My Boys

I rounded up all the boys while Dave was visiting.

Merrick thinks his brothers' antics are so embarrassing.

At the Library

We like to head to the library after Friday School to choose new books. 

Our little explorer.

Xav used an iPad for the first time.  The earphones only really succeeded in making his voice louder.

Playing a time game on the computer.

Winged Residents

Our mallard duck visitors were here this spring, as usual.  They arrived a bit early this year, so had to endure a bit of snow, ice, and sleet.

The newest resident is a raptor.  We aren't quite sure what kind he is.  He sat in that tree eyeballing the mallard couple or else some tasty frogs for quite some time.  I've seen it once since then, catching a meal on the forest floor.  The pictures are terrible, so I haven't been able to identify it.

His Future's So Bright

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!