Way to go Reid!

Reid was awarded the American Citizenship award. He was one of two students from the elementary school who received this very special award.

Criteria for this award:

• Participate in school and/or community service
  
• Show a positive attitude toward classmates, school, and community
  
• Display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility
  
• Possess strength of character and the courage to do what is right
  
• Promote citizenship with their school or community through other activities.

What's Next?

Next stop for the Bradley Family will be Bogota, Colombia in August 2011. We are excited about this posting, it has been one of the countries in South American where we wanted to live. This is a great post and a wonderful city. Everyone we have talked to who has lived in Bogota has loved being there. Basically, this is what people think about Bogota.

" It is A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, and the warnings and media do no justice to such a wonderful place. People are warm, charismatic, and fun to be with. There's always a party or a celebration going on. It is very different from the war-torn country that we all think it is. Police are always present making sure the cities are safe. Obviously you should stay out of places that you would know with a little common sense not to go. FOOD is DELICIOUS. I'd have "Bandeja Paisa" everyday if I could. People should really get rid of the bad image they have of Colombia. As one of my friends say "the only risk is wanting to stay"

"I was totally shocked at how much of a contradiction it was to go to Colombia. I had only heard the bad negative stuff and I was pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! I met the nicest most lovely people! That alone was so great but also there was so much security that I felt much safer there than in many cities in USA! There are police all over the place and they make it very comfortable. Of course I did not go out wandering the streets at night or taking any unnecessary risks as I would not anywhere else. The food was absolutely fabulous and there is much natural beauty to enjoy and discover. "

Happy 8th Birthday Reid!

Happy Birthday to an amazing little boy. We are so blessed to have such a sweet, caring, intelligent son. You always bring so much happiness to anyone you come in contact with . Not to mention how handsome you are! We love you!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cole!

I have never seen a child so happy to have a birthday! We celebrated his 3rd birthday at his preschool. He LOVES birthdays, singing the song, and cake! Even better, combine that with pirates and it is a wonderful day for this little 3 year old.

Happy Birthday to our baby boy. You keep us going 90 to nothing and are all smiles. We love you and are so blessed to have you!

We're going to Disney!

On May 6th we will be leaving for a surprise trip to Disneyworld. We have decided to not tell the kids until the morning of the trip. Reid always talks about how he would love to be surprised for something, this should do the trick! When they figure out they should have gone to school, we will start with rhyming clues. Karla the nanny, will give them the first note.

• I am sure you are wondering why the school bus has passed you by.
• You should be in school today, Hmmmmmm, it is not a holiday!
• To figure out what is happening You will need to do some thinking!
• To find out more, Karla has the first clue, You will figure out what to do.

Clue #1

• The one you carry for school is large and your older one is little. You each have your own, can you figure out the riddle?
• Find that thing and clue #2 will be waiting.
• The answer is small backpacks.

Clue #2

• You'll need to pack your backpack with 3 important things. It is what helps you sleep, that's what you must bring!
• Find that thing and clue #3 will be waiting.
• The answer is Reid's brown sock and Graham's Gus.

Clue #3

• When you're bored, going on a trip, or have nothing to do, this little electronic game will always come to the rescue!
• Find that thing and clue #4 will be waiting.
• The answer is the Nintendo DS.

Clue #4

• When you're on a trip and tired of the DS, Do you have another electronic, can you guess?
• Find that thing and clue #5 will be waiting.
• The answer is the Zune, what they watch movies on.

Clue #5

• All the items you have found, put in your backpack - not on the ground! As you may have guessed we are leaving on a trip today, we're going somewhere special, very far away. Whoever takes us to the airport will have the final clue. Who do you think will give that to you?
• The answer is Ed, the driver.

Clue #6.

• Ed will give them a picture of Mickey Mouse. Just in case they don't figure it out, on the back it will say "You are going to DisneyWorld!"

Acts 20:35

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I want to thank everyone who was involved in helping me exceed my goal for raising money for the school children. I had so much joy this past week purchasing food for their lunches (5 months worth), a soccer ball, a jump rope and delivering these items to the school. We also used some of the money to take the children into the city to the Children's Museum and to lunch at Burger King. This was their first time to both of these places and they were thrilled to say the least.

I took Reid with me to help deliver the "goods". He was very nervous and shy and normally would not of wanted to come. I am thankful I got to share this experience with him. The kids had no recess equipment, they just run around in their free time. So you can imagine the ball and jump rope were a welcome sight.

What kids wouldn't enjoy a jump rope!

At the musuem they were thrilled! Their favorite part was the water room. It was amazing to see the behaviors of alot of these kids. They immediately splashed the water on their faces and would just run their hands and arms in the water. I am sure it is because they don't see clean water in large amounts like this. They couldn't get enough of it!

Look at this precious sweetheart!

They really enjoyed this climbing activity.

The pretend supermarket.


This child is 15 years old! Look at the joy Burger King brought him.

They were so excited to get their crowns, toys, and ice cream. Their behavior was amazing! One thing we found very interesting and really moved us was when about half of the children ate the lunch. They drank their coke, ate their french fries, and ate some of their hamburger. Then they wrapped the other part of the burger up and put it back in their bag. We asked them what they were going to do with their burger. They told us, "We are going to take it home and share with our mom!" Wow, that about brought tears to our eyes! I think those kids knew the real meaning of Acts 20:35. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Blueberry Picking

This was our view.

Reid choosing just the right blueberry.

Graham is so proud of all his blueberries.

Cole picked one that wasn't quite ready yet.