The Big Five!

Today is Sam's 5th Birthday!

Right after he woke up this morning he went into the bathroom and I heard him say, "Yep, I look bigger now that I'm five".

His birthday celebration has been spread out over several days. Last week he took two of his friends to a huge, enclosed play center -- with slides, ball pits and guns that you could shoot. It was hard to get them out of there to go have pizza. Zak was a little young to be in there on his own -- but there was no way he was going to miss out on all the fun. The two Dads "sacrificed" and spent the entire time in there playing too. We can't wait to go back again!

Sam and Andrew having fun!

Zak loved all the balls!

Hanging out in the tunnels!

Sam opening presents -- his own MP3 player!

He really wanted a picture of himself and Zak.

Sam picked chocolate cupcakes again!

Zak was a little tentative at first.

Didn't want to miss any crumbs!

Zak really likes chocolate cupcakes!

Sam received a lot of Legos for his birthday -- and he's

great at putting them together all by himself!

Poppy and Sam working on another Lego project.

Hanging out...listening to music -- is he 16 or 5?

Matthew worked today, so we had Sam's birthday dinner yesterday. He wanted to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and tacos. This kid is easy to please!

Sam also received the much desired Lego garbage truck -- he finished the first part last night. He's waiting for his Dad to come home to finish it up.

Zak didn't want to be left out -- so he worked on his Legos too!

We are so thankful for Sam -- he is funny, loving and smart -- a great gift from God to our family!

Happy Birthday Sam!

Adventures in Ice Cream

Grandpa and Nana decided that we needed to keep working on the "ice cream issue" -- so we headed off to Dairy Queen!

Sam thought his chocolate ice
cream cone was pretty good!

Zak thought it looked funny!

He was not excited about trying a bite.

He really didn't want to do it!

But if HE was in charge, then it
didn't seem like such a bad idea!

Progress was made, but there was an embarrassing amount of ice cream left over. We'll just have to keep working on it!

A Visit to Grandpa & Nana's House

We had lots of fun visiting Grandpa and Nana a couple of weeks ago. We spent a good deal of time in the sunshine and playing at parks.

Sam's comment as we drove away, "That was such a nice visit!".

Uncle David teaching Sam the finer points of Super Mario.

Sam shows off his pumping skills!

Zak thought the big swings were fun!

Goldfish crackers...Zak loved being
able to eat them by the fistful!

Big fun at the park!

Sam, Grandpa and Zak sliding all together.

The end of a fast slide.

Picnic at the park.

Zak met a dog at the park...he thinks
they all want to be petted by him!

Snack at the splash park!

Goofy Zak!

Grandpa and the boys trying to figure
out Sam's new, fancy Rubix Cube.

A Howling Good Time!

After a fun weekend at Poppy and Grammie's, we all met at Great Wolf Lodge for a couple days of water fun!

Sam was big enough that he could go on all the slides except one -- he said that was just like in the Bible when God told Adam and Eve that they could eat from any trees except for one! I can't believe how many times he climbed the stairs to go on the big waterslides. He really enjoyed going on the raft ride with his Dad, Poppy and Uncle Barry.

Zak loved the kids area, especially when it involved shooting someone in the face with water! He would just laugh -- and then do it again! Grammie was a good sport!

The boys can't wait to go back again -- they loved every minute!

Welcome to Great Wolf Lodge!

Sam on one of the waterslides. It didn't take
long until he moved on to the big slides.

Zak does not mind getting water
in his face -- it makes him laugh!

It makes Sam laugh too!

It was a busy first day -- Zak took a much needed break.

Watching morning cartoons
in bed -- this might have been a first!

Zak manning the water guns.

Sam was ruthless!

Family picture after a yummy breakfast.

This was inevitable.

Afternoon at the Museum

Saturday afternoon was spent at the Everett Children's Museum. Sam loves the Portland Children's Museum, so he was very excited. Both of the boys had a great time!

Sam in the treehouse.

Sam and Zak working in the Veterinary Clinic.

Zak was the receptionist.

Sam was the doctor!

Building things.

Driving the city bus.

Uncle Barry helping Zak at the water tables.

Sam was an old pro and didn't need any help!

The train table was a favorite.

Sam's first time milking a cow.