Category: Kids

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A Different Kind of Summer

This summer is a special one for our family. We don’t usually come home for the summer after our year of home assignment, but with our kids reaching working age, it felt important to give them a chance to do something they can’t really do overseas: work, earn some money, and start saving for college and beyond.

Finding jobs from overseas isn’t easy. A foreign phone number on a resume doesn’t exactly inspire employers to call back. So we’re incredibly grateful for the people who’ve helped open doors for our kids this summer.

One family from our church has a cabin a couple hours from Winnipeg, near Kenora, and they’re connected to a restaurant there. Last year they offered to have Cassie stay with them for the summer and help her get a serving job, even arranging transportation. It was a big opportunity, since Cassie only had a little café experience and this is a nicer restaurant than she’d normally have a shot at. But because the family vouched for her, and their own sons work there too, the restaurant took a chance on her. After four training shifts, she served her first table yesterday and earned her first tips. She’s loving it, and I think she’s also enjoying the independence of being a bit more on her own since graduating high school this past June.

Jay is working full time for a friend of ours whose husband owns a landscaping company. He’s been hired on for general labor, lawn mowing, laying sod, filling bags with gravel, and hopefully learning to drive a bobcat before the summer’s out. It’s good, hard work, and a great way for him to learn flexibility and pick up new skills. He’s also getting his learner’s permit this summer and practicing his driving in the evenings.

Kai is only fourteen, so his summer looks a little different, just enough work without too much. He’s helping a neighbor two doors down who’s recovering from surgery, mowing her lawn, trimming hedges, and weeding her garden. He could easily work full time at this point, but he’s chosen to keep it to about two hours a day. He’s also walking a friend’s dog once a week and picking up the occasional lawn job. A nice balance of earning and still having time to be fourteen.

All three kids will also get to go to camp this summer. Kai has a volleyball camp and a basketball camp on his calendar. Jay is headed to a basketball camp in Minnesota, a more serious one, since he’s hoping to play in college and wants to sharpen his game this year. And Cassie is off to a camp in Alberta for third-culture kids transitioning from high school into college life. Our church sponsored her for it, which has been such a gift.

And every day, Kai and I have been taking advantage of Planet Fitness’s free membership, getting our workouts in together, which has become a nice little routine of its own this summer.

It’s been a summer so far of hard work, new independence, and a lot of growing up for our kids, and we feel so thankful for the community that’s made it all possible.

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Cassie’s Senior Spotlight

Meet Cassie from Canada, who attended ICSB for 4 years in this Senior Spotlight. 

What have you been involved in at ICSB?

Yearbook! NHS, musical (cast and crew)

Share about a teacher(s) and how they have impacted you positively.

Mrs. Cooper was the first teacher at ICSB whom I got to know and really love spending time with. When I was a new student, the school was a strange, unfamiliar place where I didn’t know anyone. In the yearbook, Mrs. Cooper welcomed us with open arms and much love, which was exactly what I needed at that time. Ever since then, the yearbook has been my highlight of every day, not just because of the work (though that is fun), but because of the cooperative, friendship-based atmosphere Mrs. Cooper brings to the room.

Mrs. Márton is another teacher who has brought lots of fun into my life. As one of my class sponsors, she has been a familiar face to me since Day One. She is always ready to laugh and ask questions about each student she interacts with. I love spending time in her classroom, drawing on the board, just chatting, or talking over deeper topics. (She also introduced me to Brussels sprouts, which may be the best thing she ever did.)

I’ll always remember my freshman year English class, where Mrs. Culbertson ruled the house. Sadly, that was the only year-long class I’ve had with her, but even so, she has impacted me greatly. Always ready for a discussion or debate, Mrs. Culbertson fosters a place of learning wherever she goes. Every chat in OAF, bible class discussion, or group talk in bible study is filled with a love that she has for each of her students. She makes each student feel special, not only because she treats them that way, but because she truly sees how unique and precious each one of her students is.

What’s your favorite thing or memory about ICSB?

I have many amazing memories at ICSB, some happy, some sad, and some… interesting. But the thing I love most about this school is how the teachers and students interact. Here, students really do want to be friends with their teachers, and both parties actively cultivate friendships in a healthy way.

Share a favorite book you read while you were a student at ICSB? And why did you like it?

One of my favorite books I’ve read at ICSB is “Skyward” (it’s the first in a series of four) by Brandon Sanderson. I don’t often prefer sci-fi media but the way that Skyward talks through friendship, trust, commitment, and trust is a dynamic and engaging reminder about some of the most important values we can have.

