The kids have been real troopers this past year as they have had their home invaded by Marcos and Vicente. We love these little boys like crazy but they have literally turned our home and lives upside down. And Nan, Ethan, and Levi have embraced these little guys, loving on them continually, serving them in countless ways, and all without complaining.
The kids also have had to give up their dad on lots of weekends while he prepares to preach at church on Sundays while we don't have a pastor at Hinson. So Todd and I thought it would be a fun family time to surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland.
We drove to my parents in Eugene on Friday. That evening we set the kids down and told them we would be getting them up at 4 am to drive to LA. They didn't quite believe us at first...
We drove the 1000 miles on Sat, spent several days at Disneyland and California Adventure, then drove back to Portland in one shot.
It was a crazy trip but very, very fun and a well needed break.
Here are the kids as Todd is telling them where we are going. (Levi had a hard time believing he was serious.)
Only a little wet from the Grizzly Rapids.
The Disney characters were out in full force...and unfortunately, Marcos was terrified of them.
Bumper cars in Bugs Life Land.
I went on the Pooh ride too many times.
Levi listening to an 1890's party line phone conversation while waiting for me to buy a cup of coffee.
The Matterhorn.
Trying to get a night shot of the castle.
In and Out burgers and fries meal.
Here is a picture of Cente a year ago. He came to our home on December 17, 2008.
Here is a photo of Marcos, Cente's brother, taken yesterday who has been with us since August.
Here is Cente yesterday. He has been with us over a year now.
This is a great book. Natalie gave it to Ethan for Christmas and we have all been enjoying it.
Here are the kids as Todd is telling them where we are going. (Levi had a hard time believing he was serious.)
Only a little wet from the Grizzly Rapids.
The Disney characters were out in full force...and unfortunately, Marcos was terrified of them.
Bumper cars in Bugs Life Land.
I went on the Pooh ride too many times.
Levi listening to an 1890's party line phone conversation while waiting for me to buy a cup of coffee.
The Matterhorn.
Trying to get a night shot of the castle.
In and Out burgers and fries meal.
It will be nice to have a break from our school work. Here is Levi's latest work place... the kitchen. We can put up a gate and keep the little guys out...who are a huge distraction to Levi or we can pull up a high chair for them and they can keep him company.
Our neighbors have so many cars in front of their house that the vehicles spill over in front of our house. So most days I have this sort of view out my front window.
Our cat actually jumped up onto my lap while I had both boys there. He is desperate for attention.
Natalie and the boys are making Christmas cookies this evening. Nan had seen a cooking show that demonstrated a good technique so she watched the demo as she was working. Notice her cute apron that Todd's Aunt Shirley made for her.
We drove to Oregon City this afternoon to tour the McLoughlin House... the house where the founder of Oregon City, Dr. McLoughlin, lived. He came to the Oregon Territory in 1824. Today, the house was decorated for Christmas like it would have been in the 1800s and there were a number of people dressed up in period clothes and role playing.
A view above the falls in Oregon City.
Going into the school.
Waiting to play. Levi's expression due to his having to sit next to a girl...
Todd and our friend, Trent, installed windows in Nan and the little boys' room. Eight windows done...six left to go.
Another organic Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's this year with a lot to be thankful for. (Can I end a sentence with preposition? Our gradeschool textbooks say no but I am thinking maybe more advanced English allows for this.)
