Joshua and Philip

On friday I watched the cousins while Jenny ran some errands. While Madie and Karis played pet shop - where they took turns being a doggie or doggie butterfly and a kitty cat (accordingly), Joshua and Philip discovered the cabinet in our front room. I had opened it to pull out the cardboard blocks for them to build and knock down towers, but they found that hiding in the cabinets and busting out was much more fun!

In a few days we are off to a week in Maryland to visit my family and then to Pennsylvania to see my sister, her family, and my new niece Rachel! Photos of the visits soon to come...

Popsicles

Last weekend we enjoyed a Cooper Family Night with Stuart and Jenny. The children played outside most of the evening, and we pulled out the baby pool for the first time this season. It was a hit for all of the children except Joshua who seems timid of the water. But the biggest hit of the spring season so far is the popsicle! On Sunday night, the children had two each and Joshua runs to the freezer at the mention of this sugary frozen treat!

Karis and Madie dressed up in costumes for their popsicles

Joshua

Philip and Joshua

Umbrellas

The children love to play with umbrellas. Last Saturday was the first real rain shower in a while and we let the children play outside with their umbrellas for a bit. They were thrilled. Especially Joshua - who loves umbrellas!

Note the hip kicked out in the second photo. That is classic Karis - (posing with a silly face for the camera)! She's four!

Cousins

How fortunate are we that we have family in town? To top it all off, the cousins are the same age! Karis and Madie are thrilled to play together and go on many adventures together. They typically involve being Dogs, princesses, pirates or Mommies - depending on which girl you ask.
The boys - well they are learning to share and play together. This is something that definitely does NOT come naturally! In this picture, Joshua and Philip were playing together. But, Joshua insisted he wanted Match box cars to go down the ramp and Philip was wanting to use only the cars that came with the ramp to go down the ramp. Both were very ardent in their intents! These children really are a blessing and a joy. I can't imagine life without them.

I was struck yesterday as I read Psalm 96 :2 Sing to the Lord, Praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. This sums up my joy and obligation as a mother. Delight myself in God - (sing to the Lord and praise his name), and tell my children of his wondrous grace - (proclaim his salvation), I will be full of joy. What a delightful duty to day after day tell them of his salvation!

Back in the USA

After almost 8 months in Brazil Larry and Alice are back in the United States!


We welcomed them home last week and are over come with joy and thanksgiving . We are so thankful for all of the prayers from so many people. I never thought that this day would be possible, but in His kindness, God has healed Larry's body and he is still gaining strength.