Nature Drawing at the Huntington

After visiting Burminco, we enjoyed a few moments at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino. It was perfect weather for some nature drawings. Each of the boys found some things they wanted to draw and immediately got to work on their creations. I was quite impressed with how focused they were and how well the drawing held their attention. This will definitely be something we do more of in the future. Plus, the Huntington is so large that we can visit it several times and be able to draw something different each time. This visit was spent in the Jungle Garden (with a waterfall).

Ian

Cole

Bode

Good job boys. Your drawings look terrific!

Burminco Rock Shop

The boys and I visited the Burminco Rock and Mineral Shop in Monrovia (on April 21st). This shop is a hidden treasure. Anthony, who led our tour, was so informative. We learned so much about rocks and minerals, including the processes they go through to obtain the rocks and minerals in the first place. Rocks and minerals are quite fascinating.

Anthony started us in the mineral room.

The kids were intently listening.

Ooh, talc...

Bode checking out the talc - 1 on the Moh's scale of hardness.

The minerals that make up granite.

Onto the rock room...

Watching the reaction between limestone and hydrochloric acid - bubbles.

Ian looking at obsidian.

This guy hand cuts all the rocks and minerals - amazing.

We had a great time at this rock shop. We also couldn't leave without spending some money on our own rock collection. But it's all in the name of education (and fun).

Ian's 11th Birthday

Eleven years ago today, our beautiful son Ian was born. We were so blessed then, and we continue to be blessed by having him in our lives. Ian is a wonderful son, and a wonderful person. He is funny, kind, sensitive, creative, hardworking, thoughtful, loving, lovable, intelligent, trustworthy, adventurous, adorable, and so much more. Ian is also a terrific big brother. God has blessed our family so much. Happy Birthday Ian! We look forward to many, many more years with you. Mom and Dad love you very, very much!

Here's a look at Ian's first eleven years:

Baby Ian - 3 days old

Ian's First Birthday

Ian at 2 years old

Ian at 3 years old

Ian at 4 years old (with baby Cole)

Ian at 5 years old (with Cole at 1-3/4)

Ian at 6 years old (with Cole)

Ian at 7 years old (with Cole and baby Bode)

Ian at 8 years old

Ian at 9 years old

Ian at 10 years old (with a lizard of course)

Ian at 11 years old today

Happy Birthday Ian!!! We love you more than words can say. Love always, Mom and Dad

Easter Sunday

After church, we celebrated Easter at our friends' house. It is always nice to celebrate with friends and family. We had a lovely lunch, then the kids went inside to learn about the resurrection while the dads hid the eggs. While hunting for eggs may be fun, it isn't what Easter is all about.

Our friend sharing with the kids about Jesus' resurrection.

The kids then got to go outside and find all the eggs. It was difficult to keep up with three running children going in different directions, but I was able to snap a few pictures before they were completely finished.

Go Bode! Find those eggs.

Ian looking for the eggs up high.

Cole found his eggs quickly.

Ian shaking eggs looking for money.

Bode had a great time running around.

Cole was especially happy to find money.

Darin and Bode

My beautiful boys!

Easter is a reminder of what we have all year long - the gift of Jesus' resurrection. He lived and died for us to give us life, hope, and a relationship with God. He rose from the dead to give us salvation. My life is blessed because of Jesus. May I never forget why I have what I have. And my three little boys are constant reminders of how very blessed I am. Thanks and glory be to God!