Mal's 8th Birthday

Mal cracks me up.  He used to eat cake.  Now he won't.  It's one of his "things".  Instead, he has a powdered cake donut.  Yeah.  Very festive.  Anyhoo, he had a good birthday and was super excited to get tracks for the Emerald Night Express.  He's been waiting a couple of years for them.  Oh, and Lego, I despise you.  You can't make a loop with the amount of track in one box.  Maybe in a couple more years, Monkey.

H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y  M O N K E Y  A N D  M O N K E Y 'S  D A D D Y !

Gift Ideas

The ever popular Kid in a Box.  Malachi demonstrates.

What home with a baby is complete without an exersaucer?  Xavier shows an alternate use.

Merrick's favorite baby toy.  A wipe container filled with craft puff balls.  This was a fine toy for months and then suddenly, he started eating the puff balls.  This toy is under recall until the manufacturer gets her butt around and cuts up some fun fabric scraps to fill the tub.

If they're still bored, put them to work.
 

Xav paints the entry way.

October Hoopla!

The bigger littles have been going to Lowe's Build and Grow clinics with their dad for some time now.  They really enjoy taking the better part of a Saturday and heading out for building and shopping.  I really like the program.  They get an apron and goggles to keep.  They've built trains, planes, monster trucks, and games.  This is a picture of the creeper keepers before the finishing touches.  Each time, they get a patch for their aprons.

I finally got a GIRL!  My precious iDaughter.  We are nearly inseparable.  :) 
P.S. My mother-in-law made me that awesome quilt in the background.

Merrick is big enough to head to the tool store with dad now. 

Merrick's first pumpkin carving experience.  I explained that carving tools work better.

Having a better taste of pumpkin goodness - pumpkin pancakes.

Sometimes, I think Micah has too much time on his hands.  The boys don't mind.  Xav got this terrific shield for his Captain America costume.  It's made from an old saucer sled.

 This was an old lawnmower turned hot rod.

 Going back for more!

Running (or My Insane Husband)

Micah not only ran his usual trails and towns and 5 and 10 Ks, he decided to run The Spartan Beast obstacle course thingy.  He hiked a lot of mountains and ran a lot of miles as well as work outs at home (with downed trees and tractor tires, no less) to prepare for it.

The view from one of the peaks.

This is what the boys imagined Micah's run to be like.  Lots of rocks and lava were involved.

He also ran at Jay Peak in September.  The family tagged along for a day at The Pump House (super fun!) and a gondola ride to the top of the mountain.  I'm sure it was way more fun for us than running to the top had been for Micah.

 Those two dots way down there?  The boys.

School Stuff

Our first day of co-op last September.  Merrick was less than impressed with being woken up and dressed to go play in the nursery. 

Malachi really enjoys reading.  He likes to borrow our kindles and read ebooks.

We made a pinata for Micah to take to the end of season trail run party.  Half way through the summer, they started getting attacked by wasps (or hornets, or whatever.  I have learned not to call stinging insects by the generic term "bee" or Micah will explain the difference to me. *wink*).  I thought the pinata would be a fun way for the runners to get even.

Xav is sometimes so fun to do math with.  That kid is like a sponge when we "do school."  The picture on the upper right is two mosquitoes.  You can tell by the proboscides.

We saw a Curious George episode (ugh!) where George made a nifty hat with all kinds of gadgets on it.  Xav made one that dispenses raisins.

Our January Babies

Merick's first birthday was in January.

Xavier was kind enough to share some candy Legos for the cupcake toppers.

An action shot of cake flinging.

Merrick had *never* before actually licked his fingers clean.  I think he really enjoyed his cupcake.

Xav chose robots to top his cake.  He's taking a robotics class at co-op and absolutely LOVES it.  Happy birthday six year old!

Thinking Deep Thoughts From the Third Row Seat

I know why cows weigh more than people.  Because they are full of so much milk.

Why do cows have extra stomachs?  Is one for her baby?

Xav: I just saw a horse with clothes on!
Micah: What was it wearing?  A hat and mittens?
Xav: No, just a shirt.

Way-back seat driving:
Xav: Mom, why don't you drive in the middle row?
Me: There is no middle lane.
Xav: We could pretend...

Waiting to turn left:
The light is green, GO!

(In February, out of nowhere)
I'm mad Obama won, I wanted the guy in the blue shirt to win.