Alex's Spring Guitar Concert

We were so glad to make it to Alex's concert!

(We had missed the winter one because

of unexpectedly being out-of-town

when Dad decided to visit the hospital in WA.)

His Guitar 1 class played three songs with

all the other beginning classes from the school.

They range in age from 3rd-12th grade.

They learned how to "pick" the melody,

while some others were playing chords.

He did a great job and had a super year

in learning to play guitar.

He really enjoyes playing it and looks

forward to learning more and helping

with worship at church.

(We love hearing him play around here at home!)

Here's a song from Christmas he would have played

at the winter concert. (above)

Playing a song by himself from the

spring concert! (below)

Free Swing!

I was totally blessed to drive by this swing as I was

coming to one of Alex's flag football games.

It was out on the street for FREE and I talked

Michael into borrowing a truck from

friends and coming back for it!

(I had always wanted one of these and was

delighted that the cushions were

in great condition and included in the

FREE status!)

The man giving it away was clever and didn't

put out the cushions, just the frame. He was

afraid that someone would take just the

cushions without the swing. He had a sign

saying to call about cushions if you were interested.

I called and he gave us those as well:)

Praise the Lord for FREE stuff!

We had a great dinner with

Pop-pop and Nana at their

house for Easter after a great

service at church!

The boys got great baskets.

We played BINGO with Dad using

the "grey" pieces-crazy guy!

(He turned the colors upside down

and used the back side

for a different look!)

We also celebrated birthdays for

Pop-pop and Nana!

A Day At The Zoo

We finally got a sunny day to head to the zoo!

It still is chilly around here, but we

were excited to get outside and walk

around in the sun.

We have rain again now:(

New Spring Activities

Our lives seem to revolve around sports

quite a bit which always makes me

chuckle a little-I never played ANY

sports during childhood. I guess having

two active boys makes all the

difference-Of course Michael did

play sports when he was young!

(They take after him, I guess.)

Josh just started an archery class this

past Saturday. He did a great

job and really enjoyed it!

He already hit the red area!

I'm sure he'll move on to the yellow

area pretty soon, as well:)

Alex is enjoying flag football on Saturdays these days, although

the weather is still a little cool!

He has been playing quarterback and running

back and he loves it all!

He always has the red pants on.

The end of Basketball Season

The basketball season for 2011 has ended:(

For Alex, (sniff, sniff) his career at

Upward has ended as well. He played for six

years and next year he will have to

play for a community league

or for a local junior high school-we aren't

sure how that works yet!

We have loved the Upward program through

the local Baptist church and have met

many wonderful people there.

The boys decided to put up their jerseys

for each year that they played!

As you can see, Alex has 6 years and Josh

has 3. We look forward to a few more

years for Josh!

The jerseys are reversible so the years that the

boys played together, they each picked a different

side to put up on the wall.

As I said we have loved the Upward experience AND

we have so appreciated all the friends and family

who have come to watch the boys and

cheer them on!

Poppop and Nana get the award for biggest

fans, with the most games

attended!! Yeah:)

This year the program tried to have some
fun little activities during half-time.
Michael won the free-throw shooting against
someone else and got $2 in
Upward bucks to spend at the snack shack.
The favorite treat there, was a
milk shake!
Way to go, honey-you're the man!!!

Alex and his team after the game. He had two
high school guys as coaches and they did
a great job encouraging the boys in basketball
and in their walk with Jesus!
Great to see young people with a heart to
share Christ and teach basketball!


Josh's team after the game, awaiting a snack
and their stars. Each game they are given
a star to encourage their playing-best offense,
defense, Christ-likeness, sportmanship, etc.



We love that the boys are able to play on the team
with friends they know-it seems each year we
have been able to request being on a team
with someone we know and it has
been a blessing!

Alex and his twin sister! (They always get

questioned about whether they are

related or not!)

This year at the end-of-the-year award night

they had a great ball handler who amazed

us all and shared the gospel

with all who attended. Some parents may

not be believers in Jesus, so we always

appreciate that the church takes different

opportunities to reach out to those they are

in contact with through the basketball

program!

Wonderful Weekend With Family

Matt and Mindy have been so great about

packing up their two little boys and coming

down to OR to visit!

We so appreciate your effort you guys:)

We had a great time and

Alex and Josh loved having the extra fans

yelling for them!

Watching the game at close range!

Dancing during the half-time event!

Feeding a hungry David his lunch!

Jay with his snack.

Poppop and Nana are repeat fans!

They come every week-we love

their support:)

Playing later that night after dinner.

What! NO ice cream-we're leaving!

(Just kidding of course, Nana always has

ice cream. Not sure what those

expressions were all about.)

Thanks for the great dinner Mom and Dad!

We so enjoyed being together:)

The Boys Playing Basketball in 2011

Alex and Josh are enjoying Upward

basketball again this year!

A few videos of baskets-go team Griffith!