Footprints: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Busy Bees!

We've had a super busy January. Josh took a J-Term class during which he traveled to South Dakota for 6 days to visit a Native American reservation. He said it was a really interesting experience and he enjoyed getting a small glimpse into another culture. After his class was over we spent a week visiting family and enjoyed being able to see Grandma Julie and Grandpa Kurt, Mandy and Drew and the kids, Grandma Vi, Jill and Gerry, Tony, and Jane.

We were also able to see Grandma Swaim, but unfortunately we had to visit her in the hospital. Three weeks ago she fell and broke her hip. She was doing ok, but after her hip surgery she showed some signs of having a stroke. Her condition has been up and down for the last 2 weeks, but this past Saturday night she suffered a major stroke and has been unresponsive, so we ask for your prayers for her.

We were also able to visit Nana and Papa that week. We clearly did a lot of traveling, but it was wonderful to see everyone and get away for a little while. The last few days of Josh's break we've just been hanging out near home and having a "staycation." We went swimming one day and bowling another. We had a lot of fun and are ready to finish Josh's last semester. He started back to class today and we'd appreciate your prayers as we go through these next few months in school and figure out what's next!

Another positive thing that started last week is Kaia started potty-training...and she's doing great!! We're so proud of her and she's proud of being a big girl!!

I've posted a few pictures of what we've been up to lately...enjoy!

Curious George!

We went to see Curious George at the River Museum!! Kaia was so excited. Dan Wardell from IPTV was there also to do story time. Kaia loved seeing both of them and was so thrilled to see George!! She didn't quite work up the nerve to take her picture alone with him, but she did give him a high-five!! She talked about it for a week afterward!

Mommy and Maisy with Curious George

Giving George a five!

The HUGE catfish!

silly girl!

There was a special room where kids could touch the hides of different animals. I have to admit it creeped me out more than a little, but Kaia loved it. Here she is "petting" a fox.

"Petting" a beaver. Seeing a stuffed one right next to the hide upped the creepiness factor.

Touching a live crayfish!

Holding a snail by herself!!

Driving the steamboat!

Stingray!

Bowling!

A couple weeks ago Uncle Jon came to visit for a couple days! We took Kaia bowling for the first time and had a blast! She loved it and we've already gone again. Kaia and I were on a team together and we almost beat Daddy!

stretching