Here Comes the Sun

Finally the children were able to get out and have some fun outside. The warm sun came out periodically, and made the outdoors suitable for playing. Trond filled up their sand box so that they could use their shovels and buckets. They climbed up into their fort and I bravely joined them up there! There was occasional times where rain tried to dampen the day, but we still had a great time.

Question of the Day

Kobe & Kian:
"What is the 17th of May?"
Answer if you can...

Super Kobe

Kobe was obviously trying to rid the world of some corrupt villain, although we never really found out who. Anyway, he was dressed for success in his superhero attire which he designed himself. Be sure to stay tuned for more exciting adventures of Super Kobe!

Kyrie Girl

Our precious Kyrie looked so cute playing in her exersaucer today that we just had to capture the moment.

Karis the Wonder Girl

All day today Karis has been taking care of someone. She takes care of her brothers, especially Kian, reminding him not to get into mischief, and tries to make Kobe laugh. She also ensures they brush their teeth properly, and puts their toys away when they are done playing. For her sister Kyrie, she is constantly saying "Good Morning" to her every time she wakes from a nap just to let Kyrie know that she is happy to see her. She also talks to Kyrie when she is getting bored so that life does not become dull. Her dolls are always taken good care of, as well as pink bear. She makes sure they are out of Snoopy's eyesight so they will not become his latest chew toy. Lastly, she takes care of her parents by constantly giving them encouraging hugs to let them know that they are needed. She is a busy little lady, but very special, and we appreciate the extra love she gives to everyone everyday. It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it...

Question of the Day

Kobe:
"How do remotes work?"
Answer if you can...

Question of the Day

Kobe:
"How are bubbles made?"
Answer if you can...

Hawaiian/Beach Party

I had a party tonight for my brother Brad and his wife Gloria to celebrate his coming home on a leave from South Korea. I also had the party to thank my parents for all the help they have been for us since we've had Kyrie. It was fun planning it and Kobe was very helpful in doing that. We had food that you would get in Hawaii or when you go to the beach. The decorations were fun, and the children even dressed in their swimming suits with leis for the occasion. We also had some Hawaiian music and a virtual aquarium from finding Nemo and the t.v. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed it all. They all stayed until 10:00 and the children went to bed with happy memories! I plan to do another party like this in the dead of winter to remind us of how much we love summer!

A Visit to Grandma's

Karis and Kyrie went to Grandma and Grandpa's house today because I was needing time to get my Hawaiian/Beach party ready. I was throwing this party for Brad and Gloria, and my parents and so the boys were going to help me get it ready. My parents bought this Bumbo for Kyrie and she was in it for a long time today. In these pictues, you can see that she is getting tired and is starting to fall asleep in the chair! It was so funny. The other pictures of Brad and Kyrie really show how they are related! They had a good day and arrived just in time for the party!

Question of the Day

Kian:
"How do blankets make people warm?"
Answer if you can...

Brad and Gloria Visit

Today I had a visit from my brother Brad and his wife Gloria. They surprised me when I was cleaning the house. The children were a little bit curious about their Aunt and Uncle but Karis warmed up right away. She and Gloria talked about pink bear and her daily snack. Kian just blankly stared at his relatives and didn't say much. Kobe stayed in his room because he was too shy to come out, and Kyrie was still asleep when they left. Oh well, Kyrie and Karis will be going to visit them tomorrow at Grandma's house. As you can see, Brad was very excited to have his picture taken. The last time I saw him was nearly three years ago. It was so great to see them after so long.

Question of the Day

Kobe:
"Why do they call the fish tank an aquarium?"
Answer if you can...

Choo Choo

A few minutes before the day truly began, Daddy had a chance to play train with the three oldest. The girl's bedroom was a passenger car, and Kobe the conductor. Kian, Karis and Daddy were the passengers along for the ride. We were admiring the scenery and making stops at the occasional station. The conductor even demanded tickets from the passengers, who naively thought that they were commended guests along for the trip. It was all fun and games until the last stop where the senior ride-along traveller had to be let off for work.

Karis Cares

Karis hugged her sister and gave Kyrie her three most valuable items: her nuk, her pink bear, and her dollie. After about one minute Karis changed her mind - and took them all back. Nonetheless, Karis cares about her little sister...

Question of the Day

Kian:
"Why do people make castles?"
Answer if you can...

Tangled up in Blue

Kobe insisted to have a portrait taken in camouflage before bedtime. He then wanted to see how he looked on camera...
We ended up with a very nice picture of his comforter.

