Thankful Thursday

1. We found some good bargains at some yard sales on Friday morning. One example would be a boxed set of Cul-de-Sac Kids books (6 paperback books) in like new condition for $1. I had bought Ian a boxed set (last one in the series) on Amazon a few months ago and paid a lot more than $1. These are great beginning chapter books. Nadia and Ian have enjoyed them, and I'm sure Oliver will as well some day.

2. My dad came up on Friday night! It was great to have almost two full days with Grandpa.

3. The coach gave Nadia a ride to her game on Saturday morning.

4. My dad, the kids, and I enjoyed our time at Knoebels on Saturday.

5. I'm thankful for the Stephen minister I can meet with each Monday afternoon while the kids play in the play land at church.

6. We walked to a playground yesterday. This used to be an almost daily occurrence, but it
doesn't happen very often these days. I appreciated the opportunity to walk 3 miles. Nadia and Ian rode their bikes, and I pushed Oliver in the stroller. The weather was really perfect the last two days.

7. Yesterday I switched our home insurance to the company where we've had our car insurance for many years, and we will save $400 a year!

8. One of my favorite times of day is around 7:00 am when Ian comes and snuggles with me in bed, and then we both join Oliver in his bed or Oliver joins us in my bed. Morning snuggles are a great way to start the day!

9. The kids started AWANA last week. Last night was their second night. Nadia is thrilled to be in T&T (grades 3-5). It's Ian's second year in Sparks, and Oliver's second (and last) year in in Cubbies. We have been working this last week to get back into the habit of working on Bible verses at meal times in addition to continuing to read chapter books. I'm very thankful that the Alliance church that is about 1.5 miles from our house offers this wonderful program for ages 3- 5th grade.

10. My dad made it safely to Tennessee on Monday, and he made it safely to Texas yesterday. It's quite the road trip!! He will be seeing Maurice in Austin today.

11. Nadia was baptized on Sunday and her three grandparents were there to witness it.

12. We had two Facetime chats with the Towfighis this week! We had a little chat with them on Sunday while my dad was here after we got home from church, and they called us on Tuesday while we were eating lunch. The plan is to try to connect on Tuesdays whenever possible. The kids love being able to chat with their cousins. Thankful for technology that makes it possible!

Maybe you're right that the water in the outdoor pool is too cold, Mommy!

Playing Spot It on the cruise back to Plymouth after watching whales

View of the Mayflower 2 from our cruise

Their favorite ride at Edaville. They rode this more than 10 times!