The Growing Gant Family...

Has an entire school year really gone by?! I feel as though it was just yesterday we were taking William to his first day of school...I don't think I'll ever get used to how quickly time passes. Highlights of this year... *Watching William grow socially.  I think he'll always be a bit intimidated in situations that are new.  He's definitely our cautious and analytical little guy.  He's been deemed "shy" by many, but I refuse to let him believe it.  If it takes reminding him everyday that we serve a God who has made him to be strong and courageous for Him, I'll do it (o;  His transition to Kindergarten went SO much more smoothly than anticipated (even though he had me walk him to class the entire school year...I'll soak it up now, cause how much longer will that last?!).  Much thanks to the wonderful and talented Mrs. Ruwitch who made him feel so loved and welcomed right off the bat. Calvin loved Mrs. Ruwitch as much as William did (o; ...

We decided to spend some family time outside on a bike ride.  Except this time, Curtis packed William's two wheeled bike and no other option of a ride but that one (o;  We both knew he could have rode his bike months ago, possibly even a year ago.  But, sometimes it's just a lack of confidence (and a little fear) that gets in the way.  He didn't know until we showed up at the bike trail.  At that point, he knew he either had to learn or he wouldn't get to join the fun.  Cruel parents?  Maybe!  Like I said, we knew William could do it.  He just needed to prove it to himself. And he did. Without even ending up with one scraped knee. I just love this pic... Here he is.  Starting off on the curb...Anyone else remember doing that as a kid? It didn't take long before he told me, "Don't worry Mom, I'm gonna go ahead.  I can do it!" Letting go...It's only just begun. Here's Calvin and I on my bike with the Ally Cat behin...

Every year, we look forward to having all of our "Portland" friends over to celebrate the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.  I say "Portland" friends, because hardly any of us live in Portland anymore even though that's where most of us met and became lifelong friends.  I should say all of our Washington friends because it's where the majority of them live now.  Kinda funny how life takes us in all directions. Honestly, Spring wouldn't be the same for me without this event.  I believe this year marks our 6th Annual Spring get together and we always have a blast.  Doesn't matter if it pours down rain (like it did last year) or is 90 degrees.  It's the friendships that make it special. This year we were fortunate to have AWESOME weather!  It was near 80 degrees!  Can't ask for a better April day in Oregon. Here are a few pictured highlights from our day: We had close to 40 people out today. Good food & good people-love it. One of th...

While Tauna visited she had the opportunity to use her teacher skills with American kids (o;  I had mentioned to Mrs. Ruwitch that she was going to be in town and she thought it would be a really neat opportunity for the class to learn a little about Japan. Showing the kids where Japan is In Japan, books open left to right.  The book she chose was fun because it was in English, but could be read from left to right or right to left.   Showing them how to right the Japanese symbol (one of them) for the letter "ah" (or the letter a).  The Japanese language doesn't have letters, just symbols that represent sounds.   The kids had the chance to practice with pencil and then trace over with paint.  Fun memories with Auntie Tata (o; She also got in on a little Bulldog pride at the school's annual Carnival! Tauna, you were awesome with the kindergarteners!  Teaching is definitely something you do well. Here's some more memories from ...

It never ceases to amaze me at just how crafty William is.  He's definitely gifted with the ability to build, create and re-create things he either imagines or sees and imitates.  Whether it be with his legos, megablocks, crayons, paint, markers or paper, he's constantly creating something.  And he loves doing it.  The end of our dining room table has become his permanent crafting area (o;  He's always got his markers out coloring something.  And it's pretty neat to see what his little mind can come up with. He built this in Escondido at the San Diego Childrens Museum-complete with a window to look out of. All on his own, no help. This too was at the museum...It wasn't long after that it toppled (o; He worked on getting it this high for quite some time! He's always making some kind of monster or skyscraper with the megablocks. Love for legos seems like an understatement... His love for coloring amazes me... He's fond of the f...

We arrived in CA just one day before the reception was to happen.  There were lots of people and lots to do.  My sister is one well loved woman.  Her ventures in Japan have resulted in friendships from all over the world; and friends that love her so much that they would travel long distances to share in her special day. L to R: Yudi's brother Akira (who also lives in Japan), Sean (Canada), Lou (Ireland), Emily (Ohio), Ashlyn (Canada), Tauna, Lili (Maryland), Yudi It was such a beautiful day.  It was fun having a lot of California family get to be on on the festivities with Tauna and Yudi.  We took advantage of the opportunity and got some family pictures in (professional ones were taken that I just don't have copies of yet...these are ones we snuck with our camera). Mr and Mrs Sasaoka with all the littles (Ziara (10mo), William (6), Calvin (3), Kaycee (2) & Kyleigh(4)) Sisters forever...We're like a red velvet cake with cream in the middle (o; ...