Spring Break Fun

While Sam was on Spring Break from school, we headed up to Grammie and Poppy's house for a visit.

April is a big birthday month in our extended family, so we had a pizza and ice cream party so we could all celebrate together.

Zak and Drew had fun hanging out!

Kate and Sam enjoying their ice cream!

It was a drippy few days in the Pacific Northwest, but Grammie found an indoor miniature golf course, so we hit the links! We didn't keep score, but I can tell you that Matthew, Poppy, Sam and I all got a hole-in-one. A couple of people got more than one -- including Sam!

Zak taking his shot. His preferred method is still to hit
the ball once and then pick it up and put it in the hole!

Poppy and Zak watching the action.

Poppy and Grammie usually take a Sunday afternoon drive to Baskin and Robbins -- and we were happy to go along! Sam picked chocolate right away. He's kind of a slow licker -- I told him he is never going to make it in the summer if doesn't start licking faster! Zak looked at all the flavors and said he wanted the green one. Doubtful that he really wanted mint chocolate chip, we got him a sample, which he willing ate but then wrinkled up his face in disgust. He ended up with vanilla with chocolate sprinkles.

More ice cream!

It was so nice to have a couple extra days to spend at Poppy and Grammie house. It was a great start to Spring Break!

Spelling Is Tricky!

Sam's teacher is getting married in two weeks -- and we are looking forward to attending her wedding. In anticipation of the big day, Sam helped make her some cookies and wrote a little note.

He wanted me to help write the note so that it would be perfect, but I told him that Miss Schoenborn would really like to see what he could write all by himself.

The proud boy!

For all my talk about the note not
needing to be perfect...I just couldn't send this one.

I had to leave the room so I could laugh -- and of course, share it with Matthew!

The Storyteller

We love books at our house -- and usually I'm the one doing most of the reading -- but I think I'm being replaced!

This is how I found the boys one afternoon...

The Big Sleepover That Wasn't

Sam and Zak have their own rooms -- but they have been wanting to have a sleepover.

Happy boys -- ready for a fun night!

Unfortunately, one of them was a little too excited. Zak kept yelling and whooping it up, and after about a half-an-hour, a sleepy Sam decided he wanted the solitude of his own room. Zak was heartbroken -- so hopefully he'll tone it down a little next time!

Finally -- some peace and quiet!

At least his dogs will sleep with him!

We'll try again!

Grandparents' Day

Grammie and Poppy made a quick trip to our house so they could attend Grandparents' Day with Sam -- and he was so excited to take them to school!

Here they are all ready for their day!

After a fun morning at Kindergarten, we met them at the mall so the boys could show off their jumping skills!

Sam all hooked up and ready to jump!

It was really hard to get a good picture!

Zak was so exited to jump again!

We headed to Panera for a yummy lunch and then home for some more playing before Poppy and Grammie had to hit the road.

Yeah for Grandparents!

Little Bakers

Sam and Zak were very excited for Matthew's birthday this year -- the anticipation started building about a week before the big day. I think Sam was a little disappointed when I told him we weren't going anywhere to celebrate -- we'd just be at home with the family.

Fortunately, by the time they had picked out presents and wrapped them, hung balloons and made the cake -- staying at home didn't seem so bad after all!

While Matthew was at work, the cake baking began!
Everybody had a chance to stir.

We went to visit Grandpa and Nana several weeks
ago and we did not take one picture, but aren't the
aprons Nana personalized for the boys cute!

Making the frosting -- and licking the beaters!

Zak wanted a blue cake and Sam
wanted green -- so we did both!

Sadly, there are no pictures of the finished cake -- very colorful blue and green stripes with an abundance of sprinkles and candles. We were too busy eating it to take a picture!

The Chicken Project

Sam's Sunday School class is raising money to buy chickens for needy families in third world countries. He came home and told us all the things he could do around the house to earn extra money. I'm all for a little hired help!

He made a collection jar.

He's put away silverware from the dishwasher, swept the floor, sorted and matched socks -- he's always ready to earn a little "chicken money". One morning while I was making breakfast, he made all the beds in the house -- without being asked. It is his responsibility to make his own bed every morning, but he went above and beyond when he made Zak's and ours.

I was impressed -- his pillow placement is pretty good!

He has a few more weeks to go and is excited about any opportunity to add to his chicken fund.