Friday Fire

A neighbor once called us "The One Family Neighborhood Watch." 

 

We could add "Family Brush Collectors" to that resume, too.

 

 

The kids have been wanting a fire so they agreed to collect the necessary sticks.

 

 

I'm not sure there's anything more terrifying that these wild boys and a girls wandering around with long, sharp pointed objects in the dwindling daylight.

Thankfully no eyes were put out in the process.

 

Matthew perfected his toasting skills.

 

Josie might need a little more practice. 

Katherine was dubbed the Marshmallow Hoarder.  She raided the bag and filled her hands, clutching them tightly to her body lest anyone should try to take one.

 

 

 

Jonathan's cheeks grew as large as his brown eyes as he stuffed in many a marshmallow.

 

 

And for the occasion we created a new treat: the Swoopie - toasted marshmallow stuffed between two whoopie pie cakes.  I think Stephen approves!

What $200 Will Buy You

One of these boys is a saver but the rest are fearful of burning holes in their pockets.

 

 

They have received birthday money and Christmas gift cards which we insisted be saved for future purchases.  But like the widow in the Bible who kept pestering the judge for relief, they wore me down until I finally decided it would be better for all around to let them make their purchases. 

 

Matthew got some "change" from his gift card and Jonathan squealed, "Ooh, now you have more money to squander!"

 

And Josie was not to be left out especially when she saw a princess in a castle. 

 

 

(I would gladly spend my own money to buy a barrette to keep her hair back but it would truly be squandered - she'd never keep it in).

Meet Cordon Bleu

We are pleased to introduce the newest member of our family.

 

 

Matthew has been wanting a fish for sometime time, and we finally gave in.  And seeing as the only relatively safe place in the house is the kitchen, the male betta has taken up residence along with a LEGO Atlantis minifigure on the counter right next to the stove. 

Pine Wood Derby 2015

It's Derby time again!

 

 

The boys have been busy thinking about their cars (although it seems like they waited until the last minute to get actually make them).  But they were ready for impound and are now ready to race.

 

 

Matthew and his den-mate Maxwell were first up.

 

 

 

Stephen flashed his driver's license and headed to the starting line.

 

Stephen's car is the gold one on the left.

 

Finally, Andrew was up for his third and last Derby.

 

 

As they speeded to the finish line, they were close.

 

 

 

Andrew came in second by a very, very, very close margin!

 

 

 

I'm so proud of these boys

 

 

 

 

 

and dads

 

 

 

 that keep this pack going.

Horsin' Around

In addition to our beloved duck-less duck pond and creek, there is a neighbor who has horses and a fun little playhouse just right for little bodies.

 

 

 

 

We always forget to bring carrots, but these horses are always hungry for grass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And when the kids have picked all the green grass in sight, it's time to play.

 

 

 

 

So much fun so close to home!

Third Time's a Charm

I realize I didn't post anything about Snow Day #2 because it was a .5 inch and quickly washed away by rain (and, really, Snow Day #1 wasn't anymore than that).  But last night, we hit the jackpot.

I've learned not to put much stock into weather forecasts and we never watch the local news.  But this time felt different, and we dutifully made a trek to the store for provisions "just in case." 

We waited and waited and waited.  And then it started.

Small flakes but lots of them that added up to a yard full of fun.

The kids played until 7 and then there was excited talk about plans for the next day.

Doug and I took measurements as the landmarks slowly faded under a white blanket.  A last glance at Facebook (to see how others were faring) noted a stranded churchmember nearby, and like my parents have done on multiple occasions, we took in an overnight guest who couldn't make it home.

The morning dawned bright. 

We are so blessed to be where we are for a multitude of reasons, but today it was the sunrise. 

We are situated in a valley between a large hill and a mountain.

 The sun rises behind the hill and reflects off the rocky mountain top, and today it was gorgeous.

The kids scarfed downs some toast and were OUT!

Doug and I wrestled Katherine into some miscellaneous leftover snow gear for her first real experience with white stuff.

Unlike her reaction to sand, she liked it!

The boys set to work on a snow fort/igloo.



 

The rest of us started in on The Happy Snowcouple.

 

 

 

 

But in the south, we know how to do it right: don't overstay your welcome.

 

 



By late afternoon, all the boys plans to sleep in their creation were dashed when the structure collapsed under the power of the sun's rays.

 

 

And there wasn't anything left of last night's snowmen save a lone carrot.

 

 



But it was Real. 

And it was Fun. 

It was Real Fun.