Day 151/365

It's birthday week!
Getting ready for Matthew's Lego birthday on Saturday at "Big Al's."
I had fun taking pictures at home because of lack of time & the bowling alley is really dark.

Day 150/365

Memorial Day in Richland.
Visited Dad's grave and attended the Memorial Day ceremony.
A moving day....

Day 149/365

Grammie & Grandpa came to celebrate Matthew's 8th birthday with us and watched the kids so we could go to a wedding! The kids had a great time, and so did we.

Thank you so much!

Day 148/365

A fancy night out on the town for Garrett's wedding.
A wonderful night catching up with old friends.
Definitely a treat! Katie's face when she saw my dress was priceless.

Day 147/365

Happy 8th Birthday Matthew!
Lunch at school together, Kung Fu Panda 2 with Grammie/Grandpa, dinner at "The Diner", presents and ice cream cake.
A happy day from start to finish.

Day 146/365

A pencil and eraser ready for each of the children in Matthew's class for his birthday tomorrow.
(Treats are sadly discouraged or sugar cookies would be in order).
He is VERY excited for his big day.
Me too.

Day 145/365

Puberty hit a little early!
Actually, Matthew got to sit at the "May Birthday Table."
Face painting and games made for a fun lunch break.
And a funny face. :)
(It's a little smeared because it was "itchy.")

Day 144/365

The (one) day of warm weather prompted a fossil dig.
What fun!
(What a mess!)

Day 143/365

Matthew's first time pitching!

It didn't go so well. :)

Nevertheless, it was fun to watch. 

This was taken shortly before the downpour that ended the game.

Day 142/365

Mike turns 39!

Steak, wicked shrimp, white cake with lemon curd filling

A Portland Timbers jersey

A really nice night visiting & spending time with family.

Day 141/365

The boys' first fishing trip!

15 salmon!

A great time had by all.

(Notice the winter coats & grey gloomy weather?

It's been a COLD spring!)

Day 140/365

Daddy's little helper.
Katie is just as comfortable in the dirt with a Popsicle covered face as she is in a princess dress with a tiara.
She was so happy to be helping Dan she was singing a song about "working with Daddy."

Day 139/365

Croquet in the backyard.
One of my favorite summertime games from my childhood.
Notice the Bug?
Classic.
:)

Day 138/365

Hooray for sunshine and summer clothes!!!

Dan says this dress is one step away from a tuxedo shirt.

I think it's cute and stylish.

:)

Day 137/365

Two sweet brothers share a seat while they eat their breakfast cereal.

When Matthew got out of the van to go to school Andrew said,

"I miss Matthew."

We weren't even out of the parking lot.

They really are the best of friends.

Day 136/365

Dear Andrew,
I'm sorry that I tried to cut your hair.
It's a good thing you have such a sweet little face and your hair grows so fast.
As soon as it grows enough we'll go get the front fixed.
Promise.
Love,
Mommy

Day 135/365

School Artwork by Matthew.
Eric Carl (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) is the author/illustrator they are studying.
This artwork is supposed to reflect his style.
I thought Matthew did a great job!

Day 134/365

When the sun comes out Matthew practices his roller skating.

We've had some bloody elbows & tears, but he keeps trying!

Day 133/365

Some might call these weeds, but Dandelions clutched in dimpled hands are my very favorite kind of flowers.
These were courtesy of Katie but Andrew told me the other day that they are his favorite kind of flowers too. :)

Day 132/365

Fruit bar, anyone?

Signs of an approaching summer.

Sticky faces & hands.

Love it!

Day 131/365

We have another Fox in the family!
Kindergarten Roundup...just Mama & Andrew.

A very fun time...meeting teachers, touring the school, reading in the library & play dough!

Andrew is VERY excited for Kindergarten!

Hooray!

Day 130/365

"I love you,

I'm proud of you,

You're a good boy, Andrew.

Did you know that?"

"No....Actually, yes.

You say that all the time."

Our conversation right before I took this photo.

Day 129/365

Books, books, and more books!

Before they enter school, our kids are read to twice a day.

Once they are in school we read together at night before bed.

I love reading to my kids.

One of my favorite things to do with them.

Our collection of chapter books is now growing in the playroom.

PS.  Today was our 13th Anniversary but we're going to
celebrate next month with a weekend in Seattle!

Day 128/365

One blessed Mama.

3 precious kids.

A very happy Mother's Day!

(Despite how I'm dressed, it was cold and rainy!)

Day 127/365

Matthew's trophy shelf, beloved polar express snow globe, the boys'

piggy banks, sweet handprints, a painting from Dan's childhood and some train artwork.

The CD player that was in Matthew' & Andrew's nursery plays them to sleep each night.

(Everything from Beethoven ~ to the Cars Soundtrack, to the Chipmunks Christmas).

Matthew's current read, "Henry & Ribsy" sits on the top left of the dresser.

Day 126/365

Matthew & Andrew's little space in the world.

I've been on a cleaning rampage.

All clutter must GO!

We are lightening our load and it feels great!

Day 125/365

A photo from the Tulip festival this last weekend.

Such sweet brothers.

My little men.

My little loves.

Day 124/365

Carpe' Diem!

We dropped everything and went to the park for a picnic dinner and some fresh air during a very rare sunny moment this rainy, wet, cold spring!

Day 123/365

Say "aaah!"

Kaitlin's first time in the Dentist's chair!

She did great ~ even waiting with her mouth open like a little bird. :)

Best of all ~ her teeth look great!

(Well, except for the chipped front two but that's par for the course in our family!)

Day 122/365

Matthew earned "Super Bee" today for his "Super Bee-havior" at school!
Exciting day!  Matthew writes about Super Bee's adventures at our house in the journal for school and take a photo.  Super Bee was playing with Matthew this afternoon on our only day without an afternoon activity.
(Sigh).

Day 121/365

Another fun time at the tulip festival with our dear friends.

Kaitlin was mesmerized by Hannah.

:)