May

They love each other.

Somebody refused to give me a normal smile...I'll let you guess who.

Washing the car on a HOT day.

Water balloons = 10 mom points. No throwing them at mom = -5 mom points. Still in the black.

We know what the camera is for now.

Snack time.

Later I found out that there was water in this boat. Wet pants was the big clue.

Swingin'

I don't usually drive, but when I do it's in the nude.

Flasher.

Another example of safety first on the farm. 

Uncle Dwayne got a turkey, and the girls found kittens.

We were picking berries...can you tell what kind?

This one was not feeling his best that day.

Niece Ella was a HUGE help with the boys while I picked.

Strawberry Fields

We stopped at the park where Eden and the whole 2nd grade was having a field trip. This is her current school BFF.

Lunch with sister.

Tuckered out.

Strawberries make you feel better.

Bubbles

April

We've had some days where we feel inside out and backwards,

but we've still been able to amuse ourselves. (this one's new preference is throwing a variety of balls at a variety of surfaces. Two nights ago he was attempting to play basketball and the basket was the crock pot of chili. Thankfully there was no score.)

Van and I went attended Jesse's class presentation of 'Possum Came a Knockin'.  It was actually pretty funny. The girl behind Jess was a cat and very in tune w/ her character.  Jesse played an orff instrument. (i think!)

Van was too distracted w/ all the kids to be looking at the camera.

With the hope of being more intentional about our holidays we celebrated a Messianic Seder meal on Good Friday.  (For those of you that are experts, do not look too close at the details!) I learned some new things in prepping for this and the kids really  enjoyed it. Everyone participated and even Dennis agrees that this should be a new tradition.

Eggs. I tried something different this year. I hollowed out my eggs first. I didn't blow them, just cracked a small hole when I was using eggs and then rinsed them and let them dry. Then the kids painted and modge podged fabric to them. The fabric was way messier then I expected. But we were able to display our eggs longer.

Resurrection Sunday began with a brunch  at church and then an early dinner at Dennis' parents. Here the wind started to blow and petals from the trees blooms were flying through the air and they thought it was hilarious. Also, this really is the best shot.

 Mom Mom hid some eggs for the little ones and loved it.

We've had unseasonably warm weather and I am not complaining! It's been beautiful and all the kids are loving the outdoors.

This is my daughter's #1 love language. She leaves notes for me. I'll take it.

I noticed that Jesse was sitting still having breakfast so I grabbed my camera. This guy is growing up fast. He can be so helpful. Often he gets Vanden's breakfast and this is a big deal for me!

We have a new clown in the house. And yes, this was before I put my food in the pot. Yes I did rinse it first.

Last night Jesse and Den went to the farm so they could get up early to go turkey hunting. So after Beck went to bed we had mini cones on the stoop at sunset. This was after they both gave me a "show" as they call it. Which is basically unorganized silliness. Then we went inside and watched Pollyanna. It was a lovely way to end the day.

Back it up...

to the beginning of May,

Where we said goobye again to Mindy. It was a quick trip, but every moment we had was treasured! Love you Min!

And now we are fully in spring. Complete with showers and flowers.

Dennis pick away at the lot when he has time while V picks at...other things.

This spring we've been able to see all sorts of babies.

Last week we were blessed with a visit from both of my parents.

They were able to join us for J's last cello concert,

view E's displayed art at school,

help us cheer on J at a very cold baseball game,

and celebrate B's first birthday.

He was a very polite host and showed interest in all of his presents.

He enjoyed his first taste of sugar.

He also played pin the tail on the donkey. (J decided to make a political statement w/ the hat on the donkey)

A good day!