Three Peas in a Pod

These three fight frequently (some days it feels like constantly), but they love each other so much and are best buddies.

The Sugar Pine Railroad

We finally rode the Sugar Pine Railroad. It was a lot of fun.

It was interesting to hear about the logging history in the area, particularly when our guide talked about the different trees. They were trees that we know, but he talked about what kind of lumber they are good for, something I've never thought about before.

Another highlight was hearing the engine chugging away as we went up the hill and the whistle blowing.

The historic steam engine #15 that pulled our train is over 100 years old.

Work Weekend

We had fun being part of the Memorial Day Work Weekend. My parents and the Trevinos came up for it as well as some of our friends from FPC Visalia, and it was fun to see all of them. Saturday we spent raking the pine needles out of Sherwood.

Even Hannah got in the action by picking up sticks and throwing them in the pile.

We enjoyed some time on the back deck after dinner.

Sunday morning we worked on cleaning up around the staff village, mostly raking dried grass. The kids enjoyed filling and dumping the wheelbarrows.

 Everyone worked hard and got a lot done, and it was fun to help get ready for the summer season.

A Hike to Sherwood

We've been enjoying the beautiful spring weather lately, especially on our walks. The kids were particularly excited when we headed down to Sherwood and they got to do some of the ropes course down there.

 

Mother's Day

I love celebrating Mother's Day with these special kids.

 We had a lovely, relaxing day with snuggles and yummy food, in particular the ribs and creme brulee Joshua made. Hannah doesn't usually care for meat, but even she was a fan of the ribs.

Six Years

Sweet Mary is now six years old and as sweet as ever!

Mary loves to read and is busy reading all the books she can find.

She loves going on hikes and leading the way along paths. She has a great memory and knows most of the trails around camp.

Her fine motor skills continue to impress as she learned how to cross-stitch and quickly became a pro.

Mary loves to make up games and play with her brother and sister.

She is interested in learning new things and trying new things, but likes to observe and figure out what's going on before she jumps in.

 

Mary is full of life, and we love her so much!

Mary's Birthday

Photo: Heather

We started Mary's birthday with waffles at Mom and Dad's house. Heather, Micah, and Natalie joined us for birthday breakfast.

We returned home in time for lunch and a gift from Dave and Gayle -- bird books which Mary was excited about.

We had a raspberry cake with the traditional dinosaur, butterflies, and flowers.

It was a fun day celebrating our little six year old.

Hannah and the Cozy Coupe

The kids and I came back down to Mom and Dad's house for a few days. Hannah loved playing with the cozy coupe after dinner. This little car has been around for a long time, I think we got it around the time Michelle was about Hannah's age, and it has seen a lot of use, but it's still a hit.

Triple Birthday Dinner

We took advantage of Joshua preaching in Orange Cove this past weekend to have a triple birthday dinner at Mom and Dad's house Saturday. After a delicious dinner, the May birthday kids got to open presents.

Mary was very excited about all of her gifts and loved reading the cards from everyone.

Then we had a trio of birthday desserts.

Back at home, Mary got right to work on her new gifts including Legos and her first cross stitch kit.

David was more excited about the new yard toys with lots of buckets and shovels for digging.

Mary eventually put her cross stitching down long enough to join him, and we cleared a little spot in the backyard for gardening.