The Walker

Lately

A lot's been going on lately, for example...

Delaney's getting an early start on her chores. Here she is feeding Brundibar some goldfish, because sharing is caring.

Grandpa was traveling on business and was able to stop by for a visit. He brought Delaney a Pea Soup Anderson t-shirt, and if she sticks to her butter and cream diet, she'll fit into it eventually. Laney and Grandpa were "talking" to Grammie in this picture.

Delaney likes the garden immensely. So much so that she had to go and eat a dirt clod to prove it.

Lastly, see that guy with Delaney? He found out Friday afternoon that his PINK SLIP WOULD BE RESCINDED! This is amazingly wonderful, unexpected news. He was one of the very few teachers to be called back, and it's because he has a supplemental credential in social studies. As it stands now, he'll have to teach middle school next year, but we're just thankful for a job. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and prayers. Doesn't this story sound familiar? We are so thankful (once again) for God's faithfulness and provision.

Easter in Oregon

Delaney and I flew up to Oregon over a week ago to a.) Play with her friends Jack, Sam, and Ayeresam and b.) To spend Easter with her Oregon family members.

Part A started out great. My two BFFs (who are twins) and all of our kids (we now have a combined total of 4 under the age of 4) camped out in Ma & Pa Kiker's condo. Between everyone's napping and eating schedules, we figured it was best to just hole up in one spot in hopes of getting to actually spend time together. Our biggest outing was taking all of the kids to Fred Meyer to eat at the deli. It was fabulous...until the plague hit us all. I don't want this post to be all about everyone getting sick (and when I say sick, I mean violently upchucking), but that did eventually happen. Some crazy norovirus hit everyone with a vengeance, and long story short, all the kids got it, we passed it to most of our family members during Easter, Delaney relapsed and got hit again when we returned home, and then Steve got it. Good times.

Here Delaney is "playing" with Jack and Ayeresam.

And here she is with Jack and Sam. We never got a group shot of all of the kids, because someone was either sick or crying. Next time, right?

The youngest member of our clan, Sam Gentry. Can you believe how cute this guy is?

Part B was great as well. Delaney and I were able to visit with my Aunt Janet & Uncle Bill, go to church on Easter, see my Grandma Lee, and spend Easter Sunday with my brothers, my parents, and the Rasmussen side of the family. I didn't take nearly enough pictures, because that's Steve's job, and he was back home in Riverside. So these will have to suffice.

Delaney and her Great Gramps. I don't know who's having more fun...

Poor Grams, she got stuck with the boys!

And Dad got stuck with the girls...

Grammie bought Delaney her own Easter table setting. Too bad Delaney didn't eat anything on her plate. It's hard to eat when you're the center of attention.

3-0

Today Steven Dunlap turned 30. And in my opinion, he's never looked better.

Every year I try to put into words how much I love and appreciate Steve, and every year I fall short.

Steve and I first met when we were 18 years old. He was the southern California boy with bleach blonde hair, a Gotcha hat, and a ton of energy. I was the unsure, small town girl sporting a bright yellow shirt that said "Read On!" I think we became best friends within the first 5 minutes of meeting each other. There's much more to the story, but thinking about where our story starts always makes me smile.

I'm so thankful for Steve, for so many reasons. He brings laughter, balance, wisdom, and a sprinkle of crankiness to my life that is always needed.

Happy birthday, Stevie. 30 looks good on you.