Whale Watching Newport Beach

Our flights to California landed early in the day, so we decided to take the chance and go whale watching.

The grey whales are active in the Newport Beach area this time of year. We caught the last boat and headed out to sea. 

It was an amazing show. After an hour of sailing we saw just a tiny glimpse of the whales. David and I prayed that the Lord would be willing to allow us to see the whales come out of the water.  It wasn't even 5 minutes later that they were jumping straight up out of the water.

All the boys were thrilled.  We talked to the passengers on the previous boat, but they saw nothing so we told the boys we couldn't be sure about their appearance. 

We saw 9 amazing vertical whale jumps. We also saw many more surfacing blow hole spouts.  They came very close to the boat at one point and the smiles were ear to ear on my boys.

I am so thankful for that memory, especially the faith building experience with David.

Truely Amazing. I have video but no pictures. I never clicked at the right moment. I will try and get video posted of the vertical jumps. If you have have the chance to see that, I encourange you to spend the money.  Breathtakingly amazing experience.

Fly Away Spring Break Trip

It was a great trip! Nathan had his first flight. We went to Legoland, Newport Beach, Sonoran Desert, and family visiting in Southern California. All of this traveling in one week made for 3 excited and tired kiddos.

This was Nathan's first time on an airplane. Caleb didn't remember his last flight either since he was only one year old.

The 2 of them really were vocal about their excitement. A few neighboring passengers smiled and chuckled at their exuberant statements. "Look at the flaps on the wing!" " We are in the air, wohoo!" "Look we are in the clouds!"

None of the boys had any fear about flying. They all loved it.

We planned this trip over 6 weeks but never told the kids until 2 am when we woke them to get them to the airport. We didn't even tell them where we were going until we boarded the plane.

Here are a few pictures of them on their first flight. (more to come in subsequent posts)

Bucky Badger Hockey!

Nathan and I had the great privilege of attending a UW Mens Badger hockey game this past week. We were thrilled to see Buckey showboating for us during the period breaks. What a great time with the little man.

Nathan's voice on the radio

Just now Nathan said something that just made me stop and reevaluate life.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Backing up a step to set the stage for you:
I am doing the dinner dishes and we are listening to the local Christian radio station. 
In between songs, we hear Nathan's voice.  (some time ago a friend, who works at the station, came over and recorded the boys' voices for a few radio spots)

Nathan's radio spot is of him saying the call letters of the station in a happy laughing voice. 

Nathan asks:" Mom, why was I laughing when I said that?"
I reply: "Well Nathan, you are always so full of joy you sound like you are laughing."
Here is the kick in the pants. He says: "I wish you were like that" then walks off to kick the soccer ball in the dinning room.

I finish washing the dishes while trying to decide if I am going to laugh or cry over the remark. 
I find myself remembering being full of joy. Am I no longer a happy person? Guess Nathan doesn't think so.

This isn't the first time God has used one of my kids to make me look at myself in the mirror.
What a shocker.

What do I want to be when I grow up?

This past week at school, Caleb was allowed to dress up in clothes representing his future career choice. 
He is very determined to be a deep sea diver.  So 2 days before dress up day he informs me he needs a wet suit with fins and a breathing tank to wear to school.

I think: " Oh Yes let me just find that pesky wetsuit I have in storage."  Say what? You have got to be kidding!

So I send him to school in regular clothes and a snorkle mask and snorkle tube. Good enough. 

On the way home from dropping him off, Nathan pipes up.  "Mom, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I do know what I don't want to be." 

I bite his bait and say:"Oh, what don't you want to be Nathan?"

What he says makes me grin ear to ear.  He says :" I don't want to be a fool!"

Hmmm guess someone is listening and understanding some of our devotions lately.   ("Created for Work" is the book title in case you are interested)

I just loved it. I don't care what my boys do professionally.  But, I do care very much about them not choosing the ways of a fool.

Christmas morning

Best Christmas yet since having kids.

The audio didn't really come through at first. Before opening presents, the kids spent a few minutes each praying - thanking God and praying for other people. It was really great.

Church Christmas Pageant

David and Caleb performed at the church Christmas pageant / talent show last night - one of their first times doing it in front of an audience.

We are very proud of them!