Welcome home, Dadda!

Last week Dadda came home from Guatemala! We were all so happy to see him. He came home very early in the morning. When the girls woke up and ran into our room they were thrilled to see Dadda there. It was a joyful reunion!

Dadda brought the girls some new scarves from his trip.

And Karis some new shoes!

The big girls also received some new journals. They love their Guatemala journals and often write in them when Momma and Dadda are doing their devotionals.

He Is Risen!

Last week, we went to the Reed's to do some Easter activities. 

Hudson's Grandma went through the Easter story using Resurrection Eggs. It was such a great way to engage the kids in the story. There was something in each egg to tell part of the story. One of the last eggs was empty, representing the empty tomb. 

I then read the "He is Risen" story from the Big Picture Bible.

Melissa did a craft with the kids. They made an empty tomb (with a rock that rolls away), Jesus, Mary, Mary's friend, and an angel.

Karis played happily while the kids were crafting.

The completed crafts. 

The kids also learned to respond to "He is risen"... "He is risen indeed!

Blessed

While Dadda was away we felt incredibly blessed. Friends had us over for lunch and play dates, made us meals, checked in on us, and made us feel so very loved.  My mom even flew here to help us out for a few days. 

The other day as I was eating dinner with our little girls, my heart just felt so full. I've never felt so loved by friends and family and have never been so proud of my husband. Just 5 years ago, our lives looked very different than they do now. It's amazing how Jesus can transform hearts. I am so thankful for the work He has done.

Ella and Juju wearing their Hawaii outfits from Grandpa Clark.

Karis has been an absolute dream this week. She has always been a happy baby, but I really don't think she could have made things any easier for me this week. She slept through the night, napped, ate whatever I gave her, and flashed her goofy smile throughout the day. She even stayed in the nursery for the whole time without needing to be held at church today (this is a new milestone). 

For the past few days she has been pulling herself up and trying to get on the toy car. Today I helped her sit on it and she was ecstatic. She constantly sees her sisters riding around on it and I think she felt so thrilled to have a turn. Are her teeth not hilarious?

While I got ready for church today, Ella and Juju were busy making crafts to give to friends and to Dadda.

This morning I told the girls that when they wake up tomorrow Dadda will be home. Ella said "I'm excited to see Dadda, but I really liked our time as just us girls." Me too, Ella.

Things We'll Miss...

Our dear friends are packing up and moving overseas on Wednesday. We are going to miss them so much, but are so thankful for the way they are answering God's call on their lives.

Ella and Jonas have a pretty special bond. I don't think she really understands that he is moving away for a very long time. 

Science World

Today we ventured down to Science World...

The girls loved the "can you pull your own weight?" chair. 

Baby Karis loved snuggling with Grandma.

And crawling around on the artificial grass outside. It was the perfect place for her to crawl... if she's on real grass she loves to try to eat it. 

When we got home Ella changed into what, in her opinion, is a "beautiful outfit" and requested to have her picture taken. 

Juliette asked if she could wear my Guatemala necklace. Spencer bought this for me last year as a fundraiser for Guatemala. I wore it while he was away last year and forgot about it until Juju asked about it today. So sweet!

Port Kells Nursery

On Monday we visited Port Kell's Nursery. The girls loved it! There were chickens to feed, goats to observe, and a little play area. 

They also enjoyed testing out the patio furniture.

The cow in this sign says "All things grow well from Port Kells Nursery". I have a feeling my gardening skills may prove the cow wrong.

Lafleur Happenings...

Last week the flu went through our home. Here's Dadda taking care of his girls. Juju fell right asleep on his shoulder. That doesn't happen much anymore, so we definitely savor these moments when they come (and try to forget about the part of her throwing up as soon as she woke up).

Karis now has 4 teeth. She has her bottom 2, and 2 on the outer top middle. The top ones look kind of like fangs. Ella and Juliette teethed by the book, so it is fun that Karis is taking a unique approach to teething.

Back to good health, with appetites to prove it!

Yesterday, we helped Dadda get ready to go to Guatemala. The girls helped him pack numerous pairs of black shoes to give to the kids in Guatemala (and they tried a few pairs on along the way).