What has been the highlight of your senior year?

There have been many good moments, but I’ll forever be grateful for getting the chance to chat with Cami, Kayleigh, and Lydia in Outdoor Aerobic Fitness. The class might not be as much of a break as I wanted, but it’s worth it to learn about and talk to some of my favorite people at this school.

What are some of the ways you’ve grown since you first came to ICSB?

Since my family fled Ukraine to Hungary due to the second invasion, I have learned a lot by coming here. One of the most impactful things I’ve learned is that no matter the situation, God is in control. He put you here on Earth, right where you are, for a reason, and He will provide for you in every moment. “Good or bad, it’s the Plan of God.”

Will you be attending college next year?

No

What are your future plans?

Discipleship Training School with YWAM in Europe before attending Calvin University in 2027.

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Gifts we want to give our children

We often tell our kids we’re on their team. Every choice we make is considering them. These are the gifts we’re working to give them — not wrapped in paper, but built into their lives.

Child playing piano

Gift 01

The ability to create music

Music is a language of its own. We want our kids to know how to make it — not just listen to it.

Student studying with ambition

Gift 02

A strong work ethic and ambition

We want them to show up, to try hard, and to care about doing things well — whatever they put their hands to.

Children learning a language

Gift 03

The ability to communicate in more than one language

Language opens doors — to people, cultures, and places. Exposure to more than one is a gift that keeps giving.

Saving money wisely

Gift 04

Wisdom in using financial resources

Not just how to earn money, but how to steward it well — with generosity, patience, and good judgment.

Family hiking in mountains

Gift 05

A sense of adventure and love for beautiful places

We want them to get outside, explore, and develop a real sense of wonder for the world God made.

People caring for one another

Gift 06

A desire to love God and love others

Above everything else on this list, this is what we want their lives to be shaped by.

Person thinking critically

Gift 07

The ability to think well

Discerning truth from deception — especially in news, media, and the arts. We want them to be thoughtful, not just informed.

Child sleeping peacefully

Gift 08

Self-discipline in screens, food, and sleep

The basics matter more than we often admit. We’re trying to help them build healthy rhythms that will serve them for life.

Gift 09

Strong family roots and ties

We want them to know where they come from and to feel deeply connected — to us, to each other, and to the story they’re part of.

Gift 10

The opportunity to study what they love

We want to provide for them the opportunity to learn something they would love to do for a vocation that has meaning and blesses the world they live in, this often includes college and we want them prepared for that.

Open Bible

Gift 11

A love for God’s Word

Not just knowing it’s important, but actually wanting to read it. We hope it becomes something they reach for daily, on their own.

Child cooking in kitchen

Gift 12

Independence and basic life skills

Cooking, cleaning, sewing, gardening, building — and more. We want them to be capable, confident people who can take care of themselves and others.

This list isn’t exhaustive — but it reflects what we hope to pass on. We are on our kids’ team, every single day.

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Cassie’s Senior Blessing 2026

Cassie, first and foremost, I want you to know how deeply loved and valued you are. Your worth has never been based on what you can do, how much you can carry, or how well you can adapt. You are loved simply because you are you. My prayer is that you would always stay grounded in your identity as a child of God, secure in his love, and adaptable for what comes next, trusting that he will go before you.

Character.

Cassie, during your time at ICSB, I’ve watched you become someone who steps up with quiet strength, steady courage, and a generous heart. You came to this place as a freshman during a very difficult time, and even in a completely new environment, you brought a certain peace — humor, some might call it sarcasm — and openness. I still remember that first year, asking if you could check yearbook spreads for me so we could get the book to the printer. We were in crunch mode, and photos needed to be fixed and replaced. You jumped right in, no questions asked, navigating programs and pictures like you had been doing it for years. That small moment says so much about you. You are capable, dependable, and willing to serve even when everything around you is unfamiliar.

You are indeed a skillfully and finely tuned Swiss army knife — versatile, resourceful, adaptable, and quietly prepared. Able to meet many needs without drawing attention to yourself. Basically, you’re the secret weapon of any space you enter. Need a pair of scissors? I got you. Toothpick? Got it. Team photos? Easy. Faith that moves mountains? Done.

