Follow the Deer!

A little while ago, the boys were playing outside and ran in to tell us they saw deer in the neighbor's yard. We all headed down to the ponds to find the deer and the kids had a great time watching the 3 babies and their mama.

"Take lots of pictures of the deer, Mom!"

On the way back to the house, the boys picked up a bunch of sticks to "build fishing poles" so they could "go fishing with Dad soon."

James' 1st School Program

James had his very first school program for Easter a few weeks ago. His class sang 4 or 5 songs in the skit and Jamess did a great job!

Grandma and Grandpa came and even showed up early to find us good seats. (Of course - between my Dad always being early and my Mom's love of children's programs!)

This picture is SO Nate. He was explaining something irrelevant, but very important to him!

After the program, we took the kids out for frozen yogurt.

We're so proud of James. Good job singing, Buddy! 

Bethy's Baby Care Tips

Bethy is quite the little mama. She's picked up a few "baby care techniques" recently.

1.  Never give the baby's head TOO much support. You want them to develop good neck muscles on their own.

2.  Always make sure you are safely buckled in the car while you hold the baby's car seat loosely with one arm.

(But sometimes it's best to forget about the car seat all together.)

3.  Make sure baby stays warm while she sleeps. Breathing is overrated.

 
4.  Babies like going for walks with their friends. And they don't mind sitting on laps. 

5.  Take baby potty often.

6.  Hold on to baby securely - when you use its head to stabilize yourself as you climb up the stairs. 

7.  Teach them to sit quietly in restrooms.

8.  Parking lots are good, open spaces to teach baby how to walk. Clothing is optional.

9.  Snuggle baby often.

Nate's Office

Like I've said before, Nate is a giver... and a crafter!

Since Christmas time, when I let the boys wrap their own presents, Nate has taken off. If I let him, he would spend hours in "his office" drawing pictures, cutting things out, taping things together, cutting ribbon, making cards and envelopes, etc...

I usually get 1 or 2 presents and envelopes every day from Nate.

 He likes to "help me open them".

 It sure does feel good to be so loved!

Of course, sometimes the boys need reminders of what's off limits in "Nate's office".  :)

"Mom, I'm going to watch you curl your hair so I can teach my wife when I'm older."

- Nate

Spring in March

Spring arrived early this year!

Taken at 7pm - So excited for the longer days to arrive!

We've had lots of picnics outside.

One afternoon, John decided it was time to take down the old play set.

Done.

Then the boys helped load up the truck for the dump.

First mow of the season. James got the pieces I missed.  ;-)

John set up the slides on the rocks by the shop and it actually works great! Even Hugo learned to slide down!

These pictures crack me up. John was playing football with James.

And a miss! Sorry about your head, Bethy!

Did I mention LOTS of picnics?  :)

Reptile Zoo

James' class went to the Reptile Zoo recently. The kids had such a great time looking at all the {gross, stinky, rat-eating, skin-crawling} reptiles!

Each reptile had a sign posted on it's "home". It told us what type of reptile it was, their name, what they eat, where they usually live, and other fun facts about them.

The kids favorite was learning the reptile's name and what they liked to eat.

The biggest snake (anaconda??) was shedding it's skin. The kids got to crawl under and watch what was going on. I stayed outside.  ;-)

My favorite reptile, by far, was the alligator. It was SO CLOSE to us!

Bethy's favorite reptiles were the little tiny turtles. They were so cute!

James loved the big huge turtles that they got to pet. {I think he also liked talking about their poo way too much!}

And Nate loved getting to hold a little snake.

James wasn't on board with holding the snake, so the snake went to visit James!

James' teacher, Mrs. Benjamin, being brave!

After the Reptile Zoo, I took the kids to Red Robin for milkshakes and lunch. I should have done lunch THEN milkshakes - rookie move - but we had a great time!