Tour of California

On February 19th, the Tour of California swept through Visalia. Since they were passing just one block from school, we headed down their with our classes. The racers weren't officially racing yet - the official race started about 1/2 a mile after we saw them. They were warming up, but still going pretty quickly! One of my second graders was so busy playing with some worms that he found in the grass that he completely missed the cyclists! It was fun to be a part of the excitement on that morning. Lance Armstrong was among the competitors, which was pretty cool, too!

50's Night!

We're backtracking a bit since I haven't posted in a while!

Phil had a date with Beth at the GEMS "Favorite Him Night" at church. The theme was "50's Night" since the GEMs club is celebrating their 50th year. They had a great time eating dinner, playing games and just being together. Aren't they so sweet?

Buddies

Nathan was thrilled that Zachary came over for a playdate! They play so well together. I didn't have to referee at all. They had such a good time.

Here they are squeezing into the cupboard...

Zachary enjoy playing in the "boat" and catching magnet fish with his magnetic fishing pole.

At the end of the day, Nathan was pooped! He had such a good time with his cousin. What a blessing that they have each other to play with!

Daddy's Girls

There's just something special about Daddy and his girls. Both Beth and Allie got some one-on-one time with Phil this weekend. So everybody was happy. It's fun to see such a sweet bond between Phil and the girls.

I'm not sure how much longer Allie will get to enjoy this little game. She loves being tossed up into the air. She giggles and laughs -and makes everyone smile!

Spring is in the Air

The kids and I enjoyed a wonderful day at home today - thanks to "Farm Show Day!" It still makes me laugh a bit to think that the entire school takes the day off so families can attend the World Ag Expo in Tulare, but I sure am thankful for time at home today!

The girls spent a lot of time this afternoon riding their bikes and skating with our neighbor, Lauren.

Our baby apricot tree has blooms!

I love this time of year!

Whew!

This week had been a whirlwind! I've jumped into a second grade classroom and am teaching full-time for nine weeks. It's been challenging, fun, and exhausting! Our kids have been so good about getting up earlier and staying at school longer - and Phil has been patient with simple dinners. The students in my class have also been flexible as they adjust to having a different teacher (while their teacher enjoys time with her new baby boy). I now understand how precious weekends can be! =)

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We just stayed home this weekend. The highlights? Lunch with a friend, shopping at Old Navy, laundry (lots of it!), time with my parents, and just being home!!

Nathan enjoyed having empty shelves to play in. I can't believe he fit into it!

Mom and Dad came for Sunday lunch. It was such fun to watch them playing tennis on the Wii for the first time! What a blessing to spend time with them again!

My Guys

Just had to share these sweet pictures of the men in my life. They have matching pajamas (thanks, Mom!) and are too cute! Of course, Nathan didn't look at the camera for the last picture - this is his typical reaction! What a kid!

A Few of our Favorite Things

After uploading some pictures to the computer, I thought I'd post a few to share on the blog.

A few weeks ago, we made these cute little snowman sugar cookies. The kids really enjoyed decorating them - and bringing them to school in their lunches!

Nathan continues to enjoy dressing up. On one Saturday in January, he wore his Dash costume all day! He has been spending a lot of time "performing" on the piano lately.

Allie's favorite game is Quiddler. She is getting so good at building words with the cards she's been dealt. She has her Daddy's competitive nature - she refuses to play unless we keep score!

Beth just loves to play tennis on the Wii. She is proud of her professional status and beats me consistently!