Baseball... "No Dad, it's called T-ball!"

we are in full swing and the boys are really enjoying it! it is really neat to see how differently they approach it though-

Koen is all about the social aspect and participating because it's fun. when he bats the ball he very gently sets the bat down and proceeds around the bases at whatever pace he feels like. his comment to Coach Dad today at practice was "Dad, why don't we just take winning out of the game"!

Kace on the other hand, is all about winning! He does have a full set of the competitive gene's from both parents. He wants to be where the action is most intense and he wants to be partners with the 6 year old superstar on our team (Justin).

one of the highlights of the game actually happens after the official game is over when the teams line up- one team at home and one team at 2nd base- and they have a relay race- maybe it is a highlight because we always seem to win that part!

our first visitor's

Nathan and Alex came to visit and what a memorable time we had!!!!!! We all decided that we could get used to living together permanently....so boys, you always have a place waiting for you here!!! Koen and Kace were lavished with attention and lots of adventure...i never realized my brother was actually Calgary's version of the crocodile hunter! He was like a kid in a candy shop exploring uncharted territory, stepping on sea urchins, catching eels and fish, snorkeling off jagged iron shore and kissing stingrays.....it was quite a sight! These boys are keepers ladies- they cook, clean, entertain children and adults alike (i thought i was on holidays)!!!! We are so thankful for your visit Uncle and Alex!

One of those moments...

So Kace woke up at 6:30am (pretty consistent no matter what time he goes to bed) and crawled in beside me.....after about 10 minutes he said, "I wanna cuddle with you always Mama". "I wanna cuddle with you always too," I replied- wishing we could, but knowing better. Then I had the thought, you know, deep down that is how i feel about my Heavenly Father too. Thanks Kace, for another reminder of what matters- nothing compares to the heart of a child!

"Abba, I wanna cuddle with You always!"

Sport's Day!

Our school is divided up into 3 houses: the Kings, the Saints, and the Angels. Everyone belongs to a house. Our family is part of the Kings house. Every year there is a sports day where the houses compete against each other. There are 3 different sports days according to age, and then all the points are added together for a grand total. The boys were very excited about their first sports day and they competed in the potato race, the sack race, and the relay. they both came home with ribbons and medals and Mom and Dad even brought home a medal for the parents race! The grand total was counted and although the Kings were behind most of the way, we pulled ahead and ended up winning by 7 points! There is a picture of Kace's class, and Koen's teacher is the one with the crazy hat wearing green and yellow. The other pictures are their classmates. Go King's Go!

oh the sweetness of swallowing salt...

the waves have been bigger than usual and have added a new dimension to swimming (mommy on the edge of her seat watching as the waves topple the boys over onto the shore)....but it is followed by holler's of laughter and only the occasional cough as they ingest extra sodium!

trying to put some words to that beautiful day...

On Jan 2nd at 6pm Tandela and Carlos tied the knot- tears of joy and gratitude for what the Lord has done abounded! Koen and Louisa were the flower children and Kace escorted Mark, who was the ring bearer. Both pastor's from their church performed the ceremony- one spoke in english and the other in spanish throughout the evening. Carlos and Tandy both wrote their own vows- he said his in english and she said hers in spanish- they kept them a secret from each other until the ceremony. Carlos also had some words of commitment to Mark- let me assure you there was not a dry eye in the house!

The ceremony was followed by cake and beverages in the church basement, a slide show, and Kelly did a wonderful toast to the family (if I may say so myself)! Many people came from all over, so it was wonderful to catch up with friends and family that we have not seen in a long time. The scripture that Tandy and Carlos had on their invitations is a fitting one to post here:

"The LORD has done this,

and it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

There was far too much to celebrate, for the wedding to end here, so we reconvened at a salon in Canmore (a scenic spot in the mountains) at 8am the following morning, for another day of festivities and fun! It was actually a very special time with the newly weds (and both families), for which I am very grateful- thanks guys for hanging around for a few extra days before taking flight to the Dominican Republic! I know you are on the edge of your seats....but i gotta go, so....there will be more pics and stories to come...

T&C's Wedding- Day 1 of 2!