Jonah and Emery's Baptism

Photo: Heather

Jonah and Emery got baptized on Sunday. I was so glad we were able to be there. Jonah got baptized first, then he baptized Emery.

Photo: Heather

We celebrated afterwards with Blaze Pizza for lunch.

The Unpacking Continues

The unpacking is slowly coming along. Of course it's taking much longer than I would like, but we're making good progress. The kids love to be involved, especially by finding out what's inside the boxes and checking out all the little areas where they can squeeze.

Cake Decorating

I got a big box of cake decorating supplies that used to be Grandma's. It was sad, but fun, to look through. We found a lot of cool things, and Mary had a great time helping me explore all the interesting items.

I think I found Grandma's notes for baking Heather and Isaac's wedding cake.

 David was excited to get involved after his nap.

Magformers

David is discovering the joys of magnets.

Digging

 Enjoying a little sunshine, yardwork, and earthworms.

Snow Day

We took the kids up to camp for a snow day. It has been so warm lately that we were worried there wouldn't be much snow left, but Mary had been looking forward to seeing the snow, so we decided to risk it. We were delighted to find that there was still snow on the ground, and it actually was perfect because the roads and paths were clear, but the field was covered in a layer of snow.

Mary loved it.

David wasn't so sure at first, but was a big fan after Joshua showed him he could eat the snow.

We had a little hot chocolate break.

The kids checked out the snowy playground.

 We finished things off with a hike led by Mary.

First Walk

 We went on our first walk in our new neighborhood today.

Pink

Joshua attended a conference in Stockton for a few days, so the kids and I spent a lot of the time enjoying life at Mom and Dad's house.

New Beginnings

Joshua started his new position as Pastor of Discipleship at First Presbyterian Church here in Visalia on January 1. On Sunday, he preached at FPC for the first time and there was a welcoming brunch for us. It's exciting to be starting this new chapter together, and we love our new church already.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Quarantine is Over

We were finally able to go out and get the rest of our stuff from Mom and Dad's house after our quarantine period was over. 

 Mary and I found my old ballet shoes on a day she was already wearing her ballet tutu, so of course she had to try them on.

Starting the New Year

Even though we were still recovering from COVID, the new year started off well.

I started a declutter challenge for the month of January with Gayle, Joy, Bethany, and Kirsten. Each day we're supposed to get rid of the number of things that match the date. So one thing for the first. It adds up quickly.

We had monkey bread and fresh oranges for breakfast.

 The kids and I planted a baby kale plant that Mom gave me.

New Year's Eve

Since we were in quarantine, we couldn't go to the New Year's Eve party at Mom and Dad's house, but we had a nice little party anyway. Isaac dropped off wings and the Trevinos dropped off ceviche for us, so along with our muddy buddies, chili, and jalapeno poppers, we had a good spread.

 Hello 2022!