Time

One thing that this blog does is help me track time. I like to go back three, four, or five years and look at where we were. I did that this morning. It's hard to believe that five years ago to the month we were in Mexico. It feels like that was just a couple years ago, but when I look at the kids it's obvious that they have changed tremendously.

The kids are more hesitant now to let me post things on the blog, so I try to be respectful of that. But I do love the notion that they will be able to look back over their lives and see the passage of time in their activities. We get so busy in our daily lives. Yesterday, we had early morning errands in Redmond then Kenzie had basketball, then it was Mason's turn. Cindy and I went to Gig Harbor to celebrate Mike and Mary's 40th anniversary with my parents and all their kids. The day flew by, as do most of them these days.

We look forward to things coming up, and we look back on things that we've done. But I think sometimes we forget to look at the day we are living.

#21 Varsity!

After three grueling days of try-outs, Felix just learned he made varsity soccer at Issaquah! We are soooo happy for him!

Cindy couldn't stand waiting at home so she snuck over to the high school to stalk him. This was her vantage point...a skinny tree was her hiding post. But it worked because he didn't see her. :)

The kids and I made him cookies. Mason was responsible for vanilla...

Happy birthday Bentley

Bentley is a year now and he has become such a good dog. He is super smart and very loyal. He's a good friend to us!

Funday

Devan spent the night with us and joined us at church. She quickly made her way to the front. When we came out it was snowing!

Oregon

Felix had a soccer tournament in Portland this weekend. "Unfortunately" they were out after one day, so instead of watching soccer in the cold and rain, we headed to Cannon Beach! It's still cold and rainy but it's nice to chill by the ocean.

Basketball begins!

Kenzie has never shown an interest in basketball, breaking Cindy's heart, year after year. However, because her soccer coach and her soccer friends were all going to be on one team, Kenzie opted in this year. Yesterday, when the first game started, so did Cindy's tears. Through the whole game Kenzie's face was smiling and she has tough defense...she isn't afraid of getting in there.

Mason is again with his basketball buddies and is a maniac on the court. This is the first year that we noticed that he's taller than his teammates. He truly loves the game. He tries to get every inbound play and then have the receiver pass it right back to him. If he had the ball all the time it wouldn't be enough. Let's not call him a ball hog just yet. Actually one of the other moms suggested the nickname of Bulldozer, perhaps due to the number of other kids who wound up on the floor in his wake. Yes he is a little bit lazy on the dribbling.

I see a skills clinic in our near future. Coach Bolam?

Reality check

After an indulgent Christmas, topped off with two January vacations, Cindy and I decided to sign ourselves up to serve a meal at Tent City, a local homeless camp.Today was also our 22nd Anniversary, so it felt like perfect timing to be thankful for what we have. With some friends and family, we served a warm meal and had dinner with some less fortunate neighbors. Kenzie and Mason have done this several times before, so they are fearless and friendly. It makes us proud of them for opening their eyes and keeping some perspective.

We miss this....

Cheesy group shots

Beach buddies

Surfer dude

Our All-American girl

Bike ride on the boardwalk