When my cousins, Tom and Dianna, were over on Saturday, they were showing us pictures and telling us about their son Eric's graduation from basic training with the Marines. Our whole family is so proud of him! Tom and Dianna gave us a picture of Eric in his dress blues. When Caroline saw the picture, she started asking me questions about him. I told Caroline that Eric is a Marine now, and that he helps to protect us and our country.
She was very impressed, and wanted to draw a picture for him. Unfortunately, right now he doesn't have an address where we can send him anything, so I told her that we would try to send him the picture via our blog. The black and red figure at the top of the page is Eric, and Caroline wrote, "Caroline, to cousin Eric." She also drew a picture of her pinewood derby car to share with him. Apparently, it says, "Tik, tik, tik!"
Here's a close up of Eric's picture (so handsome!)...and one last story to share. After I tucked Caroline into bed last night, I went downstairs to do a little clean up. After a few minutes, she came downstairs telling me that she was scared. Then she asked if she could bring Eric's picture into her room with her because he protects her. :) She then went right to sleep.
Henry with his good friends, Alex and Grant, before the start of their race
We had "technical difficulties" in recording the boys's races, but we were able to right things with Caroline's race. Here she is waiting at the end of the track for her car to race. She was a little excited. :)
Her car was fast! It's the pink one, "FLOWER POWER"!
Two boys from Seth's school class made their 1st Reconciliation with him.
Here's Seth by the First Penance Banner that hangs next to the altar. All of the 1st Reconciliation children's pictures are on it.
The children were responsible for making a candle that represents them. (Seth's was all about camping.) The candles were lit during the mass. 
We're proud of you, Seth!
...and playing in the almost-completed playhouse that their Daddy made for them under the stairs. :)
Here's a close up of Eric's picture (so handsome!)...and one last story to share. After I tucked Caroline into bed last night, I went downstairs to do a little clean up. After a few minutes, she came downstairs telling me that she was scared. Then she asked if she could bring Eric's picture into her room with her because he protects her. :) She then went right to sleep.
Then, while Evan napped, Caroline decorated our "Valentine Tree". Yesterday, my cousin brought this cute little kit to make Valentine ornaments for the kids. Thanks so much, Mary!! :) Caroline was counting down the minutes until she could work on making the ornaments, and was so pleased with the results.
