Splish Splash

Let me begin by stating that I took well over one hundred pictures of the boys yesterday. The first swimming pool experience of the season was so inspiring.

I LOVE our camera too, which, by the way, is a Nikon D60. Capturing "still" photos of two boys playing in the pool was a challenge even for that camera.

Now on to the real reason I am writing today.

Yesterday, since the weather was forecast to be nearly 80 degrees, I decided it was time to drag out the swimming pool. Levin could hardly wait to get in. Once he did, he was so fun to watch. Apparently he had forgotten from last year, how fun splashing in a tiny amount of water, outdoors, could be.

Philip, on the other hand, was a bit more cautious about just jumping in. Just staying true to his personality. He eventually made it in and both boys had so much fun.

"Come one Philip...it's fun!"

Oh, Oh, he's making a move.

And he's in.

What better a way to end a fun day, then with special ice cream cones, from Grandma Ann and Papa. AND, a visit from grandma and grandpa German as well.

A busy day, and a visit from all four grandparents, resulted in two very sleepy little boys.

Smores

Sunday evening marked the first of being able to enjoy a nice warm fire outside in our fire pit. This of course, included roasting marshmallows, and making smores. The boys had a great time, making a sticky mess, but I am learning that messes are par for the course with boys.

Visiting Jesus

The other day we were talking with Levin about how an elderly man in the church had passed away and was now up in Heaven with Jesus. As the conversation continued, Levin replied, "How bout we go and see Jesus on Tuesday?" (For some reason, Tuesday is the day that all things happen on.) Makes me wonder, yet again, what goes through these little ones minds.

Frugal Friday

I am not sure about all of you, but I love finding bargains. Clothes is one of the biggies for me. Since I know that all things will eventually be marked down, sometimes by quite a bit, I can never bring myself to pay full price.

This past week I found a deal I have to share. Some friends and I had taken our kiddos up to the Auburn mall to play on the toys, since it was yet another rainy day out. Afterwords we headed off to Old Navy, to find Levin some socks. It seems that lately he has been coming out with more pairs that have holes then don't. We found what we came for and then I find this shirt on clearance for $1.97, yup, that's right. I could not pass that up, since it was originally listed for $12.50. How can a shirt go from $ 12.50 to $1.97?

After finding deals like this, I am convinced more and more of why I cannot justify paying full price, especially if your like me, and you wear through, or stain clothes easily. I guess my little tip for today would be shop sales, if you want to save a few.

Speaking of Pretty Trees and Things

This past weekend we planted a new tree to replace a tree we lost to a disease some time back. I have always loved burch trees, with their peeling bark, so that is what we planted. I have also always been drawn to homes that have big "shade" trees in the front as you approach the front door. Most likely I will never get to see this tree become as big and grand as I love, but at least I will always know what it may someday look like.

The boys had a grand time helping daddy prepare the hole for the tree. What is is with boys and dirt, anyways?

Philip ended the night with skinned up elbows, which he cried about until the threat of going inside for a bath was suggested. Amazing how tough kids can be if it means staying outside longer and avoiding a bath, or at least prolonging the time till a bath.








Saturday morning the boys were back out in the dirt, helping to load and spread compost around the new tree and other flower beds. It sure is nice that they are still so willing and excited about helping.

Through the rain, I have this

Though it has been rainy most of the last few weeks, I am thankful for a pretty yard to look out to. Nearly every bush and tree are in bloom right now, creating a bright array of color through the gloom.

I did it!

Having been inspired by this post, I set out today to see what this bread was all about. And this is what I came out with.

I should mention that Jason gave me the recipe book for Mother's Day, having read about it in the previously mentioned post. Nope, I did not even hint at the thought of wanting this book.

I can see how this simple, but tasty recipe could become a dangerous habit quickly.

For those of you who may be intimidated by the thought of making bread at home, this recipe truly is quick and simple, and oh so very tasty. Can't wait to try the other recipes in this book.

Just For Fun

Since I have had my sewing machine out these past few days, I decided to quick make the boys some bean bags to toss around together. Hey, I am willing to try new things it they mean that the boys will be entertained, while playing together happily.

Levin sat beside me, watching, as I made his bean bag. When I went to put the beans in the bag, he said, "No! Don't put beans in my bean bag". Aw, if kids could see the humor in what they say.

Another day spent indoors, but not at home

Since it has rained much of this week, the boys and I decided that we needed to get out and do something that did not involve being cooped up in the house. We packed up this morning and headed down to Olympia, for a visit to the Children's museum. The boys had fun exploring all the different areas, while mommy tried to keep up. I think Levin's favorite part was putting an apron on, while working the cash register at the store. Sadly, I have no photo to remember it by, but here a few of the pictures I did manage to capture.

Sigh

A nice way to end a day that will not be going down in history as one to be remembered. Just a very very long day, but some days are like that.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Fun With Uncle Steve

This past week Jason's Uncle Steve was in town from Denmark. We had a great visit with him, and enjoyed all the fun stories he had to share with us.

The boys were unsure what they thought of him at first, but they quickly warmed up to him and are still talking about him, though he has gone back home.

While Steve was here, we were able to celebrate his birthday, which has rarely happened during past visits. What a special time to spend with family.