Mother's Day

This is the reason to celebrate!

Spring Cleanup

Winter, cardboard boxes and dog shenanigans made a mess of our backyard, and today was the perfect day to get order of the mess. It took Kobe, Kian and I two-and-a-half hours to see the color of the grass underneath it. What a difference!

Brunch at Forest Lake

We were fortunate enough to make reservations to eat brunch at one of the local eateries. We had to drive around the block several times to find a single spot to park. Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the two guaranteed celebrations where everybody eats out. In spite of our reservations, we still had to wait for fifteen minutes with all four kids to get seated. Keeping them all entertained while starved and in a crowd (in a decent restaurant) is a challenge to put it mildly. But we all survived, even if most the kids' smiles didn't. At their age it is hard to understand the difference in behavior needed for certain locations. We then enjoyed an extravagant brunch that even the three minimalist dieters scarfed down. They had extravagant eggs-benedict, ham, eggs, potatoes and fruit salad - just to mention a few. Karis decided that she only wanted what was served to her on a plate, what we gave her to eat she would set aside on the napkin. She has taste. Kyrie ended up sleeping through everything, but was also content. The deserts were also quite the master-pieces, and the boys had a hard time picking the sweetest ones. A grand visit worthy of a wonderful Mom.

Question of the Day

Kian:
"What is Mommy's Day?"
Answer if you can...

Helping Hands

The kids are helping out moving a laundry basket from the living room through the kitchen to make some more room for movie night. After moving the same basket back and forth the entire distance five times with the same laundry in it, it is kindly left on the middle of the floor for the next available parent to pick it up. At least they are trying...

Lunch

After the summer reading program, we needed to do some errands and ended up at Super Wal-Mart again. The children were starving, so we stopped at the food counter for a little bite to eat. I don't know if we will eat there much because we just bought a small amount for everyone and it was almost as much as a trip to McDonald's. It was ridiculous! The children had fun making their tongues turn different colors and Karis ended up spilling her drink down her shirt! It made for an interesting blog anyway...

What is Auntie Ingfrid Doing in that Dress?

We are preparing a video bio for Great Grandma Ruth's 90th Anniversary in June, and we came across this photo of what appeared to be my sister, but it was not her - but rather it was Ruth's High School graduation picture from 1937. There is some resemblance anyway...

Summer Reading Program

Today was the start of the summer reading program. Our whole family went to the library to enjoy the festivities. There were some great storytellers, cake and ice cream, prize drawings, and the book log to jot down the books they read. The children also received three free meals to our local Applebee's. After the children finish their book log, they will receive a free book. It is a pretty good program and the children are excited to get started. One of the storytellers handed Kobe a carrot to hold for part of her story which delighted him. It was a lot of fun.

Karis Feed Her Baby

Karis decided she wanted to let her baby sit in her special chair at the table. She wanted to feed her baby and thought she must have to sit where Karis sits. It was so cute and Karis is so proud of being a little mommy!

Question of the Day

Kobe:
"Why not?"
Answer if you can...

Dad turns 64!

We went to Dad's house to celebrate his 64th birthday. He got a new paper shredder, many homemade cards, and a Dairy Queen coupon. Mom of course had birthday cake and balloons for the children and Kian started the birthday song for Grandpa. They had also bought a Bumbo, which is a seat you can put a baby in that is not able to sit up on his/her own yet. Kyrie thought it was great fun, and Kian called it a "baby potty." We had a great evening and Grandpa was happy that he had some of his family with him on his special day.

Question of the Day

Kobe:
"How did saber tooth tigers get extinct?"
Answer if you can...

FRED

Tonight it was the FRED program again. Fathers Reading Every Day. Last month Trond took the boys for the first time. Tonight however, Karis got to go too! It was actually Kobe's idea. He thought it was time that Karis got to experience the fun program also. Just like last time, the children received a supper, playtime, story time, and free books to take home. Karis and the boys, and Trond enjoyed every minute of it! In the picture, Karis is so excited that she got to pick two books that she was dancing!

Super Wal-Mart

Well, it has finally opened...Super Wal-Mart! We have been waiting so long for it to become a reality. A one stop shop for a big family. Before the Awanas ceremony, we all went and toured the place. It was everything I need in one store. Awesome! The children really loved it too and Kobe even commented that it felt like we were in the cities. The prices are lower, and they even have shopping carts where I can fit all three little children in although in this picture all the family carts were being used. Oh what bliss for this busy mother and her kids!