That is one of the beautiful things about you. You’re not adaptable because you are unsure of who you are. You’re adaptable because you are becoming more and more grounded in your identity in Christ. You adjust, learn, and step into new things because there is a steadiness in your character that runs deep. You also have a rare ability to look at any situation with wisdom, assess what is needed, and work hard so that others can thrive, not just you. You notice people. You make space for them. You bring strength without needing attention. You have shown a beautiful blend of steadiness and flexibility that will serve you well as you look to the future.

Challenge.

One of the clearest examples of this kind of purposeful adaptability comes from the Apostle Paul, who willingly shifted his approach depending on who he was with — not to lose himself, but to meet people exactly where they were. He remained rooted in who God called him to be while staying open to what each moment or person required. I see that same kind of strength growing in you. As you take your next steps, my challenge to you is this: hold tightly to who you are in Christ, especially when life feels uncertain, or when you are asked to step into unfamiliar territory. God has already shown you that he can use your calm presence, your thoughtful mind, your willing spirit in meaningful ways. Keep offering those gifts to him.

And, Cassie, please know this: I will always be here for you. I will be here to listen without judgment, to cheer you on, to remind you of who you are, and to encourage you whenever you need it.

God’s Blessing.

My prayer to you comes from 1 Corinthians 9:22-23: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Cassie, I pray that God uses the person he uniquely created you to be to open doors for his kingdom. I pray that he keeps reminding you who you are and whose you are. May he give you the grace to stay anchored in him when plans change — not because you have to figure everything out, but because you trust the one who is already leading you. May he give you courage for new beginnings, wisdom for each decision, peace through every transition, and confidence that he is already present in every place he calls you to go.

From him, through him, to him.

Susan Cooper May 27, 2026

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Kai’s Grade 8 Blessing

Some of the words I associate with you are friendly, fun, confident, and determined.

I remember watching you confidently stride across the stage in one of the opening scenes in Aladdin as a sixth grader in your princely costume. Even though almost all of the other main characters were eighth graders, that didn’t stop you from fully realizing your character on stage. You’re not afraid to stand out from the crowd, and that’s one of the things I admire about you.

While some students come to the last period of the day tired and complaining, you have a friendly smile and a cheerful hello when you come into class, and your positivity is like a breath of fresh air.

In band, I watched you tackle tenor saxophone as a sixth grader — not an easy feat for an eleven year old — and then come back from a year in Canada with determination to regain lost ground and play catch up with your class. Though you were nervous at first about playing the saxophone again, your hard work paid off, and you quickly caught up.

I pray for you as you move on to upper school, that you will continue to have the courage and determination to do hard things, and that you will stand up for Christ even when others around you aren’t doing so.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Blessings, Ms. Danneker (Band teacher grade 8)

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Winter Classic Pep Band

All throughout the two days of winter classic, Kai was a part of the Pep band. He plays Tenor Sax which is a larger saxophone than most. It adds depth to any band and it takes a lot of strength to play (both physically and lung power!) We were so proud of him and really enjoyed the pep band all weekend – it really wouldn’t be the same kind of weekend without the band!

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A note from Kai’s Grade 8 teacher

Hi Team Doerksen, 

I wanted to send a message of encouragement—Kai is doing a fabulous job in ELA and Bible. He is such a deep thinker and enthusiastic participant in every activity and discussion. He is currently leading his group’s project in Bible, showing his natural ability to organize and delegate. I am really enjoying getting to know him!

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How to welcome home missionary kids

1) Ask for parents’ insight about how to relate with their kids

Parents know their kids best! If you can, talk with the missionary parents before they come to church on Sunday, or before you meet up with them, and ask them how you can best support their kids while you are together.

Some kids genuinely enjoy standing with their parents and listening to the adults talk and have conversations (that was me as a kid!). Other kids love making new friends and want to jump into the Sunday morning programs. They might prefer to blend in and make friends, or simply observe the world around them.

Ask parents about each of their kids specifically, since every kid has different needs. Then, see how you can help!

2) Introduce yourself like it’s the first time you’re meeting

MKs often hear something like, “Hi, I’m Barbara, do you remember me? I used to babysit you!” or “Oh, it’s so good to see you! Wow, you’ve grown so tall!” While these are warm and well intentioned comments, this can put MKs in an awkward position. They may feel guilty for not remembering you, or they may want to act like they do indeed remember you (even if they don’t). If MKs are back in their passport country for the first time in three years, it may be really hard for them to recall a lot of names and faces from previous years. Help them out by introducing yourself!

If you introduce yourself in the same way you would if you were meeting for the first time, or if you remind them how you’re connected to their family, it will give them more freedom to be themselves. And, who knows, maybe one day they will actually say, “Oh yeah, I remember you!! You’re the one who picked us up from the airport a few years ago and told the story about the alligators!”

