Passport regulations for border crossing moved until 2009

I know that there were some questions about passports and the Mexico trip. I found this article that gives us a little more information. Follow the link www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23834411.
Jen

wild ride

here is the video of the picture amy posted. oh and bye the way thanks for inviting us to go hiking... not. CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and Mindy and Matthew and Michael. Love you all. spencer and rieko

Most of the time, life in Idaho is pleasant. Right now, it is downright wonderful. I am currently writing this from a home overlooking the coast. As the sun sets, it reminds me how beautiful life can be. Miriam and the boys are with me, and we are taking it all in. I wish it were a bit warmer, but the sky is clear, and the breeze is pleasant. Sea air is just what we needed to shake off the winter blahs. Pretty soon, dinner will be ready. Relaxing like this is refreshing, but it won't last because tomorrow morning homework will be calling me again. Even spring break isn't really a break. Granny has been gracious in sharing her home with us and buying gift baskets for the boys. No wonder we enjoy being with her. Anyway, it is time to eat. Now, this message may seem a little bit shallow and boring, but it really isn't. Try putting together every capital letter and see what it spells.

Family Picture

Mom asked me to blog this picture.

Family hike to the Wind Caves

Over President's Day a few crazy Vanderpool kin went for a hike in Usery Pass to the Wind Caves. Amy, Carri, Jennifer and Aaron and all their kids came. Mom, Dad and and Alan's sister(and her family) came too. We had a great time. The kids beat the adults up the hill no problem. Suzanna and Jacob survived a cholla attack (nasty cactus) and we saw some beautiful wild flowers on the way. We just thought we would remind all the cold weather family what February looks like back here in Phoenix. Wish you all could have been there with us. Thanks Amy and Carri for putting this great day together.

Our fun trip to the cabin

We had a great time just hanging out together.

Aaron and Jennifer's cute family

The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was sunny and warm the first two days and then cold and snowy on Sunday when we left.

Amy and Darren

More sledding fun

Darren and Kenta.

Bradley chillin.

Aaron thinks he's pretty cool.

Carri and Emily

Wheeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Spencer trying to capture his run down the slope.

Mark does pretty well on his little snowboard

This is my favorite sledding picture. Notice the terror on Kenta's face.

Isn't Emily cute!

Update

We just wanted to let everyone know that there was a hearing today to change the case plan for the boys. The judge approved it and instead of family reunification the plan is now severance and adoption. We're one step closer to the end! We appreciate everyone's prayers for us and the boys!

Spring has sprung. The grass is riz...

...I wonder where the flowers iz? Yes it is true that we had a tremendous snowfall just Friday morning. It was cold and wet. But by noon, it was raining, and today only small patches of snow litter the lawn, it is sunny and breezey, and in the upper 40's. What does a groundhod know about weather anyway? Some of you may remember a certain three-year-old who had little "pistolas" (his hands in pistol shape) that he would take with him everywhere he went. We had to put a stop to shooting people during sacrament meeting, so we told him no pistolas in church. He would put his little hands in his pockets and pull them out again, no longer in the shape of pistols. Well, today, in sacrament meeting, the younger brother of that certain three-year-old was shooting at the little boy two rows back. I told him to put away his "pistola", and he put it in his shirt pocket. I had to stifle a laugh as I saw the repetition of such a classic moment in the raising of a little boy.

Thanks to all!

First of all we'd like to say thank you to everyone who fasted and prayed for us and the boys. We really appreciate it! And secondly we'd like to let everyone know that the people in New Mexico did fail their back ground check and can not be considered as a placement for the boys. This has been another testament to us of the power of prayer and fasting. Also we found out today that CPS and DDD are both planning to recommend severance at the court hearing next Thursday. We'd like to ask everyone to keep us and the boys in your prayers for the hearing next week.

Peter, Lindsay, Manny and Angel

A family in need...

Peter and I have a favor to ask of anyone and everyone who reads this in time. We don't know that everyone knows this but we are wanting to adopt Manny and Angel. But we recently found out that we might not be able to. There is a possibility that they might be placed with a woman in New Mexico pending their back ground check. Our hope is that they will fail their back ground check as aniticipated.(Her fiancee has a shady back ground). But we want only the best for the boys. We are hoping that we can join together for a family fast for the boys on Thursday February 21st. Anyone who would like to participate is more than welcome to. We would like to thank everyone for your faith and prayers.

Peter, Lindsay, Manny and Angel

and finally..

Granny sent me thesepictures to post, so here they are

A few more now...

More fun with pictures

more pictures

pictures from Granny

The winter blahs...

There has been more snow in Boise this year than there has been in years. We are not way ahead of average, but the whole week has seen inches of snow fall, and Miriam learned that Boise is notorious for not plowing. In fact, the day after we got dumped on and Miriam was complaining about the lack of plowing, the headline in the paper was explaining why they don't plow because it is so rare that there is enough snow to make it necessary. Well, the one year I convince my wife, the Arizona sun lover, to move to Boise, and this is what we get. Anyway, today, it all melted off as we approached 45 and there was a lot of wind and rain.

As if the weather isn't enough to be depressing, Miriam agreed to work 11 straight graveyard shifts, so even when there was sun, she didn't see it. No wonder she hates Idaho. Well, she can survive for just 6 more months, so we are half-way through. We try to make her have some fun. For example, yesterday, we made her go sledding with us. It was a beautiful morning full of up and down fun. My nephew gave Mateo a white-wash, so I really let him have it.

Nothing else too exciting is happening, but I will keep you posted!

A new member of our family

So we were sick of kids and decided to adopt a dog instead. Does anyone want two terribly adorable boys ages 2-3? We have to make room for Daisy. She is wonderful with the boys, a little dirty, and a little sweetheart. She is a Lhasa apso, and yes she does have Marilyn Manson eyes(one blue and one brown). We tried to get a boyfriend for Abbey, but we accidently fell in love with her first.

Peter, Lindsay, and the boys.