Easter Weekend

Spring!

It's been a few years since we've seen Spring. The first official day of Spring was this past Wednesday, but today the season really decided to show its face - it's gorgeous outside! We spent the afternoon walking around in Fort Langley, and now we're relaxing at home wearing...shorts! The sunshine and warm weather makes me wonder why I was ever excited about having a winter at home. Let's just hope the sunshine stays and the snow decides no more appearances are necessary. Yay Spring! (Minus the allergies. But that's a different story.)

Little Leopard

XLr8!

XLr8! is a group that I've been a part of for the past 5 1/2 years...I can't believe I've never posted about it on this blog before! Rather than go into too many details here, check out our website, xlr8kids.net, or our blog, xlr8kids.blogspot.com. The momentum of our group was put on hold for a while since Paul and I were in Uganda and then having a baby, and others were getting their careers established, but we're getting re-excited about our ministry and want to share it with you! Head over to iTunes to take a listen to our CD, and tell your friends and families about it. We want to provide kids with encouraging and uplifting music that focuses on God, which we believe is so important considering what's available for them in our culture. Check it out and spread the word!

Belated Anniversary

For our anniversary in October my parents gave us a night in downtown Vancouver at the Sheraton Wall Centre. Since we were a little preoccupied in October (having a baby) we didn't get around to taking them up on their offer - until this weekend! We decided to take Cassie with us since she doesn't take a bottle yet (and let's be honest, I'd miss her too much!) We chose the right weekend to go as the weather was gorgeous, and enjoyed some walks, dinner in Yaletown, and lounging in our hotel room taking in views of the city.

A night away with a baby is much different than with just me and Paul - she decided to go ahead and wake up 3 times in the night (whyyyyy?!) and woke up for the day before the sun had even come up. Nonetheless, we had a great night, and Cassie's sleeplessness allowed us to see the beautiful sunrise over Mt. Baker.

Good Memories

We've been home from Uganda for about 6 months now, which seems to have been the perfect amount of time to settle in, have a baby, adjust to being parents...and then start missing Uganda! I had a dream about it last night, and today I'm feeling nostalgic as I think about so many great times we had living there. If it didn't cost so much to get there, I think a visit would be in order. For now, I'll keep reminiscing.

Zam's mom, the day we took her to see her new house for the first time

Our sponsor kids - Christine, on the right, graduated from her tailoring program in November

Peter, one of the supervisors at the Timothy Centre, had a baby boy right before we left Uganda. I think Henry and Cassie would be friends!

Typical salt & pepper containers at a restaurant

Enjoying the simple moments and slower pace of life!

MISSING YOU UGANDA!

A Cassie Catch-Up

I figured it was time to get back to the blog, considering I no longer have the excuse of having a newborn to take up my time. Cassie is 3 1/2 months old, after all! And a lot has happened since Christmas.

First, Paul went to Brazil at the beginning of January for a week and a half on a missions trip with our church. Felt more like a month to me, but we survived!

Saying goodbye to Daddy at the airport

Cassie has decided she loves books (just like her mom)...

Reading about going on a safari - hopefully we can take her on a real one some day!

She also loves the taste of her whole entire fist.

Mmm, this is bliss.

She also loves sitting up...

...and sleeping (sometimes)...

...and best of all, smiling!

I promise not to take so long before I post again. This weekend we're spending a night downtown (bringing Cassie with us) so you'll definitely be hearing about that!

Getting acquainted with Minnie Mouse. (You WILL love Disney, Cassie. You WILL.)