3) Ask specific, open-ended, simple questions

“Which country do you like living in better?” or “Do you have any friends there?” can feel like a lot of pressure for MKs. These are specific, yet very closed-ended questions. On the other hand, questions that are open but too broad or abstract can also feel intimidating. “How can we be praying for you?” or “What’s it like living in Hungary?” might be great questions for adults, but MKs are often at a loss for words to answer these questions on the spot. 

Here are some other tips on tweaking questions to help MK’s feel more loved…

  • Instead of, “Do you have friends there?” ask, “Who are some people you enjoy spending time with at home in Budapest?”
  • Instead of, “Which country do you like living in better Hungary or Ukraine?” ask, “What’s something you think is cool about Hungary?” or “What’s something you miss from Ukraine when you’re home in Budapest (or Canada)?”
  • Instead of, “How can I be praying for you?” (which can sometimes be a tough question for kids to answer!) you could ask, “What’s something kind of stressful or challenging that you experience here in Canada?” Listen to their answers, and ask follow-up questions if they want to talk about it. After listening to their stories, you can say, “Wow, yeah, that does sound tough! I’d love to be praying for you for ________ .“ Here you could insert that area of their life—e.g. for new friends, for kind teachers, for school in their second language, etc.). 

4) Invite them to join you in what you’re doing

If you’re welcoming MK’s into your home, share your hobbies and interests with them. I still remember the time one of our family’s supporters taught me how to knit. Knitting became my new favorite pastime on long car rides during that home assignment. I’m actually not much of a knitter today, but I still feel loved when I remember the woman who once took the time to teach me how to knit while we were in their home! 

Think about some of the things you enjoy doing. Ask MKs if they’d like to join you and try something new. Do you make the best homemade kettle corn? Invite the kids to learn how to make it with you! Do you love building birdhouses? Do you play baseball in your free time? Let them paint a birdhouse you made, or coach them in pitching a baseball. You’ll not only teach them valuable skills, but they’ll feel so loved that you’d care enough to spend that time with them. 

On Sundays, this may look a little different, but the same idea goes a long way. Are you teaching Sunday School? Ask them if they’d like to come with you and introduce them to other kids their age. Are you setting up chairs for the service? Invite them to join in and have a fun conversation as you go (and ask their parents first, of course!). Are you the same age as the MK? Invite them to play in the church gym with you and your friends after the service. You can even introduce them to other teenagers from the youth group and find out what you all have in common together.

5) Welcome them into the fold, rather than asking them to perform

In general, MKs long to belong wherever they go. They spend much of their lives observing and adapting to the world around them, and they are skilled at figuring out how to fit in. Give them the chance to feel at home in your church or community whenever they visit. 

If you’d like for an MK to share something about life as a missionary kid in Sunday school or youth group, ask them beforehand.  Then, give them the chance to say “sure!” or “I’d rather not.” 

In conversations, ask them about their lives in their countries, and be intentional about getting to know them for who they are. At the same time, give them space to belong and feel like they are welcomed to belong (and not stand out so much!), even if they’re only at church for a day or in town for a week. Treat them “as your own,” and remind them that they matter to you. 

Thank you for investing in missionary kids! We are like sponges, constantly observing and taking in the world around us. When you spend time with us and take time to see our needs, it really means a lot. Your words of encouragement, and your actions of love and care, help us feel less alone, and point us to the kindness of God. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make the biggest difference in our lives.

Article Taken from 5 Ways to Care for Missionary Kids on Home Assignment | Josiah Venture Written by Claire Patty

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Summer is almost over!

It is August 11, school starts again for the kids in 12 days! That means we have to get organized, cleaned up and supplied for the first day! Always an exciting day! We bought the kids their new school shoes from Ashan (like Walmart) and put them aside for the first day of school. The kids are all excited!

It has been a fun summer, we have tried to organize fun things that didn’t cost too much money, along with some special events like a ballet, a water park and Ninja house. Of course there was a lot of down time too, just hanging around, reading books, playing and of course sibling arguments, all of the good stuff that summers are made from. We did our best to limit screen time to 60 minutes a week, sometimes adding a few extra videos on extra hot days or when Mom was going crazy.

Life didn’t slow down for Ben with the SBS, lots of people studying the Bible and getting closer to God. It has been fun, but I would also say a bit tiring. We are looking forward to a few days break for our 15th anniversary in September.

