Mailbox Makeover

Our mailbox is in our front yard, as is our neighbors. Ours is at least upright, but our neighbors' post was slowly being eaten away by squirrels and was on the verge of collapse. It's not quite the look we had envisioned for our front yard.

After much deliberation and several trips to the hardware store, Matthew decided to build something himself. And he did a great job! I would hire him again.

We're seeing a mailbox renaissance in the neighborhood. Our next door neighbors just replaced their mailbox too!

Sam's ready to take these down!

Helping out.

Our mailman was impressed!

Sam's Silly Spectacles

Sam also loves these new glasses!

He can drink through a straw and the liquid goes through
the glasses before he gets to his mouth. Messy, but fun!

Sam's Spectacular Spectacles

When we left the hospital with Sam, his neonatologist told us to watch his eyes carefully because it was very likely that he would need glasses -- and probably at an early age. Matthew and I already assumed he would need glasses -- due to the horrible vision genes we had passed down to him. The kid didn't stand a chance!

After noticing some changes in his vision, we had a visit with Sam's eye doctor -- and glasses were needed.

Sam doesn't know how lucky he is to be born in this time of eyewear options for boys! His new glasses are called "helicopter glasses" and you can spin the temples around 360 degrees. Very cool! He loves to show them to people.

He looks so cute -- and so grown up!

Zak Speaks...Sort of

Zak is working on a new skill. Sign Language.

Sam taught himself sign language from a placemat -- he likes to sing the ABC song and do the signs.

Zak decided he wanted to be just like Sam -- so now he does the same thing.

Noah's Ark

Sam drew these pictures before church this morning...

Noah's Ark.
The yellow is the lightening during the storm.

The sky is black and blue.
Noah is releasing the dove during the storm.
The ark's door is also open -- a little 3-D effect!

This picture depicts the interior of the ark.
Noah and his family along with some animals.
I think they are getting ready to leave because the ramp is down.

Creative little mind!

Fort Fun!

We met up with friends on Saturday and set out to visit Fort Vancouver.

The boys ran all over the place -- it was a great place to wear them out!

Sam and Andrew hanging out on the cannon.

Checking out the kitchen -- glad we don't
have to cook in a fireplace!

Four boys...four holes...a perfect picture.

Zak was starting to fall in the hole!

Andrew and Sam trying out the headstones
and caskets at the woodworking shop.

Zak climbed in the cradle and rocked himself.

Sam reached over to hold Zak's hand when he fell asleep.
So sweet!

Leaning to the Left

Well, we've always known that Zak was different. He can't help it. He just is.

He is a second-born -- the first one in our household!

He has brown eyes. That's a first for my side of the family.

And now -- he may be left-handed!

See for yourself...


This kid just has to be different!