Courthouse Docket

Road Trips for Basketball Games I

2009-07-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

UVIC Trip
--Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC--

TRU Trip
--Kamloops, BC--

More to Follow...Thanks for checking in,
will try to be better in the future!

So Lame, and No Excuses!

2009-07-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Soooo Sorry!
I promise, when life slows a bit
and we are home from house sitting...
I will, I will, I will catch you up on life since we left off...
probably will start with the summer pics
and then do some from the other parts of the year
that we missed...
love you...
AMWK Courts <><

Forgive Me, Please?

2009-05-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Dear Ones
I am so very lame.
Forgive me.
I promise to get some photos up soon.
I have so many great ones, I don't know where to start.
Still needing to buy the space, etc...
Hoping soon!
The 'house selling' a few days ago have put a major cramp in my life now too.
AHHHHH...always something hey?
Anna for the Courthouse <><

Coming, Coming, I Promise!

2009-03-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Sweet Blog Followers
I am so very sorry for my tardiness
in getting photos up
I have so so so very many great ones
and have just not been at my computer much lately
(or at all)
Also, I ran out of space so i need to figure out
how to get on there and pay for more space
(the first bit up until now was free)
So, soon and very soon
Again, so sorry.
Misses & Baby Kisses
From, The Courthouse in Canada <><

Princess For A Day

2009-03-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...To be A Princess
Mackenzie's dear little friend Sophie
had a princess party when when she turned 3.
Here are some of the hilites...

Princess crafts and Princess food.

Princess games.

Princess photo ops.

Princess 'hugs'?

Princess poses.

And even Daddy got in on the 'princess attire'.
And Whit? Well, she had a nice nap.

It was fun being a princess for a day!
Thank you Sophie for having me
at your princess party!
Love, Mackenzie 'Princess' Lee <><

The "Road Trip-ers"

2009-03-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

The 3 Day Trip Home from Colorado.
A few cute shots captured.
As Mack ate snacks and watched Dora, her sissy slept.

And as Mackenzie slept...

Her sissy enjoyed some fresh air
and a bit of window shopping with Daddy.
And Mom was there to capture it all on film.

And then there was a stop where
Mom & Mackenzie got to play a little!

Our girls are troopers & the LORD so faithful.
Lots of driving and snow and wind, but we made it
back safely to tell about it!
The Traveling Courthouse <><

Coming Home...to SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

2009-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Some from Before & Some from After
Christmas that is.
Here are a few fun days in the snow, from before Christmas.

Another day.

And another day...oh how we love this white stuff!
MUCH better than grey and rainy!!!

And these are from after we returned home.
We were COVERED!!!

Same crazy amounts of snow, different day.

And yet another day out in it...
...a bit crusty this sunshiney day!

Awesome stuff with kiddos.
Driving around here is another story.
Our cul de sac looked like the arctic circle for weeks.
We now can see the pavement!
Love from the Snow-Covered Courthouse <><

Christmas in Winthrop

2009-02-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.

And we got just that!
Welcome to the Valley, a Winter Wonderland!

Our first morning in the valley, time to play & hang out with Papa.

And go and cut down a Christmas Tree...IN THE WOODS!!!
(Mommy's first time & Mack's too of course!)

Truly BEAUTIFUL!!!
A quiet, snowy forest, finding our Christmas tree.

Here she is! Our very own 'Charlie Brown Tree'!

We love it. Time to decorate and and 'add a few limbs'!

An evening walk & sled ride.

Puzzles on Mimi & Papa's table.

Reading time in Papa's lap.

Getting outside in the SNOW!!!

An awesome, sunny and snowy day for the Canada Courthouse.

A 'Whitney Outing'.

And a short walk with Uncle Rhys.

Morning play time with Daddy.

Mommy & Papa head out coyote hunting.

My layers & my foot-warmers...I LOVE THESE THINGS!

On the way home.

More play time with Dad--those awesome K'nex!

Hugs & kisses with my Mackenzie in the snow.
I just love you little girl!

