April Showers

Despite the implications of the phrase "April Showers," we really haven't seen too much rainy weather this month. Instead, we are thrilled to report that it has been pouring blessings around here! The most exciting news is the birth of our first niece—Kaylee Grace Marynne Nistler born to Kevin's sister  on Monday, March 29 in Bismarck, ND. It's hard to believe that after three boys they actually do have a girl now. The pictures are somewhat convincing, but I think we'll have to visit soon to see for ourselves. Congratulations guys!

Although, we would much rather be on the road to Bismarck, we've been enjoying a week filled with beautiful weather while we're stuck here in Fort Wayne. We visited the biblical-themed playground at the Seminary twice this last week—where you can almost always expect to see someone you know. It's great for both our boys because the equipment accommodates the big kids and the little ones. Just a few days later we discovered an even larger park a few blocks North of our house. This place was PACKED with kids and Caleb spent most of the time weaving under walkways and zipping down slides to dodge his new best buddy Malachi. They were having so much fun, I don't think they noticed the other hundreds of kids that were there. And on several occasions, we had to kindly remind them that it was not okay to wrestle at the park (although it was quite amusing for us).

Ethan seems to love playing outside just as much as Caleb. Every time we let Shelby out the back door to do her business, Ethan is right behind her trying to sneak out to play. Sometimes I just let him go (shoes or not), just to see how far he'll wander and what he'll do. One of this week's ventures was definitely worth my while! Ethan hurriedly climbed into his favorite little car, waved good-bye and I was able to coax him to blow me a kiss—sound effects and all! Whats more, he did it again, and again, and again—at least five times...hop in the car, wave to mommy, say "bye," blow a kiss, giggle and do it all over again! That defining moment was worth a year of stinky diapers alone!


Although Caleb is nearly five years old, I am surprised to find that I am still often captivated by the things he says and does. After one of our trips to the playground, he excitedly asked if we could eat at a restaurant, and I woefully replied "No, not today." Although he was disappointed, he quickly countered with a suggestion to play restaurant at home. We can go to "Mom's Kitchen," he said. And HE was going to be in charge of making the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. So we pulled into the garage and he immediately ran inside to start the preparations...creamy peanut butter, grape jelly, six slices of bread, paper lunch bags and of course a toy for each of our meals. I must say, I highly recommend the PB&J at Mom's Kitchen!