See anything different?

Notice any changes in this sweet smile since yesterday?
No lost teeth here, just a precious smile!

One month countdown!

As we begin our final month here in the US, we have been enjoying many special "last times" for now. Visits to places we love, and seeing friends we will miss is a big part of this month. That and shopping, packing, and sorting out all the stuff to get rid of that we will leave behind. It's not quite as intense as moving- but almost!

We had a delightful Easter here in MA. I, in particular, loved the opportunity to be involved with the amazing music that was presented during Easter week here at the Church. Being a part of the praise team, backed by the choir and string section, and celebrating the resurrection in song was a joyful Easter for me! It was also fun seeing how much more the kids understand this year about the meaning of Easter. Each of the three girls have accepted Christ as their Savior, so Easter has real meaning for them!

The kids enjoyed an egg hunt in Grandpa's back yard on Saturday. Silas was delighted with finding eggs, and even more delighted to discover that some of them had CANDY inside! Easter night Kevin's sister Amy and her six kids arrived for the week. The kids love seeing their cousins, and we have been fitting in all the fun possible! Yesterday we went to historic Sturbridge Village. There are buildings and houses to tour, animals in the barnyard to see, and interesting costumed staff to teach things like what a tinsmith does, and how to make soap. They are demonstrating their skills as they tell the kids, so it is very interesting! We saw a Punch and Judy show, and petted a new lamb.
Lots of hugs for Grandpa!
Some of the cousins!

The absolute favorite part for our Little House on the Prairie fans was the play area. They had costumes, and a fully stocked house for the kids to play in.

They did laundry...

Started a "fire..." Cooked supper...



Churned butter...


Swept the floor...
and hauled imaginary water for washing dishes.
All in all it was a great day, enjoyed by each of us.

A Day at the Zoo

Between all of the getting-ready-to-go stuff, we took time for a day at the zoo with some friends. Our kids had a blast with their kids, who line up pretty closely in age to ours.

We were rather entertained by the fact that one of the gorillas is named Kira! A zoo volunteer pointed out which one was Kira. She was a funny one, playing with a blanket and running all over the place. Her mom was sitting right up at the glass, just wishing she could play with all of the kids. The youngest gorilla, Kira's sister, was a ham! She stood by the glass turning flips, standing on her head, and generally showing off for all of the kids.


Here is Kira (the person!)with the friendly mom behind her, and the youngest sister just showing behind her head. In the very back you can see Kira (the gorilla!) playing. Silas was just fascinated with these guys, and couldn't get enough of watching them.

Here is Kira with her buddy.
And Elayna with her sweet friend.