Let's bake some cookies & decorate them too!
Mimi, you are so brave!

Christmas Eve...off to church!

Family shots by the tree after church.

Matching jammies from Mimi & Papa for Christmas Eve.

Stockings hung by the chimney with care.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Christmas Morning 2008.

Whit's first one...as the bib so nicely states.

Let's open some gifts!

Checking out the snow & the little birdie that
ran into the window and ended up in the snow bank...
...don't worry, he was ok!

More time outside...it's so nice out here.

Breaking up the 'gift opening'...short attention spans.

The Court "puzzlers" on Christmas Day Eve.

I was so puzzled by it all,
I headed out to get some exercise with Whit
& a pair of snowshoes, so much fun!

We left the next day, as Daddy had practice
on the 27th. It was a wonderful and beautiful
time at Mimi & Papa's house. Thank you both
for an amazing Christmas together.
Bless You--The Canada Courthouse <><

Colorado Christmas II

2009-02-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Third Stop: Eaton, Co
Back to Grandpa Sandberg's Place

This time, Auntie Heddy, Uncle Ben & Trek were there!
SOOOOOOOO much fun! Fun times at the Eaton Park!!!

Fun with the afgan...a thousand things to do with an afgan.

Fun while we eat.

Fun with Grandma & Grandpa.

"Christmas Eve" & a special visitor.

Random shots from "Christmas morning".

Back to the park for more outdoor fun.

More gifts to open on "Christmas Day Eve"
& a few folks over for dessert!

Our final morning together. Sweet cousins.

It's hard to say goodbye!

The Family Shot--minus the Berta Crew...we missed you!

A quick visit to see Barb & Ami. Sweet time there!

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa, Schinkes& all of you
who made our trip to Colorado very special and memorable!
We love you.
The Courthouse in Canada <><

Early Christmas in Colorado

2009-01-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

First Stop...
...Grandpa Sandberg's House, Eaton, CO
Hey Grandpa, we're here!!!

Toys & books with Grandpa.

To the park, Grandpa's an awesome playmate!

Family photo, home from the park.

Dear friends (Kathy, Sue & kiddos) come to play.

Morning brunch at the Eaton Country Club.
Grandpa doing some serious entertaining!

2 Men & 2 Little Girls,
So sweet!

Learning the stairs with Grandpa--she attacked them!

Next Stop...
Grandma Porter's, Louisville, CO.
Grandma, we're here!
Hugs, books & Kato!!!

A fun trip to the park, a MUST with all this sunshine!

More books & snuggles.

Auntie Jean came for a visit too!

She came bearing gifts and a big smile!
We love you Auntie Jean.

Some snuggles with Daddy too.
It was awesome to have him with us
24 hours a day for a few days in a row!

Ahhh, a little picture of Daddy in his heaven!
He loves his girls, and do they ever love him!
Colorado Christmas Trip, Part II is coming soon,
stay tuned...

Road Trip to Colorado

2009-01-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Some People Thought We Were Crazy...

...to take a 2 and a 1/2 year old and a 11 month old
on a 26 hour road trip...
...but it was GREAT!!!
First stop (not far from home) was in Bellingham, WA
we had to get new tires and an oil change for our big drive!

A wonderful slumber party at the Lind's
6 kiddos and 4 adults, we were outnumbered
and it was FABULOUS!!!

A cute shot of Henry & Mackenzie

Here we go...the drive begins!

A gorgeous sunset on the first night of driving.

A cuddle at the rest area & taking in a sunset with Daddy.

It is almost 3am here, the girls were WIRED!!!
We were at a motel, just outside of the North entrance of
Yellowstone National Park...Dad thought we should take a fun
little detour and mix it up a bit.

The next morning, on our way to the park entrance.
Hoping to see some animals!!!

Yellowstone National Park.

We had amazing weather the whole way, it took us 26 hours in all...
...to get there, the way back, ANOTHER STORY!!!
Stay tuned for that!

The Family Portrait...SNOW!!!

