Andrew's School Presentation

Andrew had to do his first class presentation for second grade. He chose to do it on Parrots. We focused on parrots in general and then compared parakeets vs. macaws, which represented the smallest and the biggest of the parrot species. Andrew did a fantastic job presenting. He was the first one to go and set the bar very high. His teacher seemed very impressed with his effort. He learned a lot, as did I. Andrew's teacher is the blond lady and the student teacher that helps in their class is the one holding his poster boards for him while he explains his information.

Marin's 6th Birthday

Marin turned six the first day of this month. She has been planning her birthday for quite a while now. She chose to go to Skamania Lodge again, instead of having a party with her friends. We go up to Skamania on Friday night for their gourmet buffet. Marin loves the shrimp cocktail and the chocolate covered strawberries. Those are her two favorites. Then we spend the night and go swimming several times and play in the hot tub. This year we did not take a hike since the weather was a little uncooperative. We did play in the outdoor hot tub as well as the indoor one, but going back and forth between the two was a little chilly. I try to get Marin to go in the sauna but she says it's too hot to stay in for more than a minute or so. It is a beautiful setting to spend celebrating Marin's birthday. We are so proud of who she is. She is a very sensitive, kind-hearted little girl who brings a smile to everyone she meets. She loves to learn and write letters to her mom and dad. She loves her big brother and wishes that he shared the same affection for her. I can't believe it's been six years since she was born. Our little baby. We opened presents on Sunday, her actual birthday. Grandma Harker made Marin's requested meal--macaroni and cheese--homemade of course. Marin also requested a Marin cake. She had wanted me to draw a picture of her on the cake but I got a picture of her scanned onto a fondant-like substance and then decorated the rest of the cake. She had a strawberry cake with strawberry filling. She loved it.

Blue and Gold Dinner

It has taken me a while to get back to posting. Things have been busy. Andrew had his first Blue and Gold Scouting Dinner. The theme was America's ABCs. The boys each had to bring a dessert that represented the theme. Andrew brought cupcakes decorated with various patriotic themes--some flags, some with blue and gold, some with red, white and blue fireworks, etc. He brought 2 dozen of them and won the award for the most plentiful dessert. The boys played some games and we had a dinner. It was a fun evening. At the end, the boys received their pinewood derby cars. It is weird to think of Andrew doing all of these things that seem like they are for older boys. I guess I have to accept that he is growing up.

Skiing at Mt. Hood

Marin and Kevin went skiing on Valentine's Day. I wanted to go too, but Andrew has decided that he doesn't like skiing. Kevin put Marin in a lesson and then he went skiing with Eric and Travis. Marin has had two lessons. She is really taking to skiing and loves the magic carpet lift that takes her up the hill. She wants to use poles like some of the others that she sees but is getting really good without them. She loves going and can't wait till the next time. Hopefully Andrew will decide that he likes it too.

Purple Stripe

Andrew has promoted yet again in Taekwondo. He went up for and received his purple stripe. I was unable to attend, since Marin was sick with the stomach bug--again. I am very proud of Andrew for sticking with taekwondo for over two years now. He is the youngest in his class and one of the highest rank. We love to see the progress.

Taekwondo Tournament Clinic

Andrew competed in his second Taekwondo Tournament Clinic on January 24. He was competing with his blue belt in sparring and in forms. Andrew did very well. He took first place in forms and second place in sparring. We are so proud of the progress that he is making towards his black belt. It is always fun to see improvement over time.

Bobcat Award in Cub Scouts

Andrew really wanted to join Cub Scouts. I already felt like he was over scheduled, between Taekwondo twice a week, soccer in the fall, baseball in the spring and swimming lessons thrown in for good measure. I relented however and he began scouts the first week of January through the Den in our church. It is a mix of three different wards, with Andrew being the only boy from our ward that meets in his den. He is really loving it so far. We went to his first Pack meeting and he received his Bobcat Award. I didn't realize that they pinned the mothers. That was a nice recognition for the work that the mothers, and fathers, do to help the boys earn their awards. We are now working on his wolf. He continues to love doing it and is very excited for day camp this summer.