April 18, 2009 - Chase goes to the Larry Eason Invitational at Snohomish High School Veterans Memorial Stadium to compete in the men's 1600 and men's 800 meter. The first race was the 1600 in which he placed 2nd. He was hanging behind the kid that was supposed to have a time of 4:11. That kid, from Canada, finished with a time of 4:30. Chase should have been following the kid from Redmond who took State last year in CrossCountry. He finished with a time of 4:16 followed by Chase with a time of 4:26:17. We've got high hopes for him. He wanted to Pole Vault this year, but a suitable pole wasn't available and the new one that was ordered was the wrong one. Needless to say, Chase has been feeling very dejected that he hasn't been able to compete. A new, correct pole is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Hopefully he'll be able to practice with the new pole for a few days before Saturday's competition in Gresham, Oregon. We expected him to clear at least 15 feet this year.

Just a few of the spring colors we have at our house right now. Mother Nature is AMAZING! We're in the process of getting our garden in. The ground is tilled, but we ran out of time for planting. Tomorrow (04/13/2009) is supposed to be a torrent of rain, so come back to see how we're doing. We'll post regular pictures as the garden grows. By the way, we're still enjoying the "fruits" of our labors from last year from corn to green beans to peaches, carrots and tomatoes. We're going to plant watermelon and canteloupe along with all the other things we did last year. Stay tuned!

Ian and his new sport. Wrestling season is over so he's trying out basketball. After basketball season is over he's going in for Track. He's not sure what he'll be running, but it should be exciting. A few shots here of him in action and one of his shots going in!

Caitlin gets the "I want to be a homemaker" bug and is learning to sew. Mom helped with the pink bag and Caitlin did the brown bag by herself. Haley's bag was more or less done by Mom! What's next, Caitlin? She says a skirt!

Haley has her art chosen as an entry into the Vancouver School District School of Art exhibition. She was a little reluctant about it, but we think it's a fine entry!

This was a trip to Aubrey Watzek Scout lodge at the base of Mt. Hood. We went as a group of Venture Scouts, spent the night and did some downhill runs with inner tubes. It was a great time.

Here are some pictures from Christmas that I hadn't put up yet. I thought they were pretty cute!!! Caitlin helped make dinner which was really very delicious!!! Potatoe soup in bread bowls! On Christmas eve Mom and Ian played a duet of Away in a Manger. It was a really fun Christmas eve and Christmas!