May with the Liezens...

Abigail...
Abigail had a month of many firsts including her first major disaster and a face full of owies, her first corn on the cob, new words every day and always trying to keep up by doing things that big brother can do. I'm looking forward to seeing how she reacts to grandma and grandpa's pool, because if the bathtub is any indication, she has no fear of the water. Abigail is my little girlie girl who loves to change clothes, play with her baby and carry a purse. However, she is also my little tomboy who loves to climb, play in the dirt and scratch up her knees. What an adventurer this girl is!











Andrew...
Springtime is one of Andrew's favorite times of the year because it means many hours outside. He loves to ride his bike, play with his friends and make "machines" with dirt and sticks. Andrew had a special graduation from preschool and even though I didn't think I'd be one of those sappy moms, I was fighting tears the entire time. His teachers at Prince of Peace have been amazing and very special to us. It's hard to believe how fast my little boy has grown up. Andrew is curious, happy, challenging, inquisitive and funny and not a day goes by that I am not thankful for him.









We were so fortunate to have the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda, Africa visit our church again this year. We were a host family for Ian (age 10), Dovin (age 9), Auntie Linda and Uncle Alex. What a blessing it was to share time with these amazing people. We will continue to remember them and all of the other children at the Watoto Village in our prayers!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

We had a wonderful Easter weekend a couple of weeks ago! The kids participated in the neighborhood Easter egg hunt on Saturday, and what started out as a light drizzle, turned into a downpour. Good thing the hunt lasts about 2 minutes!

Then on Sunday we went to church for a beautiful service with lots of special music (including the children and a men's choir with Matt, Dad and Chad singing), and then off to mom and dad's place for a yummy brunch.

I am so thankful for Easter and the time we get to spend with family, but more importantly Easter is a day to rejoice our Lord God and the sacrifice he made for us!

Andrew Turns 5...Three Weeks Ago!

On April 3rd, Andrew turned 5 years old and he makes sure to tell anyone that he talks to. He's very excited about the big milestone. His birthday was on the last day of our Spring Break trip, so we stopped at Lego land and he picked out new Legos. Then we celebrated on Sunday the 5th with family. On Monday the 6th, he got to take birthday treats to school and do all of the special jobs that come with being the birthday boy. It was a great few days for him!

Our Spring Break

We had a wonderful, but busy Spring Break. There was LOTS of travel and we fit as much as we possibly could into 7 days. Lots of friends, family and good memories. Matt and I are ready for a vacation alone after this one, but nothing can replace the times shared with Andrew and Abigail!

Day 1 - First full day with the Dukes, meet Stallcops at OMSI to play (Children's Museum in Portland), Andrew's favorite things were the water rockets and the ball room, Abigail loved everything, George and Connie Gabel drove up to Vancouver for dinner and games, celebrated April birthdays for Peyton and Andrew!






Day 2 - Matt, Andrew, Brent and Logann go to U of O vs. OSU baseball game, Go Ducks!, play outside, go hot tubbing






Day 3: last day with the Dukes, play at the neighborhood park, drive to Seattle, fly to San Francisco at 8:40 p.m., Abigail fusses most of the 2 hour flight, screams the last 35 minutes, grabbing head, uncontrollable, NOT a FUN FLIGHT for us or for anyone on the plane, arrive at airport, get rental car and drive to Martinez, in bed at 2:00 a.m., Isn't traveling fun?





Day 4 and 5: Martinez, California with Uncle Randy, Aunt Naomi, Alex and Jacob, lots of walks, playing at parks, kids love the cats and dogs, Andrew picks fresh lemons from the lemon tree to make lemonade, watch trains at the train station, Andrew climbs lots of trees, flowers are in bloom everywhere, the weather is gorgeous, 70 degrees and sunshine, visit from Aunt Ruth, 2 days of relaxation, family and good conversation









Day 6: Drive to Monterey and Carmel, California to play at the beach, get to see Uncle Peter, Uncle Paul and Aunt Kim, around 50 degrees and windy at the beach, but kids have a blast playing in the sand and water, Abigail has two tumbles, one face first in the sand and the other into the cold, ocean water, a very friendly squirrel wants to eat our lunch, Andrew climbs cyprus trees, there is nothing that compares to seeing the ocean and running through the water as it hits the beach









(Thanks for these two pictures Uncle Paul!)


Day 7: Catch the shuttle at the hotel at 5:05 a.m., making Andrew run through the parking lot in tears because he's only been awake for about 30 seconds and we're about to miss the shuttle, fly to Seattle, Abigail gets 5 suckers, 4 pieces of gum, lots of juice and a binky (she doesn't even use a binky), Andrew leaves his most favorite blue blankie on the airplane and we don't get it back, visit Legoland for Andrew's birthday, Matt gets a speeding ticket 4 minutes after being on the freeway, sit on the pass for 1 hour while they do avalanche control, arrive back to Spokane at 6:00 p.m., GLAD TO BE HOME!




Some of our favorite quotes from the mouth of Andrew...
1. After asking Matt to give him another push on a tire swing and going around very fast: "That's what I'm talking about!"
2. Andrew trying to convince us to get him a drink at Starbucks: "That would be so helpful. I would really appreciate it."
3. Abigail was being a little crazy during lunch at McDonalds on our last day: "Abigail is freakin' me out!"

A New Family Portrait

We had some big pieces of cardboard left over and Andrew told me he wanted to make a machine (he loves to make machines out of everything). I wasn't watching what he was doing because he was busy and quiet in the dining room. When he was finished and I turned around, this is what he had drawn - A Liezen Family Portrait. It wasn't a machine, but it was a work of art. I thought it was so cute because he explained that the hearts on our arms were there because we all love each other. He was also proud because he remembered to put ears on each of us.

We do love each other and I am so thankful for my family!

Is Spring here yet?

During the month of February, Andrew's class learned about fire safety. It's incredible what a 4 year old is able to retain. We've had to check the smoke alarm several times and we've had to practice "stop, drop, cover your eyes and roll." We finished the month with a fun field trip to the fire station. Andrew was able to sit up in the truck and he really liked when the fireman showed them all of the tools on the firetruck along with all of his gear for fighting fires!



Who says little girls don't like mud and dirt? Andrew and Abigail have been loving some of the sunshine, melting snow and mud in the backyard. You know we've had a long winter when the most exciting comment of the day is, "Mom, I can see a grass spot in the yard!"

Harlem Globetrotters

On Tuesday night, I had a special date with my two favorite boys. Matt, Andrew and I went to the Harlem Globetrotters at the Arena. What a fun night! Matt and I hadn't been to a Globetrotter's game since we were kids and it's still a great show. We did the whole experience - a Harlem Globetrotter's basketball, waiting in line for autographs and giving high-fives as the team left the court. Andrew was SO excited and it was a wonderful evening for the 3 of us. It really reminded me of the importance of giving each child some special time with mom and dad!