Vacation

Over Easter Break we went on a short vacation to California. When going over the mountain all the kids had their hands up on the windy road saying, "wheeeea, wheeeeaa, ..." We wondered why we were spending money to go to Six Flags when our kids were just as content driving on a windy road and pretending they were on a roller coaster. The baby even got in on the action too. He LOVES to do whatever the other boys are doing. We stopped at the Jelly Belly Factory for a tour and free jelly belly's. It was a long line but it's sort of a right of passage. Big T. was too small to remember when we went this time. I'm always amazed at how much sugar they can put into one tiny piece of candy. My kids tried some of the new flavors like "Toothpaste" and "Vomit". They both taste just like their name.
One of our stops was John Muir Woods. We saw some giant redwoods, went on a nice family hike and Big J. got to pass off part of his requirements for his Forester Activity Badge for Webelos.

This is a giant slug Little J. found on our hike. He insisted we take a picture so he could show his school teacher. It was fascinating and gross (in my opinion).

Easter 2009

Here is our tradition of dying Easter eggs even though none of the kids like to eat hard boiled eggs. I guess it's more about the Easter Bunny having things to hide although there were lots of hidden plastic eggs too. Baby T. had a great time finding eggs. He really got the hang of it really quickly. The funny part was when he was outside picking up eggs and putting them in his basket. He leaned over to pick up an egg and lost many eggs that were already in his basket. Then he got so excited because when he turned around there were a whole bunch of more eggs (the ones that fell out of his basket of course).

We have a pretty good backyard for finding Easter eggs. It's fun every year. This is Big & Little J.

My wonderful boys searching for the last few eggs. We had to play a game of hot and cold because Tim and I could see some that the boys just couldn't find.

After church we visited Grandma and Grandpa's house and did some more egg hunting. We had a great time and are so glad that we have grandparents that live close.

Searching for eggs at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was a little strange being the only ones there this year but my brother and his family went to visit my sister.

Growing Up

Now that Big J. is 10 we thought it was time for him to have his own room. Up until now the 3 oldest boys have all shared one room and we have had a toy room. Now Big J. will move into the toy room and Big T. moves up to the top bunk. We made part of the move before we left for a trip over spring break and everyone has done very well in their new places. The new room isn't quite done yet. We still need to swap a dresser and some toy cubbies and then we'll be situated. I think it will be a good move for everyone.

Birthday #6

Big T. had his 6th birthday and he couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately we planned his party for the Saturday of Easter weekend and found out not many people would be around so we are waiting until next week. It has been hard for him to wait but I'm sure he'll have fun when the time comes. On his birthday we went to dinner at a place of his choosing which was a hot dog place here in town. We got there right at closing so we all got free ice cream cones. The owner was very nice. Then at home we opened presents from family and had MKKTT over for cake and presents. I also brought cupcakes to his class at school.

Baby T.'s Tricks

Our littlest T. has learned some new tricks. Above is him climbing into a drum. It is very tiny and I don't understand how he can sit straight down in it with his feet flat and legs in front of him. It's pretty cute to see in person. Below is one video of his climbing talent. He has been climbing everywhere - up the ladder onto the top bunk, into the bathtub to play with the toys, on the chair and then the table, on the couch and coffee table, etc. (you get the idea; he climbs everywhere!)

April Fool's

This was our April Fool's dinner: fish sticks with ketchup and peas. What it really was: Cookies covered in peanut butter and crushed cornflakes, strawberry jelly, airhead candies. I wish I would have filmed Big J.'s reaction. His face was full of contradiction and he froze in time trying to process what he had just taken a bite of. It was priceless. By the way, we had other "real" food with dinner too, not just candy and cookies.

Birthday Time

Big J. had his birthday in March - - 10 - - double digits; am I really old enough to have a 10 year old son? I brought cupcakes to his class on his actual birthday and then he had a party with his friends at the house. At birthday time the kids get to choose where they want to go to dinner. He chose pizza. Now he is a Webelo and I have a lot to learn so I can help him earn his activity badges.

Tim's birthday was also in March. We went to dinner and then had cake back at the house.