Hope your summer was a fun and fulfilling as ours!

ps. We had an awesome roofing team come from Canada and help us put a new roof on one of our YWAM buildings. It was from Ben’s sister’s church, so that was SUPER special!!!

Check out our pictures from the summer on the link or here: Summer Time Fun!

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Canadian Thanksgiving in Ukraine

img_2861What did you do for Thanksgiving this year? Well, every year we endeavor to help our kids have a sense of identity, and specifically Canadian in certain ways. One of the ways we do that is by celebrating the holidays.
This past Monday we invited Abby (another YWAMer who is Canadian) and we had a great time eating Turkey (just wings and legs that we could buy at the store) mashed potatoes, cinnamon carrots, corn, gravy, and pumpkin cheesecake. It was yummy. But the real highlight was drawing turkeys using the website ‘art for kids hub.’ It was a lot of fun. Of course we sang our national anthem and said things we were thankful for. One thing we are really thankful for as a family is the house we are able to live in and host meals like this in. Thank you again to everyone who prayed with us and contributed to this home. It is a blessing to our family and many others as well.

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Lego Art

Often this website is a way for us to communicate all of the things that we are doing, to share the excitement with family and friends far away. BUT sometimes it is good to share what is happening with our kids since many of our readers love them too

Jay and Cassie are really growing up, and like most kids, they love to be creative. Lego is one way they express their creativity! Jay loves to invent new vehicles and Cassie likes to build anything, from scenes to animal shows.

Kai’s creativity comes out when he plays pretend by himself with little animals or figurines. He also has a favourite spot next to the bookshelf where he will sit for a whole hour just looking at books.

Cassie is still loving school, she is on Spring break now, and just last weekend had a big sleepover with 6 girls.

Jay’s buddy Egan is back from America and the three boys have all sorts of fun together during the day.

So the kids are growing up healthy and have lots of fun with their friends- but often talk of their family and friends in Canada. Soon we will be printing out pictures to put up in their room so they don’t forget :)

Thanks for all of you who love and pray for our kids!

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Family Update

This last weekend friends of ours gave us a swing set for our backyard. This morning I was so blessed listening to our kids laughing and playing together outside. Our time at home in Canada truly has been awesome for our whole family. So here are some quick updates on the kids:

Cassie- lost her two front teeth this weekend, 2 days after she turned 6! She had a party with a bunch of her friends all around the theme ‘Frozen- the movie.’ My two cousins Teresa and Soumela were there and helped me lots, along with my nieces Suzanna and Elly.

Jay- Loves playing soccer on a team here in Winnipeg. He wants to wear his jersey to bed every night and of course leave it on all day! He still loves zooming cars down slides and race tracks. He does great on his reading lessons and remembers sounds really easily!

Kai- His vocabulary has really been expanding since he has turned two. ‘Lello’ is his favorite colour and he has to point out every yellow thing he sees. He sweetly says ‘soyee’ when he does something wrong, and ‘tank-oo’ when someone gives him something or helps him. But one difference with our other two children, he does NOT like bed time.

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The good ‘ol chicken pox

IMG_6823It is never fun when your kids are sick because you know it is going to be ‘cranky city!’ But thankfully Cassie already had the vaccine and Jay and Kai seem to be dealing with the pox easily (beside the waking up at night thing!) And so we are enjoying our first week in Turkey mostly home bound.

Life in Turkey will definitely be different. We don’t have a car and we live on the outskirts of a small beach town. We set up a little schedule of school, colouring, swimming, snacks, meals etc. It helps to keep the day moving, but even I feel like I am always thinking “it is only 3:30pm, I thought it was at least 5:00pm!” With no internet at home and no way to really get around besides walking our life will be MUCH slower.

Pray for all of us to find things to do in these next few months when the colouring books are all filled up.

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Travelling with Children

So lots of our friends often ask us how it is travelling with kids. So I thought we’d do a little bit of a journal of sleeping since leaving Canada:

The Flights
Depart Calgary at 15:30
9 Hours to Amsterdam – kids sleep about 4 of those (thank you gravol!), Ang 2.5, Ben – zippo!
Layover in Amsterdam is 4 hours long, Ben gets 20 minutes on the cold floor another 40 min sitting with legs draped over luggage carts.
2.5 Hours to Kiev – Jay – 2.5 hours, Ang 1 hour, Ben and Cassie – zippo! (sensing a pattern?)
Arrive Kiev at 16:40 the next day, skipped forward approx 9 hours.