We surely have "tote-able" kiddos.
And we WANT to do it AGAIN!!!
Much Love,
The Canada Courthouse <><

Bath Time

2009-01-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

For the Wee One
Ahh one of her favorite times of day...
bath time!
This is just afterwards, had some fun with her in her ducky towel.

Our little pumpkin, goose & smiley one.
We are surely blessed.
The Courthouse <><

Tynehead Park & the Salmon

2009-01-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Across the Way
We have a wonderful hiking park and dog park
and a river runs through it. We love to walk there
all year round, but in late Oct and early Nov we
get to see HUGE salmon spawning and swimming
upstream...it's so much fun!

Here Mack and Daddy are looking at the
"big dead fish" who came to the end of his life
right here under the bridge. We prayed for this guy
for weeks after we saw it!!!
Learning about life and the cycles of life with a 2 year old,
hard and wonderful all at once.
Much Love,
The Canada Courthouse <><

More Black & Whites from the Fall

2008-12-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Sweetness of Life...

We are surely blessed!
We love and miss each one of you.
Thanks for checking on us.
Know you are loved!
The Canada Courthouse <><

Parks Parks Parks

2008-12-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

My Oh My, How We Love the Park!

Well, most days we love the park.
Timeouts at the park? Not so much...

And we're even starting to 'play together' sometimes.
All in due time. Until next time...off to the park!

Just Around the House

2008-12-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

Our Wee Little Lassies--Growing Up

Sisters becoming friends & playmates..
it's so fun when they make each other squeal!
Much Love from INSIDE the Courthouse <><

All Dressed Up

2008-11-30T00:24:00.000-08:00

Daddy & Mommy Are Going Out
There was a big fundraiser banquet for Kerby's team.
And we got to go. ON A DATE!!!
Mimi & Papa came for a game and then babysat, while
we had our first night out since Whit was born!!!
Here's some of the 'getting ready', I did my hair myself &
my dear friends 'dressed' me up!!!

This was afterwards, we snuck in after midnight
and took a few shots for posterity's sake.

We had a nice nice time, it was fun getting all dressed up &
actually blow drying my hair,
putting on make up and feeling like a lady.
Thank you Mimi & Papa for a nice evening OUT!

Fall Leaves with Daddy

2008-11-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

The Beauty of Fall
through the eyes of children,
incredible.

Some in Sepia, for fun.

Much love from the Courthouse in Canada.
Blessings Abound.

Mimi & Papa Come for a Visit

2008-11-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

1 Game & 2 Walks
Mimi & Papa came for a visit. Daddy's team had a game.
We went to watch. And then we just got to hang out a bit
with Sweet Mimi & Papa...Enjoy our photos!

The First Walk--Tynehead
We walked and tried catching leaves in our buggy,
our newest form of fun this fall.

Sis got to splash in some puddles
with Mimi in her new rainboots!!!

While Whit was trying on Daddy's hat.

The Second Walk--Houston Trail
A cooler, but beautiful morning walk around the hilly loop.
We did backpacks instead of strollers to help
Papa get in shape for his hunting trip in Idaho.

Above Mack is blowing and seeing her breath.
She thinks that is so neat!
Bring on the cold...Mack is ready to GO SLEDDING!!!
Thanks for your visit Mimi & Papa.
It was wonderful as always, come again sooooooon!!!!
The Canada Courthouse <><

Rainy Day Hike

2008-11-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

A New Place to Hike
Dog Mountain was the goal, we never got there.
It said in the book we had that it was 'easy' but surely was not.
And most definitely NOT stroller friendly.
We had a very rainy day on top of it all,
but tried to make the most of it.
Our girls were troopers and we did have some fun!

On the way up, we saw a skunk in the wild
for the first time ever for all of us,
very fun, and thankful not to get squirted!!!

Here's to rainy day hikes,
tote-able kiddos
& 'never say die' hubbies!
Anna <><

Trip to Seattle--Paperwork!

