Making something

He never specified what he was 'making'...:)

Richard's first Blue and Gold Banquet

Richard earned his Bobcat Award at our first pack meeting/Blue and Gold Banquet. We are really enjoying cub scouts!

Duplo Dog Translation

Maybe a translation isn't necessary, but just in case...Spencer says "gotcha" as the Duplo dog saves the other. Then "thank you" and "you're welcome". Then the dogs say "I love you" to each other.

Valentine's Day remembered

I was happy to see how grateful and pleased the boys were to receive valentines from their little classmates. It warms my heart that they didn't just dive headlong for the candy; they actually read who each one is from. :) 

The baby is Sam, a little guy we watch each Tuesday afternoon. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Piano lessons and such

We recently made a new chore chart in which Garrett and Richard can earn a sticker (which they can later redeem for prizes) for playing the piano and other chores that they are fully capable of doing themselves. (making their bed, brushing their teeth, clearing the dishes to the sink, playing with Spencer, reading, etc.) I supervise most of these activities, but the point to some of them is so I don't have to be hanging over them. Piano is one exception. I am trying to formally twice a week really sit down with them and help them improve to a new song, or if I hear that they need help I'll come to teach. But I've been blown away lately where they'll just go over and start playing all by themselves. (I'm sure the chore chart has nothing to do with it, it's solely intrinsic. Ha!) But the best part is is that they do seem to enjoy it. Which makes me VERY happy.

Playing "kanks" = Pocket tanks

Brushing Teeth

Finally some snow!

 This is the framed nature scene Richard made at his first cub scout activity. I got his patches all sewed on his new shirt and he is really excited.

Rudolph Song

Spencer has loved singing "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" this holiday season; and it hasn't stopped yet. Here he is pounding away on a tin of popcorn we got for Christmas, singing "Rudolph reindeer nose" over and over. Then he tells me he is singing the Rudolph song. 

Spencer also turned three on Sunday, January 1st. We had family over who were still in town from Richard's baptism the day before. This is the cake. And that's the only picture I got...

Post-Christmas

 Here are all the boys playing with a new toy we got for Christmas-Hot Wheels track with potential to crash because you run several cars at once. :) It's cool. ;)

 These two pictures are right after Richard's baptism of all the family that came. I was so excited to see everyone and thank you so much for your love and support!!!!

The boys stayed up really late on New Year's Eve. They are glued to a movie while eating all kinds of unhealthy foods. :)

Boys's Holiday Sing

Richard's 8th birthday

 Ben 'wearing' the pinata Darth Vader

 I made the cake and frosting from scratch, and then Ben designed the pictures.

 Alyssa came to the party, a friend of Richard's from school.

 He got a Lego batman Wii game from my parents, a Star Wars lego set from his brothers, and a Darth Maul watch from me and Ben. We played Dinosaur Monopoly, pin the light sabre on Darth Vader, and had the pinata outside-and it didn't snow!!!!

Waiting for the festivities to begin: I love catching them reading!

Getting ready for a birthday party

Richard really wanted to make the invitations for his party this year. So here is some of his artwork. Guess that theme. :)

And Spencer talking on the phone with "Bampa" Grandma Gayle. He really had a good conversation with her. She was surprised he could talk that much. He is a good talker when he wants to be and he is always talking about going to "Bampa"'s house.