has a way to go. Today he shared a few Korean foods with us. The Korean noodles were a big hit with the kids -- Henry even showed them how to use chopsticks. (I'm so grateful to my dear friend Deb whose visit to southeast Asia resulted in a gift of chopsticks for me.)

The kids trying out the chopsticks and the noodles:

Henry tries to give Andrew a hand:

Andrew switches to a fork:-):

Nothing but the blood

Anika blessed her Daddy by singing with him in church on Sunday (on his birthday). It was really special for us, in spite of Mom's inept attempts at being a "roadie". (I forgot to turn the mics on -- oops!)

Happy Birthday!

We were able to celebrate a special someone on Sunday!!!! The kids were so excited to greet Dad was a rousing "happy birthday" in the morning. Since it was Sunday, there wasn't much down time but we had a blessed day. Anika & Daddy sang and played guitar in the morning worship service. We made Dad one of his favorite meals (tri-tip/twice baked potatoes/green beans), took a long nap, watched a big football game, and hit up Baskin-Robbins for some bday ice cream after evening worship. All in all a wonderful day to celebrate the most special man in our lives!

Under the Weather

Last week was a L-O-N-G week for Anika! She came home Weds. complaining of a sore throat, but then it was fever and vomiting all night long. I couldn't keep the fever down, so Fri. am we headed off to the doctor. Strep wasn't a surprise but the rash was! Somehow I missed the scarlet fever/scarlatina rash covering Anika's body. Our sick little girl is now on the mend but I'm posting a pic for the grandmas. Boy, am I grateful for modern medicine!!!! Yeah, antibiotics!!!

Anika showing off her red (scarlet) cheek.

Anika's Newest Possession

Well, here they are! Unfortunately for Anika, she needed to start ortho work in second grade - ugh! Today she got her braces on, another week and she'll get her expander in. Oy vey! As you can tell, she definitely needs them;-)
Anika's take: "Achy, but ok!" (She choose the blue/gold bands to show her school spirit!)

Andrew's 6th Birthday Party

Andrew was so excited to celebrate his 6th birthday with a "friends" party. He was able to celebrate his "rocket" party with the 5 little boys from school and church. What a fun day! When the kids arrived, Andrew was showing off his "Airhog" rocket that shoots 50 ft. in the air when you jump on the "launch" pad. Then we enjoyed his rocket cake with candles and singing. After opening gifts, we all headed out to Mistlin Park to launch the model rockets that Dad (and Drew) and been working on. I think a good time was had by all.

Drew's cake: A welcome to the party sign:

The birthday boy:

Launching the rocket:

Mom gets in on the action:

A bunch of boys:

Making a wish:

This beautiful Friday the 13th afternoon was a perfect day to go launch rockets. The boys stood on the hill for the countdown while each took a turn pressing the launch button.

A perfect launch: