Cayden's reading

Cayden has been working on his Honor's Reader level again this year. I often try to engage him in conversation about the books he is reading. But, Cayden being Cayden, he often isn't forthcoming with information. The other day I was really peppering him with questions and he was being a good sport (ahem) and answering with the shortest possible answers he could. But, in the middle of this exchange Bryce said something that made me say aaaawwww.... and then Cayden made me laugh out loud.

Me: How was your book?
Cayden: Good.
Me: What was it about?
Cayden: A kid and his cat.
Me: How old was the kid?
Cayden: 14
Me: What was the dramatic event that happened in the book?
Cayden: There wasn't just one.
Me: Did he live with both of his parents?
Cayden: Yes
(read my increasing level of frustration here...)
Me: Did he get along with his parents?
Cayden: Sometimes.
Me: Why did they fight?
Cayden: They wanted him to take more Core classes.
Me: Did he have any brothers or sisters?
Cayden: No.
BRYCE: That's sad.
Me: That is sad.
Cayden: I guess.

And then the conversation just stopped and I was the only one to realize that something out of the ordinary had happened. First, Bryce was not the one doing ALL the talking and second, he has shown that he thinks having a sibling is a positive thing. Cayden is obviously not as "over the top" about it. I guess that probably is pretty typical between older and younger siblings :)

Thankful

Spring Break is almost here. I am dreaming of beaches, warm weather and just in general I am dreaming of SPRING. In a week I will be on the beach. Nope, not this beach...

This one... (yep, that's snow)

And, I'm trying to be thankful for Spring Break. I'm trying to be thankful because we will be spending it with family. I really am happy for that. But, honestly I am sad that I have to pack gloves, hats, and coats for the beach. I am thankful that we have a nice house to stay at (that beats camping in the snow on the beach). But, if any of you out there have any pull with Mother Nature I would like some nice weather on the beach. I want to walk on the beach with my kids and not have to dress like I'm headed for an Artic expedition. I, obviously, will take whatever I get. And, there is a Hot Tub which I'm sure I'll appreciate more with chilly weather (I'm really trying here people). We will have a good time but still doesn't the sand in that top picture just look amazing. On a positive note (and not to brag) I will be on a beach like the one above come July. Oh Cancun, how I've missed you. The sun, the sand, the heat, the sun. Did I mention the sun?

Sledding and Snowshoeing

Taking a snowshoeing break
SLEDDING!

Covered in snow

Jeff just returned 3 1/2 days of NCAA basketball in Portland. Nope, he didn't have a camera for that boys trip. Thank goodness! But, when he came home he gave me a break and took the boys sledding and snowshoeing. He took some great pictures and videos.

The Rock Garden

We met a dear friend and her daughters at the Peterson Rock Garden on Saturday. We have never been so I thought it would be a good chance to see what it was all about. The day was beautiful (sun) and the kids were healthy (no snotty noses) so what more could we ask for? I had no idea what to expect (except that there would be rocks). Well, there was definetely rocks. It was pretty incredible all the things that were made with rocks. I didn't get a ton of great pictures because my friend said it's even better in the Summer when they have water in the ponds and the fountains are running. Thanks Knoll family for the new Central Oregon experience.

Peek a boo

Part of one of the buildings made of rocks and shells

A great picture of Cayden (and I don't have many recent ones)

Bryce, Harper, and Cayden around another rock structure.

Kersie, Bryce, and Cayden at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Guess what it's made of?