Woodland Fairy Party

In honor of Chrissie turning five we had a woodland fairy party. The party began with a treasure hunt through Chrissie's enchanted forest. And along this treasure hunt the girls found essential items to being a fairy: flower crown, wand, and a special fairy necklace.

The menu: ladybug apples,toadstool cupcakes, chocolate nests, forrest veggies, fairy berries, dandelion milk, and snail sandwiches

Girls decorating their fairy houses.

Happy Birthday Chrissie!

For Chrissie's birthday breakfast she chose: german pancakes with blackberries and strawberries, orange juice, and bacon-lots of bacon. The best present was that her daddy's morning case got cancelled and he was able to come home for her birthday breakfast.

The presents this year included lots of books and a golf club from her Dad. Fortunately Chrissie was delighted when she opened the books. Once, she squealed, "A Bird Book!"

Matthew got a dragon book, which he was actually stoked about. Jane got a bow for her hair, which she ripped out immediately.

We feel so blessed to have Chrissie as our oldest. She's a wonderful example of true kindness and love. My favorite quote from Chrissie from this year,"Mom, I have a happy feeling in my heart!" And that is Chrissie in a nut-shell.

On this fine day, Chrissie taught me a lot about the capabilites of a five year old; life is so different from that of a four year old, who knew? She's taller (she measure herself to various pieces of furniture through out the house), she can hold a glass cup, she can hold a plate-with one hand. She can jump higher.... Throughout this special day Chrissie continued to demonstrate her five-year old skills.

Last day

(Matthew cleaning up after the dog)

Only one more sleepless night.

Thanks to our dear friend, Miss Regina, I was able to only hike with Jane this morning ( getting ready for the rim-to-rim).

Matthew and Chrissie adore Miss Regina (and Matthew isn't easily impressed). We met for lunch and the kids were worn out by the time we got home. Not only do the kids adore Regina, but, I do too. Quite honestly, who doesn't? She's an amazing friend to everyone. Her husband works with Rick and they have been so much apart of our life here in Phoenix.

Chrissie was sparkle girl today: if someone "didn't want light" (I believe she meant "did") she'd take a sparkle from her dress, throw into the sky and there would be light.

"Sparkle Girl" playing the violin.

Rick is flying home today.

bitterly cold...again

today the "frince" and princess played inside. Once again we were big whimps and decided 40 degrees was too cold for playing outside.

(the frince "fixing my house")

Rick's last day operating in Mwanza:

Rick with Mwanza surgeons.

Rick doing a spine surgery.

Neurosurgery is not always delicate.

bitterly cold

We did have plans today, however, it was too cold and windy. My blood has thinned since living in Phoenix and 40 degrees is just too cold. The kids hardly played outside. I don't know what we are going to do in Germany next year.

sunbright and her prince

meet "sunbright": there is not sun in her land. She stretches her hand to the sky, light comes, and she scatters it. She brings light into her world.

the "frince": he gets dragons that are supposedly breathing fire on my house. Then he uses his "shooting thing" to get the fire.

Have I heard from Rick you ask? um...nope. Haven't heard from since Sunday morning.

Chrissie working on her German