2008-11-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

And a But of Fun Too
So we headed to Seattle on an 'emergency' trip
to get our passports to the Canadian Immigration office.
We had some fun too while we were at it.

In these two photos we are trying out new seats in the van.
Mack is in Mommy's seat. Whit is in Mack's seat.
Both looking very smug hey?

Here we had lunch up in the food court of Westlake Center.

Here we were walking around a bit, shopping and enjoying
a bit of the waterfall action up from Pike Place.

We also spent a bit of time in a waiting room.
We headed back with paperwork to get our
"landed immigrant' cards, so it's the last step
to our perm. res. visa we guess???
Anyway, it was a fun day.

Vickie & Linda Ai Yi

2008-11-20T22:45:00.000-08:00

Vickie & Linda Are in Washington
so we met for lunch at Red Robin half way
between seattle and vancouver...what a time!!!

What a beautiful time we had.
It felt like I was 'home'.
Thank you for coming & seeing us.
We love love love you!!!

Black & Whites Fall 08

2008-11-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

Who Me?
You want to take a picture of me???

Ain't life grand?
So good to see life through the eyes of these kiddos.
They teach me new things EACH and EVERY day!

Fall Leaves

2008-11-16T21:42:00.000-08:00

Fall Colors Everywhere
Enjoying them with our girls on Trinity's Campus
It was B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!

Let's go find some leaves!!!

Whit thought they looked good enough to eat.
Mack kept sticking her soother in to help her 'not eat them'.

Praising Jesus for the sunshine & leaves.

Sisterly hugs.

YUM!

Some of 'the girls' from Daddy's team (and volleyball too)
stopped while we were playing in the leaves...they
really had a great time with Mack! Thanks girls!

When you're down, it's good to know your Big Sissy
has your back and will help you up
(even if it was her who pushed her over in the first place)

Ahhh...the colors.
An absolutely beautiful day.
Absolutely wonderful time.
Loving being a mom & loving the fall too.
Thank you Lord!

To the Pumpkin Patch with 2 Pumpkins

2008-11-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

To the Farm Market, 2nd Year in a Row...
...to get our pumpkins! So excited to ride in the wheelbarrow too!

I like this one, and that one, and this one too...

These are Mommy & Daddy's favorite pumpkins.

The family shot...we found our BIG PUMPKIN!

And we found a little one too.

Daddy & Mackenzie form a 'game plan' for the pumpkins.

The final project (for the wee pumpkin)

Time to dig in the BIG one!

And now we'd like to introduce...Mr. Glad!
(that's the same name from last year, guess it stuck!)

Some Shots in Sepia for the "Fall Feel"

Such fun to do these things with little ones.
The littlest things are such a thrill.
I'm learning a lot from my 2 year old!

Winthrop in September

2008-11-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Valley at the End of the Summer

Back to see Mimi & Papa for the weekend.
Fun times!
Went up to Sun Mountain and had a great time.

Playing "freeze" with Daddy.

Running, riding, crawling & hopping.

Praising Jesus
(literally, she got up on this rock and started singing
with her eyes closed, "praise Jesus, praise Jesus" and then
said, "come on Daddy, get up on the rock and praise Jesus!")
Ahhh the refreshing & awesome faith of a child!

Shoulder ride

Serious walking.

Enjoying the sunshine.

Being a family.

Being sisters & friends.

Being with Daddy.

At Mimi & Papa's we do puzzles

Eat ice cream, pet Zepher (the cat) & sit in Papa's lap.

We go outside to "dig" in the sand too.

And check out the local 'wild life'
(here I think we were checking out ants or grasshoppers, I forget)

And just enjoy the warm sunshine!

Chew on a few books, Whit's favorite.
And her Big Sis likes to read them with Mimi or Papa.

Enjoy being a family, together.

And get lots of loving from Mimi (& Papa too)

We love you Mimi & Papa!
Your Canada Courthouse Girls <><

Brandsma's Come Over

2008-11-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends Come To Hang Out
Auntie Alaina & Uncle Joe came to hang out with me.
Daddy & Mommy were supposed to go on a date,
but we all had such a good time together,
we just kept hanging out. We read books &

watched video of their trip back to Africa &

Did puzzles & built towers &

more towers & more towers &

then I made a bed in my blocks box.
It's "just my size"!