Night 1
8pm Start with a warm bottle of milk, mix in equal parts love and gravol, hope for the best! :)
11pm Wake to crying baby … crying is the nice way to say it. Ben sleeps through it, Ang saves the day. Cassie is zonked out.
1am Wake to screaming baby … screaming is the nice way to say it. Ang makes warm bottle of milk (no additives), Jay was just hungry. Ben feeds baby. (How do parents do it?) Cassie remains zonked out.
4am Wake to screaming baby … hear a small thud. Pitter patter. “Mommy, Jay is crying”. Evidently, Cassie is no longer zonked out. Dad rescues the day, mom and Cassie fall into a deep slumber.

Wonder how naps and Night 2 will go? Stay tuned! :)

Night 2
10pm Kids are sleeping peacefully, parents think, maybe this will yet be a great night.
1am Thud .. pitter patter, “Jay is crying” says Cassie. Bottle (no additives) for Jay, change his bum and life is back to normal.
1:05am Thud .. pitter patter, “I don’t want to sleep in there with Jay”. We convince her to sleep in her bedroom anyway.
1:10am Thud .. pitter patter… This time we move her to the living room couch.
2am Thud .. pitter patter… Cassie is still wide awake. Gravol for mom and daughter. Convince her once more to stay on the living room couch (Cassie flips and flops worse than a fish out of water).
3am Thud .. pitter patter… We give in and she moves from the living room couch to beside us in our room on the floor. Jay hasn’t made a noise since about 1:30am.
4am Ang finally falls asleep, Ben is left listening to the girls sleeping. After some oatmeal, rooibois tea and a peanut butter sandwhich (still haven’t gone for a proper shopping trip).
almost 5am Finally drifts off to sleep.
1pm We finally open our eyes big enough to get out of bed. We’ll definitely have to set the alarm tomorrow night – even Jay didn’t wake up! Jet lag definitely won this battle.

This is starting to sound like a big brother episode.

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At the Front Door

When was the last time you lost your keys and had to break into your own house? Wait a minute, I didn’t lose the keys and we sure didn’t break in. Actually, it was an innocent mistake. Have you seen Cassie lately? She is so innocent! She talks so sweet, she smiles like a princess; “of course honey, you can help us open the front door to the apartment”. No problem. “Can I hold the keys too?” she asks. I mean, what are the chances that this little girl will lose them within 15 steps of our apartment door – inside the building?

Alas, it could happen to anyone. Up to the 8th floor we go and as we are stepping out, sure enough, clink clink. Down 8 stories drop our keys, through the gap between the elevator car and the 8th floor – the crack is only a couple inches.

Of course, breaking into an 8th floor apartment isn’t too simple. Thankfully we were hosting a school event that evening and our friends (who speak Russian and know how to get things done around here) were coming over. Sure enough, in less than an hour they elevator guys opened up the bottom and searched through half a foot of cigarette butts to find our keys. Thank you Yulia and Daniel and Tetyana for helping us!

It’s all part of growing up, although from now on the keys will stay with Mom and Dad! :)

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To Be The Bride

The other day Cassie and I were “pretending” in the car. She was the mom with 4 kids. “Okay Cassie, how many are girls?” “Well, 1 is a girl, mom”. “Then how many boys would you have?” “3!” Math already?! She must take after her Daddy.

Speaking of Daddies, last week we travelled to Lviv, Ukraine and we saw at least 10-15 brides taking pictures all over this small picturesque city. Cassie was of course enthralled with them all day! She kept saying that one day she would marry her Daddy. Awww.. It was so cute!

 

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Not Funny Jay!

One thing about living far away is that our family and friends haven’t seen Jay grow up in this first year, so I like to blog about his developments so everyone can get an idea of where he is at.

Jay loves to explore all over the house. Listening is not his strong point so once he sees something he wants to touch or hold he gets VERY determined! He makes all sorts of noises and seems to have conversations with everything (toys, us, Cassie, his food) He is also getting in his second molar. He is still a good sleeper, 2 two hour naps a day plus 12 hours or so at night. He likes to eat food and drink milk and water (especially in the bath, yuck!). We are working on getting him to not hit. He thinks it is funny when someone is holding him to smack them in the face. “No Jay, that is not funny, gentle.” But he is so cute with his smile and giggle. We love him so much!

 

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Three Three Three Round 2

Here is an alternate version of Three Three Three. Brought to you by the slick engineering at Animoto.com (but you have to pay for more pixels).