Welcome to NYC, Bruce and Jennifer!!

We got the fun opportunity of meeting up with Uncle Bruce and Aunt Jennifer Himes in New York City in late March.  It was the first time that either of them had been there.  They scheduled the trip as a birthday gift for Jennifer.  I was so thankful that they let us know they were coming.  Conveniently, Evan had a half day because of parent teacher conferences, and Emily only worked a half day that day, too.  We loaded everyone up and headed into town for a mid afternoon meal at Carmines.  

We had never been there before, but had always wanted to.  They serve family style portions of delicious Italian food.  We figured this size group was the right one to try it out on.  We were not disappointed.  We had some traffic issues getting in, and the trips up and back were not Lorelei's favorites, but it was sure fun to get together with Bruce and Jennifer and eat some yummy food.  Thanks for coming to our side of the country, guys.  Next time, we hope you will come see us in New Jersey, too.

A Fun Trip to Boston

We had been trying to find a good weekend to travel to Boston to see Janelle, Scott and kids and we finally found one.  Not only had we missed seeing the kids, they had also gotten some new furniture in their family room downstairs that we were anxious to see.

It was a quick trip, from Friday to Sunday (kind of a blur...ha ha) but it was a fun one!!

Speaking of a blur, just look at Alan go.  One of the fun things we got to do in Boston was to watch Alan play floor hockey.  Boy do these guys move!!  They play in a school gym and have a great time.  We had to watch our toes if the puck came our way.  

Going for the puck!

Another action shot!!

What's this?  An extra puck?  Good eye, Alan!!

We also got to go to Altitude which is a trampoline activity center in Billerica where they live.  They have climbing walls, dodgeball courts, basketball dunking and just plain trampoline fun.  Everyone had a great time!!

Alan on the climbing wall

James, channeling his inner monkey

And Miss Lucy just having fun.

We got to go to a movie, go to swimming lessons, help clean the church, play some games, go out for pizza and attend church with this fun family.  We are so thankful that they live close enough that we get to see them on a pretty regular basis.  

By the way, we loved the new furniture and rug.  Can't wait to come see the new paint job next time!

We love you, Robertson family!!

Happy Birthday, Evan!!

What can I say?  Our little boy is just getting pretty big these days.  He keeps us on our toes.  He has a great interest in many things.  He has big ideas but sometimes gets frustrated when things don't go the way he envisions.  Sometimes, his little boy heart shines through, but because he has been around older siblings and parents most of his life, he also tends to look at things pretty cautiously.  I am very thankful that he was born into our family 12 years ago, March 3.  

Thanks for the things you teach us, Evan.  Hopefully, you appreciate the things we are trying to teach you, too.  Keep reaching for the stars and we will be right there watching you soar.  

Ev had a great basketball year featuring not only great defense (which is his specialty) but also some clutch offensive plays and quite a bit of scoring.  He will be able to play on the church young men's team next year.  That should be super exciting!

Speaking of young men, Evan received the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday, March 6th.  He has been anxious to join with the young men in scouts on Wednesday nights and to participate in the sacrament ordinance on Sundays.  Although he would not readily admit it, he loves serving and helping people.  He has a great heart, just needing a little push to get started.  

Emily made this whimsical cake for Evan's birthday.  Love it!!

Evan, ready to blow out his candle.  

I think Jimmie may have been more excited than Evan in this picture!

Opening up a card on birthday morning

Helping to build the new chicken coop we gave him for his birthday.

He wants to be a chicken/egg entraprenour. 

 I was on board with the idea as long as it was a father/son adventure.  :)

It is!!  Good luck with your new adventure, Evan, and 

Happy Birthday!!

A Trip to McGuire Air Force Base

Even though Evan was not yet 12, he got to go with the young men on their trip to the air force base in February.  They had a really great time.  Here are a few photos from the trip...

Evan inside the big C-17

In the cockpit 

Looks pretty comfortable, doesn't he!!

Mike Casey and Evan in charge

The rest of the crew.....Thanks Brother Bernards for arranging the trip

Our (slightly postponed) Birthday Trip to NYC

Happy (late) Birthday, Steve!!

Well, we finally made it to New York City for our little getaway for Steve's birthday on February 19th.  We had a wonderful time!!  We got to stay at our Wyndham time share which has a pretty great view!!

This is what we saw when we woke up in the morning!  Nice!!

Spending time at the Manhattan Temple is always a privilege.  It never ceases to amaze me what a difference there is from the streets outside to the peace inside.  Love it!!

On Friday night we saw "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical".  It was fabulous.  The young woman who played Carole, was so talented and getting to see the true story behind her creative life was great.  We got to hear so many great songs and had excellent seats.  Since we got our tickets at the TKTS booth, we were able to see two productions.  So fun!!

Before the show, we went to a great restaurant called Ed's Chowder House.  We had seen it before near the temple, so we decided to try it this time.  It was a great choice - delicious!


Time Square after the seeing Beautiful

The next morning we went downtown and toured the new Freedom Tower.  We had previously toured the 9/11 Museum but had not gone to the top of the tower.  It was a great tour and the view from the top was super cool.


The Brooklyn Bridge from the top of One World Trade, the Freedom Tower


Looking toward mid-town from the tower


The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island 

Our second production was "An American in Paris".  It was lovely!!  There was maybe a little too much ballet in it for Steve, but he loved the music and the story.  It is always so amazing to me the number of talented actors and musicians there are in the productions in NYC.  So many people who have given their all to do what they love to do.  Very humbling!!
What a treat that Steve and I got the chance to enjoy such a great couple of days.
Love you, hun!!

Foulk Family Fitness Challenge - 2016

We had done a fitness challenge before and had some good results.  Evan encouraged us to try it again at the beginning of this year.  We had a contest for points earned and also a separate challenge for weight loss.  Rather than counting pounds lost, we decided to give points for each week where weight loss occurred.  We discovered some new yummy non-sweet treats like the banana based Neapolitan ice cream shown below.  Delicious and no fat or sugar!!  Those bananas are pretty versatile!!

At the end of the challenge we had two winners.  Evan won the point challenge and Emily won the weight loss portion.  Most of us lost a significant amount and overall we formed some good habits which have carried over for the most part to our everyday lives.  Way to go Foulk Family!!

We're Gonna Miss Ya Chloe!!

Here are our friends the Caspers.  We love them. They were kind enough to invite us to their home for dinner the day we attended their daughter, Chloe's, mission farewell.  She is now serving as a missionary in the Thailand Bangkok Mission.  She will be an amazing missionary!!

Best buddies - Parker and Chloe

Evan having some fun with Parker

The people of Thailand are very lucky to get you, Chloe.  

Our prayers are with you, Sister Casper!!