Author Archive for gwen

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Snowy Retreat

Last weekend we were blessed with the opportunity to attend our All Church Retreat. The forecast called for colder temperatures than normal, and some rain. So I packed up all the winter clothes we own (very few) loaded the car and headed  for the mountains. After a very entertaining drive through rural California, we arrived at the last leg of our drive. Cars started passing us with at least three inches of snow on their roofs. Mike became very excited about the possibility of driving up to the snow, realizing we did not have clothing needed for snow, I called a friend. She assured me we would need to tack on a lengthy drive if we wanted to see snow, but that she would bring up some extra supplies for us. As we were chatting, Mike looked at the thermometer, “37 degrees, one more degree and it’ll snow” just as he said it, the snow began to fall! So exciting! We had a little detour getting up the hill, but with some help, thanks Josh, we eventually made it to our cabin.

The snow white backdrop provided such a unique experience for us. The girls built their first snowman, experienced their first snowball fight, snow tasting and icicle sword fight. The time spent together as a family and couple was just the little referesher we were desperately in need of. I hope next year we are blessed with the same snowy conditions, only I’ll come prepared with gloves and boots.

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10 on 10 November

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another day to reflect on the beauty found throughout the day.

folllow rebekah and others at a bit of sunshine

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Halloween Happenings

We had a lot of fun and many festivities for halloween. Our costumes kept changing by the day. They included but were not limited to ballerina bears, fairy bears, black cats, and pink fairy cats. Pretty much an ordinary week in regards to costume arond here, but with a lot of extra sugar sprinkled in.

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The Daredevil

For the past year we have gotten some use out of our LEGOLAND passes. In the months leading up to their birthday, the girls could not wait to be four. At four you get to ride the knight horse ride. After returning several times to ride the horse, we soon became bored with the same old rides. We then took a little break from LEGOLAND to avoid the summer crowds. This past Sunday we went to enjoy the last weekend of the waterpark. We were so excited to find the park empty and that Emmie now reached 42 inches. The park was now her oyster as she could go on any ride there. This girl loves a good thrill ride. She and Mike went on the “big rollercoaster” and she loved it! She even talked me into going on as well. During the ride, I was reminded, I don’t much care for roller coasters. Ainsley conquered her fear and finally rode the Dragon roller coaster (she shares my distaste for a queasy stomach) but she reported back that she LOVED the dragon coaster and wanted to go again.

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Just about then, the sun came out for short stint so we headed to the waterpark. (Even with the sun peeking through, it was hardly swimming weather, but I gave birth to fish, so that is irrelevant) Previously the girls were stuck on the “baby” waterslides, but with a little stretching they were now able to go on the Big slides. Ainse was content on the raft slide; Emmie had to try them all out. She loved the blue slide best because “It was the fastest”.

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We have enjoyed our time at LEGOLAND, but I am happy to move on to a new location to explore as our passes expire this month.

Teddy Bear Bread

Emmie had the blues after buddy bear left. We decided to keep the bear spirit alive by making a creating some teddy bears of our own. I followed this recipe, making the bread while the kids were at school, and let them create their own edible snack when they got home.

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They were a hit!

Star of the Week

The first day of preschool, Emmie learned they had something called “Star of the Week” It has been her nightly prayer ever since that she would get picked…. last week when I went to pick her up, she could not contain her excitement– She had been chosen, Star of the Week! As star of the week, you get to bring home “buddy bear” and then share about you adventures with him in front of the class.

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She loved that bear. She dressed him in new outfits each morning, took him on walks around the neighborhood, and she even made him a toothbrush by tracing hers on paper then cutting it out.IMG_2753-1

Before Buddy Bear left, we had a little good-bye party, complete with bear friends, cookies and candles.

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It was a joy watch her present her time with Buddy Bear to the class. She did a great job! I love that little star.

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Activity- Hike

We took some time to enjoy the weather by heading over to a little trail by our place. perfect way to get some sun, exercise, and use our imaginations.

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A Combo

People often ask me who Meadow looks like, Ainsley or Emmie.Here’s some pics of all three at around five months. Truthfully all three are pretty distinct, but the more I look at the pictures, the more I see Ainsley’s features with Emberlyn’s expressions.Kitty   Cat

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It’s for the birds

we made a little craft for the birds… hope they enjoy it!

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we also did a little painting. i love how creative the girls were and no jack-o-lantern came out quite the same.

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Beach DAy

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