Vancouver, Day 5

update:  SUNSHINE has been found!  the security folks at the hotel told me that they have her packaged up & ready to mail out today!  we're so happy.....

even more swimming...

We also went to the aquarium today and Jonathan's favorite thing was buying a deck of cards (with sea otters on the front) and a tree frog bag from the gift shop.  He carried that little bag through all 3 airports yesterday. :)

  One sad part of our trip was when we were about to arrive at the airport in Vancouver & Jonathan realized that Sunshine was back in his hotel bed under his pillow.  He cried.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to turn around to go back to the hotel.  As soon as we could we called the hotel.  Jon told them that we would pay whatever we needed to get that stuffed toy sent to us in Minnesota. :)  It's really priceless....  I have not heard, yet, if they located it but am planning to call today.  

  It's good to be home.

Vancouver, Day 4

More swimming...

Jonathan, McKinney, Elizabeth & I walked to an Italian Cafe & shared a pastry.  As we were leaving Jonathan longingly said, "If only I could have one to myself..."

Queen Elizabeth Park

Beautiful gardens with a panoramic view of the mountain ranges surrounding the city.

A view of Vancouver

Vancouver, Day 3

All 3 kiddos are taking naps while Jon is attending the conference!  I'm enjoying the quiet, rest, and opportunity to update our blog on the blessings of these past few days!  These are the pictures from yesterday.

We've been swimming every day!

Yesterday we went for a hike in Lighthouse Park.  

The forest was full of enormous Douglas Fir Trees!  This tree was over 500 years old.

McKinney, Jonathan, and Elizabeth back at the hotel.

Vancouver, Day 2

"...Join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love."

Vancouver, Day 1

Tired baby McKinney!  4.5 hours on the plane ride from Chicago to Vancouver with 2 babies...we all arrived a little weary! :)  Jonathan loved it & the girls did very well, considering.

Welcome basket for the baby girls!

Can you see Jonathan's cookie?  

They brought this tray up for the kiddos after we arrived in our room.  Jonathan had a cookie & milk and Elizabeth and McKinney each had a bowl of cheerios & a cereal bar.

Dessert!!

If You're Happy & You Know It....

Easter Dresses

Bowling with the Nymans

When I asked Jonathan what he would like to do for his 6th Birthday he said that he wanted to go bowling with the Nymans.  On Saturday we all met at Colonial Lanes for a FUN game of bowling & then ate yummy chocolate - chocolate chip cupcakes with white frosting and sprinkles.  Jonathan only wished that Matthew and Becca could join us! We are so thankful for these dear friends.

Happy Birthday, Son!  You are loved.

3 big brothers & 4 little sisters

I wish I had a picture of the 3 big brothers on our street as well as all 4 baby sisters together.  Yesterday afternoon was such a pretty day!  Isaac, Gavin, and Jonathan played while Hannah, Annika, Elizabeth, and McKinney played on a blanket.   

(this picture was taken before trisha & her little ones joined us)

Easter

I didn't get any pictures of the children in their Easter clothes!  We came home from church just too tired to have a photo shoot!  I'll dress them up soon & snap a few pictures.

McKinney & Elizabeth in pj's playing with Easter baskets & eggs.

The 59th Street Easter Egg Hunt.

Jonathan showing his bounty!

We are thankful for our neighborhood friends.

Happy Easter!

Happy 6th Birthday, Jonathan!

Jonathan had a very special Birthday!  

Mommy, Jonathan, McKinney, and Elizabeth spent the morning at Quarry Hill Nature Center.  Jonathan loved touching the snake skin (ick!) and running on the trails. 

Luke, Becca, and Jonathan Nyman came over to wish Jonathan a Happy Birthday!

During afternoon reading time Mommy made Jonathan a new t-shirt.

Daddy brought home Jonathan's Transformers Birthday Cake!

We are so thankful for Jonathan!!!!

the hope of spring....

All This Beauty

These are a few pictures of our time in Mississippi! We spent the first part of the week in Jackson & enjoyed rest and sweet fellowship in the Payne's home. It was a tremendous blessing to worship at 1st Presbyterian Church for Sunday morning & Sunday evening worship. We also were so thankful to have time with dear friends Mark and Shirley Windham, Anne Duncan (Ligon was on his way to Austrailia!), Ken & Mary Ball, and Jimmy and Ellen Turner. The 2nd part of the week we visited precious friends, the O'mara's, in Tupelo. They had so many fun things planned for our time together & we had a wonderful visit! We feel so very blessed to have such dear friends.