I've Been Trying....

to teach this boy to look directly into the camera lens for YEARS!

And, tonight it clicked!!!

I couldn't be happier! :)

Going to the Movies....

is not as safe as it used to be!!!

The Homework Blues

Lowden wrote and composed this song for his guitar lessons recently.

He calls it "The Homework Blues"...



* disclaimer: I think he really does loves his teacher and all that school entails. But it wouldn't be the blues without some conflict, right?!

"The Homework Blues"

My backpack is heavy

It weighs a ton

I watch the 3rd graders

Having so much fun

I think my teacher is selfish and rude

I think his behavior is downright crude

I don't wanna do it

But I gotta get to it

I got the homework blues

It counts for my grade

And it goes without change

I think the whole idea is crazed

We're unfairly treated

And we feel so depleted

I don't understand why homework is needed

I don't wanna do it

But I gotta get to it

I got the homework blues

I'm up at 7 and I'm on my way

I watch my little brother play

Twelve at night is when I just got it done

I barely got to bed at one

I don't wanna do it

But I gotta get to it

I got the homework blues

A Taste of India

I've been looking over Greg's pictures from his recent trip to India.  What an amazing experience he had.  He filled a whole hardback journal with his stories and someday he may assemble them into a book.  For now, here is a just a taste of his experience......the pictures speak for themselves.























































































Greg loved that this guy was watering the lawn with a hose.  :)

I love you Mom!

To The Himalayas and Back Again!

Greg just got back from a 19 day trip to the Indian Himalayas with his brother. We are SO happy they made it home safe and sound after being gone for what seemed like forever!

Here is the picture I took before they left...

And here is a Seuss-esque children's book excerpt Greg wrote before leaving for his trek.

"Dad did not ride a bike.
Did not sing in a mic.
He went to the mountains
To take a long hike.

Dad hiked with a yak,
His bag on the yak's back.
There was a noticeable lack
Of public restrooms.

Will Dad ever come back?
Will he stay with the yak?
Will he cough and hack
And ride back on the yak?"

We are so happy he did make it back with the help of that yak. :)

Yesterday, Rachel and I surprised the boys and met them at the airport in Portland when they flew in. We were so excited that we had butterflies in our stomachs. And, they were VERY surprised to see us standing there. Greg had grown a full beard...the longest he has ever had it. Martin had one too but shaved it before coming home so he wouldn't scare his baby daughter. :)

It couldn't have been a sweeter reunion with our boys.

Life is complete again with Greg home. We all feel that way!



Parker and Lauren missed their dad desperately! 

Parker would pray "please help 19 days not to take as long as it sounds" and he would worry about whether his dad would make it back safely.

So, I cherish these photos of Greg's reunion with the kids.







He filled a journal with his adventures and filled several memory cards with pictures! I will post more pictures when we can.