Hello? Anyone there?

We are alive!
February was busy busy - Dr's visits (Mastitis), teaching Clark's preschool co-op, teaching sharing time at church, a nasty cold, finally getting the last of our kitchen fixed up, Clark starting soccer class, and Reid being on call for a couple weeks all added to the cause.  Besides being busy, February was beautiful here.  We spent just about ALL of our unscheduled time outside with friends at the park.  Have I mentioned how much I love the weather in Portland?  I love it!

Here's an update on our clan.

Reid:
Works hard!  Is incredible at not letting stress from work seep into his relationship with the fam.  Enjoys working on the yard, and the garage.  Reads crazy-big books.  Gets mauled everyday after work by all of us.  Makes sure we always have quality family time.  Takes great care of all of us.

[This is often how you'll find the boys.  Wherever dad is!]

Kristen:

Loves her boys!  Has been working hard to lose the "living out of a hotel weight", and "baby weight".  Is down 20 lbs since December after adjusting eating habits, faithfully hitting the gym in the mornings, and being inspired by friends.  Shakes her hips at Zumba (despite looking goofy) - and giggles too much to take Yoga seriously.  Loads up the kids, and takes Reid to and from work everyday.  Got over Mastitis and a nasty cold.  Is glad to have a break from teaching Clark's preschool co-op.  Still loves teaching & working with the children at church.  Gets told "Wow, 3 boys, you sure have your hands full!" EVERY time she ventures out in public.  Has incredible friends, and loves to hang out with them!

Clark:

Has been enjoying his second year of preschool.  Likes playing all kinds of board/card games.  Favorites include Guess Who, and "War".  Loves his friends.  Often asks to have friends over, or go to friends' houses.  Has been very interested in numbers and learning math.  Still loves the outdoors, always asks to go to the park.  Started a soccer class, and can't wait to be on a real soccer team.  Likes to "break dance" whenever we turn on the tunes.  Loves his brothers immensely, and is a great help to mom.  Is registered for Kindergarten!     

Jack:

Is obsessed with letters lately.  Points them out wherever we go, on our shirts, on packaging, on road signs, you name it.  Also is quick to tell us what the letter "says".  S says Sssssss.  Loves playing outside.  Can often be found on an emotional roller-coaster.  Seeks independence - gets frustrated when he needs help.  Has the BEST laugh, and laughs so easily.  One poke in the side sends him into a giggle fit.  Meal of choice is a peanut butter and jam sandwich - or anything with jam on it, really.  Still loves trains and cars.  Begs to go to the play-land at Fred Meyer, and gets upset when taken to a different store saying, "that's not the play-land!"  Admires his big brother, and is incredibly sweet to his little brother.

Connor:

Will be 8 months next week.  Eats his toes.  Smiles.  Crawls all over the house.  Smiles.  Pulls himself up to stand (new as of Monday...mom isn't too happy about it).  Smiles.  Sprouted his first tooth last weekend.  Smiles.  Sleeps wonderfully as long as he's in his crib.  Smiles.  Draws the attention of strangers wherever we go.  Smiles.  Eats most gross-looking mushed up food he's given.  Smiles.  Gags on green beans, but don't we all?  :)  Misses his grandparents & aunts & uncles.  Come visit!