Gilbert turns 4

Our gilbert turned 4 and we celebrated at the Pizza Caboose in Tigard; his favorite place as he says "In the whole life world."

 Playing Pac Man old style just like we did when we were kids!

 Yummy canadian bacon and pineapple pizza...Gilbert's favorite!

 Chowing down with the cousins!

 Presents! Always a highlight!

 The train birthday cake

Happy birthday my sweet boy, you give me a smile every day. Your warm hugs and sweet nature melt our hearts. I know you had fun at  your favorite place...we love you Gilly-b!

Our first Spanish Language Camp!

Many of you know me and a few other tireless parents have been working to develop and continue Spanish Language instruction to children in our school district. We created a program called W.E.L.L. (Wilsonville Early Language Learning). I love the acronym because through this process, wounds are healing and important next life adventures are happening. We have one main teacher and an assistant. The program is made for 24 Kindergarten and First Grade students and we offer 1-2 day language immersion camp experiences throughout the school year. We are working now on offering scholarship opportunities to native speakers to encourage cross-cultural interaction at an early age. We believe this is the best time and way to gain full understanding and acceptance of others different from ourselves. So, here are a few photos from our first camp, the next one is happening November 11th and 12th. Our school district has cut 9 school days from the year and we are adding those back in through the camps! Yippee!

 Lots of books to read!

 Girls taking a break!

 Many words are learned through song and pictures

 Lunch Break!

Focus on Fall!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

Last weekend we visited the pumpkin patch at Sauvie Island and had a great time riding the hay ride, going through the corn maze, and tailgating with a picnic lunch afterwards. The Hovde clan met us up there and we also had Annika, Evelyne's friend from school, with us. All in all a fun filled day!

It's Fall, It's Time

to get back into blogging life. i've been so absent with it lately, but just quickly had to share a couple of fun things that have happened to the "good knights" these past few months.

1. Gabe and Sadie got married! Yes, finally and No, they weren't already!

2. Evelyne is in first grade! she is loving her new teacher, Mr. Zach and is enjoying piano lessons this fall

 Gilbert was so sad to see her go!

 At Mr. Zach's class

 In the classroom, so cool!

Bus ride home after a long first day!

3. Gilbert is almost 4! I know...how did this happen. He's really excited to be in school with his friends and playing at Kristine's a couple days per week.

 Gilbert's first day of preschool

 Climbing the trees

Loving the puzzles!

4. Nathan and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this year...yes we are young and oh it was fun. Went to Vegas, drank too much and ate too much but what a fun time!

 Morning ritual of Bloody Marys!

 Going out for the evening!

We stayed at NY NY

5.Loving the Fall weather; had a tumultuous summer this year and am so happy it's behind us!

so, my pledge to myself this fall is to: enjoy life more, write and sit more, and keep in touch with friends!