Last week we visited the National Zoo in Washington, DC. Our purpose was to see the pandas for Becca.  The day we went, half the zoo was closed and there were several school groups there. We had to keep in mind that our goal was to see the pandas and not have an amazing zoo trip. We were able to spot and watch Bao Bao, the baby panda, on our way into the zoo. Becca was thrilled to see a real panda. We saw the mama panda on our way out of the zoo. The trip was a success. Isaiah was happy to see elephants, and he had a close face to face encounter with a gorilla!

Sunday late afternoon as we drove from VA to PA, we saw the new ferris wheel at National Harbor. Knowing how much Becca loves Charlotte’s Web and the fact that Fern rides in a ferris wheel with Henry Fussy, we thought Becca would enjoy the ride. She could be Fern and Isaiah could be Henry Fussy (and he was fussy since he didn’t want us to stop: he was in a hurry to get to Grandpa & Grammy’s house). We took a detour and enjoyed riding the ferris wheel. It was worth the extra hassle – Becca said “this is the world’s most fun!”

Anna celebrates her 6-week birthday by going on her first long trip. Lord willing, she’ll do well with all the miles in the car and nights in different homes.

Isaiah wanted his picture with Anna – but he wanted her to have her eyes open. The photo session ended quickly after his attempt to help her!

We’ve been enjoying the warm weather this week: it gives us a chance to play outside!

Today we leave on our last post–deputation trip. We will stay in five different states: NC, VA, PA, NY, & NJ. Hard to believe it’s almost officially over. Once we return we’ll have 27 days before we leave for Cambodia – to God be the Glory!

 Sweet dreams to our 5-week-old little bundle of sweetness!

This past weekend, all of Josh’s immediate family gathered at Dad & Mom’s for a family weekend. Caroline’s family came up from Florence, SC, and the rest of us drove each day to spend time together. We started with dinner Friday evening, then were back for family pictures (thank you to Donna Bixby) Saturday morning. We enjoyed fellowship all day Saturday. On Sunday we ended the weekend with church and Mother’s Day lunch.

The cousins all enjoyed playing with each other. Once the picture taking was over we had a relaxing day of simply hanging around the home and enjoying each other’s company.

We are very thankful for Josh’s parents. For their faithfulness in raising their three children to know and love God and for how that blesses each of their children’s spouses. We are thankful for the godly heritage they have given us. Josh and I are also grateful for Dad & Mom’s continual support as we head to Cambodia. We appreciate their excitement for us, even though it means not living so close any more.

Not sure how you can be one month already! We’re enjoying having you as a part of our family. What a precious gift of God you are to us. Happy 1-month birthday, Anna Grace!

I am truly blessed to be the mother of these three.

Anna went on her first trip to a supporting church this past weekend. She did great on the 3-hour car ride but didn’t sleep too well that evening in different surroundings. Our next overnight travels will be in about 2 weeks, so hopefully she’ll do better then.

A week after Anna was born, Becca began looking through her special cookie cookbook to decide what kind of cookies she wanted to make. Then, the week Isaiah and I had made chocolate chip cookies together, Becca decided it was her turn. To my surprise she picked Butter Cookies with Raspberries. She was pretty insistent that we were going to make these cookies. . . . Wow, they are sure good!

Monday we took a picnic to the park across the street. The main highlight for Isaiah was feeding the ducks. Becca was thrilled to ride her bike around the pond. When we were over halfway around the pond, Becca decided to get off her bike to look at a light pole.  Josh and I watched as her bike headed toward the pond and splashed in. You should have heard Becca scream. All ended well: bike was rescued, though we still need to wipe the algae off.

Hard to believe this sweet girl is 3 weeks old already. She had her first cranky day on Thursday, but I attribute that to her being nervous about her daddy’s ordination exam that evening. Once he passed she was content.

After a week of crankiness, due to molars and ear pain, Isaiah is back to his normal happy self. He really wanted to hold “baby sister” the other day. He especially wanted to hold her when Becca asked for her turn!

Anna celebrated her 3-week birthday by meeting her Great Grandma Martin. Grandma Jensen and Great Grandma Martin came up for the morning and lunch. We all enjoyed visiting with them.

We celebrated Easter in stages. . .the last stage being an attempt to get a family picture a few days after Easter (above). The Saturday before Easter we had the Erkens cousins over to decorate eggs. It was a rainy day, but all the kids had fun decorating and finding the eggs around the house. Easter Sunday after church we went down to Greenville to have dinner with Josh’s parents and the Erkens.

A few other pictures of the kids below. Becca and Anna have matching dresses: I found a Dollie & Me set 70% off and thought the dresses would work for a picture. Becca couldn’t wait to have Anna’s dress for her doll.