A New Motto

I remembered seeing this picture several months ago and was so happy to stumble onto it again on this post.

Science/Recess/Lunch

Motorcross

The new favorite afternoon activity is bike riding in the garage.  Our driveway is long but has a rather recognizable slope to the street that is not conducive to children learning to ride.  With the vehicles out of the way, though, the garage serves the purpose nicely.

Stephen has really enjoyed practicing on Andrew's bike, and Andrew is more than willing to share.

Something's Missing!

Guess who lost his first tooth?

(sorry for the grainy shot but that lower level is rather hard to photograph)

Andrew, in his most contemplative voice stated, "Momma, I do not know how to describe this feeling."

Me either.  Each of these milestones makes me realize how quickly this boy is growing up.

Seeing Red

There are still a few cherries and couple of slicers, but the summer garden is about done for the year.  We're trying to plant some spinach and chard for the fall but haven't around to it yet.

Spring begins with great enthusiasm and high hopes; by the middle of July, I squeeze in a few minutes of gardening before the mercury rises and the only thing that is high are the weeds.

In spite of their inattentive gardener, we had a pretty good tomato crop: hand-me-downs, nursery favorites, heirlooms and volunteers.  For the most part, they all lived and produced a steady crop.

Our corn, on the other hand, was a complete flop (literally and figuratively); the peppers could have used some water.  The swiss chard was beautiful until some beetles ate everything in matter of days; the same ones took care of the squash plants as well.

Considering you only get as much as you give, I guess we came out in the end.  There's always next year.

Eleven Months

or "Jonathan ad naseum."

I just can't help myself with such an eager subject.

Yearning

It's so hard when you're little and everyone else gets to go out and play games.

"Binoclears"

Stephen received a pair of binoculars - think "nuclear" - for his birthday ("Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma!"), and they have been a huge hit.  Especially with Doug.

"Ooh, let me try them out first to make sure that they work."

Note the exasperated and distressed look on Andrew's face.

"Okay, Andrew.  Now it's your turn."

"Come here, birthday boy.  You can give them a try."

After discovering he can read all the neighbors license plates, I think Doug has aspirations of being the next Magnum PI.

Outwitted

The toddler needed soothing after a post-nap funk and was allowed to watch a few minutes of John Deere.

The big boys needed fresh air and exercise and were sent outside, much to their dismay.

But they are intelligent and resourceful boys.  They figured out a way to be outdoors and get their TV fix.

Stephen is 5

Here's to you, my perpetually cheerful helper!

I don't know what we'd do without you, dear Stink-Stink!

Endearing

 This is one of those shots I want to remember, played out day after day in this house full of boys,

young men lost in their dreams of machines with lots of power.

Enduring

Outdoor time is tolerable if you have a good book.

"Doh Tass?"

This was Matthew's request after dinner last night: "Go class?"

There had been so much discussion over the upcoming school day that he was sure we were going to class right then and therefore made sure he was prepared with his "backpack" complete with pencil, pad of paper, and binoculars.

I finally got it through to him that we wouldn't go until after breakfast, he retrieved the binoculars and went to bed.

I had the pleasure of a Mom's Night Out with several of the moms from the weekly program we'll be attending, and if that was any indication, it's going to be a lot of fun.  (I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard and had so much fun but it could very well have been the sheer pleasure of being with members of the fairer sex for a change).

What a great group of guys, though!  Here's to School Year 2010-11!