The kids earned a trip to Kangaroo Zoo by minding and working together as a team this week. We j cited a few friends along and it turned into a party.

P.E. with Will!

Danes latest hobby is capturing the sky on camera - beautiful shot of a beautiful sky by a beautiful boy.

Dane got to try a guitar for the first time!

We have been focusing on the value of loyalty this month. I have noticed a big difference already in the way the kids treat each other already, having an increased awareness of this powerful relationship cement.

Will on the playground

Music mind games for all three boys at violin!

I got to substitute teach in Dane and Jonah's classroom today!

This is a picture of them playing ball at recess with their friends and I am including it because I want to remember what happened on the field today.

After a few minutes we noticed that their friend Clarence, who had been playing with them, was sitting to the side crying. The boys stopped their game and went to him to see what was wrong. He told them that TJ had hit him in the face and he was hurt. All of the boys were so amazingly sportsmanlike and kind - I was so impressed. One boy said "Maybe TJ didn't hit you - maybe you just got hit with the ball." to which TJ replied, "No. I hit him but I didn't mean to. I'm sorry Clarence." Then Marshall told Clarence "Come back and play with us. It's not fun without you." Jonah agreed and Dane said "You can sit out if you need a minute to feel better. You don't have to play." and by then Clarence was getting in his feet. He got back in the game, fueled by the positivity and love his friends were showing him. I was so impressed!

Dane making his specialty fondant!

She is finally back in drum lessons! Big day!

We had Blake over to play! The boys know that he is thirsty after school so the first order of business was to tank him up on water. We are so thankful for the unconditional love, happiness and spark that Blake brings to our family. He has helped us all learn a sweet kind of love and compassion. We love him!

Ski day with Kevin!

Liza was surrounded by family and friends who bathed her in love all day. Highlights were: visits from Papa, Abba, Kate and cousins, Sam, drawings from her brothers, brunch with Kevin, and her girlfriends decorating her room, baking her cookies and a uprising her by jumping out of her closet! Maybe Sunday birthdays aren't as bad as she once thought they were.

Liza and I did some pre-birthday celebrating with a lunch at Fuji Sushi where we brainstormed about ways she can earn money at home this year. Then we got to go birthday shopping! We kept our lifetime Bath and Body tradition and found the sale of the century so were so excited! We also got to go to Nielsens late that night for ice cream. We are party animals!

Yes, Dane is also only 8 years old!

Love our cousin time ;)

Will volunteered to help me gas up even on this freeeeezing day!

Bowling with Papa and Abba was a good experience. The boys were hesitant at first, but they stuck with it and finished the game!

Yes, this kid is 8 years old.

Will and Andrew

Dane and Jonah at Ethan's party

The boys and I had baking (and cleaning up) night! They each made a treat - Jonah made butterscotch glass candy, Dane made fondant and Will made caramel popcorn.