We love you Auntie Alaina & Uncle Joe!
Come again soon!
This time, Mommy & Daddy can go & we can just
PLAY, PLAY, PLAY!
Love you!
Mackenzie <><

Time with Newcombs

2008-11-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Meeting Baby Rilanna & More
Just a couple of weeks old, Tim & Helen
welcome in their 3rd daughter!
All of us girls (7 in all) had a great time,
though our daddies were missed!

Down for an evening of play and Monday Nite Football,
FUN TIMES!

Such fun to see the girls interact with each other.
So fun to see them grow and change.
Thanks Newcombs for all the fun times
& great chats at your place.
We love you!
The Canada Courthouse <><

Halloween w/ a Pumpkin, a Ladybug & Phebe Ai Yi

2008-11-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

It's Dark & It's Time...

to "hit the streets" with our little bug and pumpkin
& of course our honored guest: Phebe Ai Yi!!!

getting dressed...do i have to have this on my head???

Phebe Ai Yi helping get the bug dressed.

& helping the bug go from door to door too

after about 7 houses, our little lady bug was 'done'
then there was our pumpkin...
...she was flapping both arms and legs and ready for more!

in the car, testing out some lollipops
& heading to see if Miss Noni & Uncle Phil are home

then we took Phebe Ai Yi out for some icecream
like we didn't get enough sugar trick or treating!!!

I am so thrilled to just be here!!!
Our little Pumpkin & Sunshine!!!

All in all, a great night!!!
Trick or Treat!
And thanks Phebe Ai Yi, for coming, come again soon!!!
The Courthouse up North <><

Sunny Crescent Beach

2008-11-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

On the "Rocky Side"
Tide was WAY WAY out for us this day.
Beautiful day to walk, sit, watch and enjoy the beauty.

Then it was time for the 'sleeper hold' for little sissy.

Works everytime! Daddy wants to patten it!

A great day with the family in the sunshine!
Thank You Lord!

Walks & Hikes & Getting Out

2008-11-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

We Love It
Walks & hikes & getting out!
Join us on some of our adventures...

Flying high with Daddy!
We love the out of doors!
Big Hugs from the Canada Courthouse <><

Trying on Costumes for Halloween

2008-11-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

Our Little Ladybug & Pumpkin
A few shots a couple of days before Halloween.
The sun was out and we got some great shots.
Enjoy...they were so yummy!

More from the evening of trick-or-treating to come...
Much love from our little pumpkin and bug,
Whitney & Mackenzie <><

Winthrop in October

2008-11-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

Our Last Trip Over
the Pass (Hwy 20) Until Spring
A wonderful trip to see Mimi & Papa in the Valley.
The colors were beautiful, the weather crisp & nice.
Friday night Mack went with Daddy & Papa
to the Liberty Bell football game.

My favorite tree--brilliant red!

The next morning we looked at the 'new construction'
--THE GARAGE!!!

And had some fun--outside & in.

Saturday night was bath night & movie night.
We had popcorn and everything!

Saturday afternoon we headed to Sun Mountain for Daddy.
We saw a rainbow and played at the park.

Sunday afternoon, Daddy & Mommy had a golf date!
They had a lot of fun while the rest of us had naps.

Sunday after naps, we read books and played around a bit
before we had to get on the road & say goodbye.

Do we really have to go?
Ahhh...as they say, all good things must come to an end.
We love you Mimi & Papa
The Canada Courthouse <><

Clam & Fish Park

2008-11-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

This is One of Our Favorite Spots
We call it the "clam & fish park" (See sign below)
We love to walk here and play, play, play!
The girls don't look especially happy in lots of these shots,
not sure why, but they really do love it here
(though there is no baby swing for Whit, so that's a bummer)

And we ALWAYS are a bit on the sad side,
when we have to go home.

