Michael had his first reconciliation

 He did not seem to be nervous beforehand.

He didn't even need to write down his sins for confession.

 We had a nice family prayer service beforehand.  Then we watched Michael light the candle he made at his retreat.

As a reminder of his second sacrament Michael chose to get a beta fish.  We left church for the pet store, and brought our new pet Tsunami home.

Then it was time for tea and macarons.  James waited in a long line to secure the amazing French pastries.

Dear Mother Mary, pray for me and help me to keep all my promises.  Protect me and do not let me fall back into sin.  Dear God, help me to lead a good life.  Without your grace I can do nothing.  Amen.  

 It's been a long, cold, snowy winter.  Fortunately we have had plenty of activities.

Andrew's first time on the big trampoline at the Science Center.

Michael and Elizabeth ended their winter basketball  with a skills demo at a middle school game.

Michael was pretty good at dribbling two balls.

 

Andrew and Elizabeth went bowling for the first time.

 They enjoyed it more than I thought they would.

Andrew would hurl the ball down the lane.  Thank goodness for the bumper lanes.

 Best buds in their Batman masks.

 I love that Thomson and Andrew get along so well.  We enjoyed their visit.

Cheering for every touchdown during the Super Bowl.

Michael competed in his first Pinewood Derby Race.

He and James spent weeks building the car, then Michael painted a tornado on the front.

 James was more upset about the results than Michael.

 Elizabeth has been waiting to be tall enough for the rock wall.  This is her first attempt, she went halfway up before descending.

Father-daughter dance

 Elizabeth dancing on the bar?!?

Gymnastics

 

On the beam with his friends.

Flamingo

 

 James and Elizabeth went snow tubing with <Native American> Princesses.

She had a blast!