Happy Birthday Jesse!

Today we had Jesse's 2nd birthday party (even though his birthday isn't until the 28th). We celebrated with his friend Braydon and all their buddies at the playground...their favorite place to be.

I made Jesse a lego cake (legos are his new found joy).

"Happy Birthday dear Jesse!"
In the past few weeks, Jesse has really started talking (finally!) and his new word today was "birthday" as he pointed at the cake.

Opening presents next to the other birthday boy. It got a little hairy a few times as they grabbed at the other's presents, but all in all it worked out great.

Jesse so enjoyed his day. He hated leaving the park when it was all over but a wagon full of toys enticed him.

Oh Jesse, we have more in store for you on Wednesday! I love birthdays so much...you can't just ignore the actual birthday even if you do have the party on a different day :).

Dear Lord, thank you for the light in Jesse's eyes, the joy in his laughter, and the joy he brings us every day.

A Great Date

Joel took Anna to a "Father Daughter" dance sponsored by the Navy Base. Anna was beside herself with excitement. She loved getting dressed up, having her hair fixed, and being whisked away to the ball.

Anna dancing with her friend Mia.

The princess with her prince. I just love the way she is looking at him.

And the best part-in Anna's words "I saw REAL princesses!"

A night she will always remember. Hopefully Daddy will be the number one man in her life for a long long time.

A Hawaiian Easter

Our beautiful day celebrating His resurrection started off with a sunrise service aboard the battleship USS Missouri.

When we arrived home, the kids discovered that the Easter bunny had visited!

Then we made resurrection bread to eat with breakfast. We rolled marshmallows (Jesus's body) in butter and cinnamon/sugar (burial) and then wrapped them in crescent rolls (the tomb). The marshmallows melt while baking so they are empty when you break them open to eat.

Then off to the beach for a neighborhood potluck. Neighborhood gatherings for holidays happen often here since we are all so far away from family. It makes holidays special in a new and memorable way.

Asher getting surfing lessons.

Jesse wouldn't leave the dessert table.

The kids heard the resurrection story while parents hid eggs.

It isn't every Easter you have an Easter egg hunt on the beach!

I just love this picture of Jesse. The egg hunt got him away from the dessert table but then he just plopped down and devoured his candy.

We pray all of you had an extra special Easter too! We love and miss you all and hope to be with family over the next few holidays since we will be back on the mainland!

What Easter Means

Asher was asked to draw a picture of what Easter meant to him. This drawing was the result. Brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. In his words, that is Jesus and him in the heart and then Jesus with our family (all 5 of us). Jesus is doing a good work in Asher and it is beautiful to see.

Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter everyone. We pray that Jesus is doing a good work in each one of you as we remember His ultimate sacrifice today.