Monday, January 28, 2013

Peppermint Stew??

While preparing dinner, my mom noticed her mixing bowl, cucumber peels and lemon rinds were missing off the counter. Then she discoverd I was on the other side of the kitchen doing my own "cooking". I told her I was making "peppermint stew" for dinner. She still hasn't figured out why I called it that...but I assured her Papa would LOVE it!

Two Lion Tamers


My brother and I are the same age in these pictures (almost 11 months)...both having fun on our Fisher Price Lion!
 

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Happy Girl



Favorite Museum

 With the recent rainy weather, we took advantage of a Christmas gift from Papa - an annual pass to Pretend City - my favorite children's museum!! I worked on a few patients in the emergency room.
Helped stop traffic for road work on the bridge.
 Sorted mail at the post office.
 Checked Mr. Monkey for cavities at the dentist.
Picked and sorted fruit on the farm.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Christ-Centered Running

We’re so proud of Papa using his platform as a college coach for ministry. This recent article in the local paper highlighted how his track and field team has taken Hebrews 12:1-2 literally, which exhorts believers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus”. Sophomore Jessica Marquardt says, "Coach Brewer reads a devotion before practice and prays for our workouts, and this alone, I believe, has the most impact on making the team not only strong athletes but Christ centered individuals". The photo captured 14 of our female distance runners taking off at the start of the one mile.


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Home Track Meet

 It was a beautiful sunny weekend for our second home track meet. I enjoyed the view from the infield. My job was to warm up the relay baton.
 The Eagle athletes also enjoyed hanging out with me.
 Papa wasn't too busy to say "hi" between events!
My brother and his friend Melissa discovered the starting gun was much quieter when they covered their ears.

Floor Play

Until my sister learns to stand or walk...I really don't mind playing with her on the floor!

Shark Holden

Thanks Emma and Lily for my new shark towel! I love it! I wear it daily for dress up, after my bath or for crafts.


Saturday, January 19, 2013

Girls can wear trucks too

So far I haven't minded wearing my brother's hand-me-downs like these truck pajamas!

One time was enough

I don't think my parents need to worry about me using Crayola markers on my skin again. I was quite disconcerted after I realized I couldn't rub this marker right off my tummy. I assured my mommy I'd stick to paper and coloring books in the future!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

San Diego Zoo

 The San Diego Zoo is so large, we still haven't seen all the animals or exhibits after two visits in the past month. Thank you Grandma D for the annual family pass to the zoo!
 The orangutans were a hoot to watch!
 Grandpa Mike and Grandma Donna joined us during our first trip to the zoo in early January.
 The view of the park from the sky tram was amazing!
Mr. Tortoise
 Mr. Leopard
 I loved all the animals but I was most excited about the ice cream treat Grandpa got me!
 We saw a sleeping tiger up close during our second visit to the zoo this past weekend.
 We didn't see any bears on our first visit...so we made it a priority on our second trip.
 First we saw some panda bears munching on bamboo.
 Then we saw a little sun bear resting in the shade.
 Next we saw a huge polar bear.
 I learned polar bears are patient hunters...when they find an air hole in the ice....they sometimes wait days until their meal (a seal) finally pops his head up...and then they attack.
I also learned that full-grown male polar bears can reach up to 10 feet tall when they stand on their back legs.

Christmas with Grandpa Mike & Grandma Donna

We didn't mind one bit keeping our tree up a  few days after the New Year to celebrate a late Christmas with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Donna.
 They spoiled us with very thoughtful gifts!
 I had fun trying on my new novelty glasses and funny red nose!
 Grandma Donna and I got busy using my new construction tools.
 I stayed up way past my bedtime putting together my new firemen and police Legos with Papa.
Karen had fun rolling and catching her new ball with Grandpa Mike.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Special Reunion with Friends

One of the many highlights from our Christmas vacation in Washington was this very special reunion with long-time friends from Leavenworth. We are still looking at our plans and hope to maybe see some of them again along the Oregon Coast this summer.








Saturday, January 12, 2013

Christmas with the Riekes

Uncle Kevin is a lot of fun!!
Notice how good Auntie Amy looks wearing Kodiak colors now!
 Our newest cousin Violet was precious in her red Christmas dress!
 Cousin Lola and I had a blast together and were nearly inseparable during our time in Leavenworth!

 Thank you Auntie Teddy and Uncle Kevin for the new dress up clothes.



All four female cousins - there is 18 years between Violet and Dakota.
 Snuggle time with Uncle Kevin.
 Cousin Carson and Auntie Teddy had fun helping feed Karen!
 Uncle Moo has rightly nicknamed his daughter Violet..."Smiley Viley"!! Miss you all!