Sunny Saturday

 "It's like we are at a restaurant!"

Annual Failure

I planted annuals for the first time about 7 years ago.  It did not go well, and it was embarassing because they were in the front yard.  I felt like all the neighbors were walking and driving by laughing as they watched me try and bring these dead plants back to life.  I have not tried again since.  Until now.  I have had such great success with many plants in the past few years I was feeling pretty confident in my skills.  I figured I could handle some annuals again, I even was so brave I put them right in the front again.  It has been two weeks.  They have been slowly and surely dying.  Ugh.  What is the deal with annuals?  I gave them plant food and plenty of water.  Any suggestions?

Backyards are the Best

I know, I'm sorry.  I can't help myself.  I know you don't care about my dog.  But watching these two play together in the backyard is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen.  So, I MUST post these pictures so I can stare at them over and over. 

Super Six

 Another great birthday weekend.  Matthew had a cousin sleepover for his birthday, and they had so much fun together.  I decided to do another backyard photo shoot, and I asked Matthew to put on his cutest shirt and give me his best poses.  This is what we got... I love it!!

Time to get some Pink!

Meet the new girl of the house.  We got a dog.  It is shocking, really, if you know me at all.  Her name is Abby and she is a 5 year old beagle.  I am going to try and not be crazy dog picture lady, but she is just so cute!  We have had Abby one week, and she has been great!  I have definitely had to learn a lot this past week since my dog experience is zero.  But so far this new adventure has been mostly fun, and the boys all love her.

Lovely Evening

 We had wonderful weekend celebrating Spencer's birthday.  We finished off last night with a family party with cake and presents.  First we opened presents outside because it was the most gorgeous evening. 

 Then we sent Spencer and his cousins on a treasure hunt around the house and yard.  After gathering clues they put them all together to figure out the last clue. 

 The first letter of each clue led them to the treasure in Spencer's closet.

His own motor scooter, no more fighting over the one we have!

And of course ending your birthday with a wad of cash is always a good thing.  Thank you grandparents!!

Eleven

Painting Happiness

 I love the aqua blue in my living and dining rooms.  It is so calming and bright and happy.  I still need to add some more touches to the room, but I feel good about what is happening so far.  I forgot how good it feels to do a little renovating.  Refreshing.  This painting has been inspiring my color choices.  Love. 

Easter Boys

 Love this picture of Spencer!

 Nathan was so happy hunting for eggs.

 Matthew seems to do everything in costume!

Egg Time

Peter Parker what are you doing?

We had Spring Break this week.  I feel good about how the week went, which is a huge relief.  I feel excited for Summer actually.  But not so excited I won't enjoy 2 more months of kids in school!  Wednesday was a nice lazy, stay at home day.  Late in the afternoon I turned on the tv to browse the channels since all the boys were upstairs.  A rare moment to enjoy a few minutes of a show for me in the middle of the day.  I found one of my favorite movies, Sea Biscuit.  Before even 5 minutes had gone by, three of the boys were downstairs with me.  Whatcha watchin' Mom?  What is this?  Wait, is that Peter Parker?  Yes, that is the actor who plays Peter Parker.  "No Way!!  I've go to go get Spencer he will want to see this!"  That was Sam who is always looking out for Spencer's best interests.  He knows that Spencer loves anything to do with Spiderman.  So, we all watched the movie together.  After awhile, I started getting some funny questions.  Why is Peter Parker riding a horse?  Why does Peter Parker have red hair?  Why is Peter Parker wearing boots?  Where is Mary Jane?  They watched the whole movie with me, but I think they were waiting for Spiderman to make an appearance the whole time! 

Lego Guys

We have a LOT of legos at our house.  As records go, we might be setting one here.  Jeremy brought a giant tub of legos into our marriage, and it has grown by leaps and bounds ever since.  He builds amazing lego creations for the boys to play with.  All the boys love them, but Nathan has been a lego enthusiast from the start.  This was a lego house Jer built with beds and all.  Love it!

Blanket House

My sister reminded me today how awesome blanket houses are.  I have fond memories of making these houses and playing in them all day.  I am starting to think that maybe I was not the engineer behind our fantastic houses.  I redeemed myself with cookies!