Easter time!

We had a great time celebrating Easter this year. I just love the age that Luke is at and how inquisitive he is. He really loves Jesus and reading his Bible and learning more. Although there was a lot of hoopla with eggs and candy, he still understands what the truth of Easter is. In the past we have done the Resurrection Eggs (homemade, but this year we had the real ones!) but this year he really was into it more. Plus I found the book Benjamin's Box that goes along with the eggs. I'm thankful for his tender heart towards Jesus. Now for Olivia, I pray the same for her but at this point she doesn't sit still long enough to listen to whole story! We're working on that part...

Hunting eggs with cousins

Special cousins

Daddy's boy through and through

Great picture with Nana after practicing his egg hunting skills at her house

Dyeing eggs but more concerned about eating them...he is so practical

Easter morning - too bad we didn't have a whole family picture. This may be one of the last pictures with just 2 kids !

Friends!

We were lucky to have another special friend, Natalie, to come visit us with her kids. They came last year and Luke remembered them. It's pretty funny to see all these kids play together. They had a blast of course. I think Luke and Olivia would prefer to be in a family of tons of kids because they love to play so much !

The 2 girls in their big bows.

We are staying near a fire station . Daily Luke had been asking if we could stop and see the truck and the firemen. All the kids had a blast and thankfully the fireman was kind enough to let the kids check everything out.

Easter at Mars

We started off the month of April with an Easter carnvial at M & M Mars. Since my dad has worked there since I was a baby, we were able to go.  The kids had a blast and it was way easy to win tickets to get prizes.  Plus we came home with lots and lots of m & m's.

I couldn't get Luke to take his picture with the m & m.  But Olivia was willing and I was surprised! 

Awkward picture I think!  

March

Very happy for spring to have come, we have spent lots of time outside. Our kids are so happy to not be wearing long johns and many layers after a Central Asian winter!

Reuniting with cousin SK has been so fun for Olivia. They are only 6 days apart. Surprisingly enough they have played together very well!

Many dates at the playground - which are free here!

Happy 34th birthday to Forrest! He loves desserts so much that he actually picked out this birthday cake months ago in a magazine.

Luke is going to the same preschool that Forrest and I both went to as children. He loves school and programs and learning. I'm glad he gets the chance to do the school setting in English too.

Making new friends

I thought I should play a bit of catch up on our blog while I'm waiting to go into labor. Let it be soon!
I haven't done much blogging since arriving in the USA but we've done lots of fun things. We're thankful for good friends that we get to see each time we are here!

My dear friend Brooke and I met halfway at a park for a picnic and playdate. Luke immediately took to her son Beau. If only they could see each other more often!

Almost time!

We're very happy to say it's almost time to meet this new little one. I'm 39 weeks now and counting every day. Hopefully we will be holding this little guy or girl in our arms soon. I have had a fairly easy pregnancy but at this point my body is very tired and uncomfortable. I think Luke will do great with the new baby. With Olivia, we'll just see. She might have a harder time giving up her "baby of the family" status. Either way, this baby is lucky to have a great big brother and big sister!