Don't worry, we'll be back!!!

Time at Home

2008-10-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Becoming Sisters & Friends
a few shots from around the house of our sweet sissies

Hanging with our favorite guy--DADDY!!!

And our dear friend, Miss Liesa--she's so much fun!

And Miss Lindsey too--she's so nice!

Home is our haven. We love it here.

Time With Kylie

2008-10-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

We've Seen Kylie 2 Times!
My friend Kylie.
Mom's friend Miss Stephanie.
Miss Stephanie is Kylie's Mommy.
Here's 'Time Number 1'

Here's 'Time Number 2'

Great times!
Thank you Miss Stephanie & Kylie.
We love you and can't wait to meet the baby
that's due SO SOON!!!

Mornings with Daddy

2008-10-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Daddy Works A Lot in the Evenings...

so we try to hang out with him in the mornings
especially on the days where he comes home late...
Here we are on the Fort to Fort Trail,
once again picking blackberries & getting some exercise.

Then we went to the Fort Langley Park to...
teeter-totter & rock & climb & play.

and swing of course!

Sissy gets in on the park action
when there are swings like these there.
She LOVES the swing!!!

Here we are at the Houston Trail
getting ready for a little morning exercise.

And here I am quite a bit happier, because we are done
with the walk & at the park in Walnut Grove!!!

Here Sissy tried the rocking horsey and the slide with me!
She did GREAT!!!

When the weather's nice,
we love to get outside with Daddy!
We love you Dad!

Sunny & Warm Fall Begins

2008-10-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

We're Still Getting Out
The weather turned amazingly nice this fall.
The rains stopped and the sun came out in all it's glory.
So we got OUT, on some hikes...

...to some parks...

...to some more parks...

...and to some more parks...

...just out in the sun...

...and back to the park for more playtime...

FUN stuff!
Having a great time in the sunshine.
Miss you all.
The Courthouse in Canada <><

JRCC "Kick off Sunday"

2008-10-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Bouncy Castles & Face Paint
This was "church" on kickoff Sunday at our church
Let me tell you, Mack had a BLAST!!!

Whit hung in the stroller most of the time,
but enjoyed seeing all the folks & the sunshine.

Mom got in on the bouncy castle action.

And Miss Hannah made Mackenzie giggle LOTS!

Miss Amy painted Mackenzie's face (for the first time)

And Miss Noni rescued Whitney for
a little dancing & some water fun.

We love you Goertzens!
Fun-day Sunday!

To the Beach

2008-10-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

On the Sandy Side...
This time we went to the sandy side of Crescent Beach.
The rocky side will be another post, another day.
We had a great time.

There's nothing like a walk on the beach with a 2 year old.
You don't go anywhere fast, but you sure do enjoy
things you never would have even noticed before.
Through the eyes of a child! Awesome!

"Cinderella"

2008-10-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

And I Will Dance With Cinderella...
Heard the song? TEAR JERKER!!!
here's the utube site if you want to hear it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLYxtuC0oRk
Here's our little Cinderella & her daddy...enjoy!

Cinderella--fixing her dress

Cinderella--fixing her shoe

Cinderella--feeling beautiful

Daddy, dancing with his Cinderella

Cinderella--"falling down"

Cinderella--having a heart to heart

Cinderella--wanting Daddy to dress too

Cinderella--very thirsty, this stuff is hard work!

Cinderella--getting tired out

Whoever said being a princess was easy?
This evening was PRICELESS!!!
Thank you to our dear "Cinderella"
Mommy & Daddy <><

Blackberries in Early Fall

2008-10-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

YUM! YUM! YUM!!!
Daddy knows the very best ones to pick off the vine.

One more, Daddy, pleeeeease???
This girl could eat blackberries alllllll day long!

More fruit in this tree, only green "plum-like" fruit
that the squirrels were chewing up and dropping pieces
on our heads and on our car.

Daddy and his little girl, exploring this
BIG, wonderful world.