The Zoo

Projects...

At Dinner... Ethan is completing a maze. "Look MOM!!! I did it!!!!"

"Wow Ethan, great work!"

"Well, I had to break through a few bars but that's okay."

Tonight was supposed to be a relaxing night at home. Only, when I went to pick up the boys, Ethan informed me that he had to dress up as his favorite animal the next day. I asked to be sure as I thought it kind of ludicrous, but sure enough.... And so my evening of peace and calm was drastically altered. Ethan was so excited he could barely sit still in the car and was talking a mile a minute with all his "ideas".

We ran into Walmart where we hunted down shirts and supplies... Lucas decided that he better do it too, so we had one cheetah and one elephant. Perfect.

First we painted shirts. I made Ethan ears out of pipe cleaners and a headband.

Lucas painted his shirt and then we made him ears out of a headband and paper plates and a trunk out of a paper towel roll. Be still my heart.

"I baby efflant mommy!"

Last Day and Beyond

I've compiled a few quotes from Spring Break... There were many more, but I can't always remember....

Beth (around 10 at night): We don't have any cookies, but you can have some broccoli."

All Boys: Yes! I want some broccoli.

And they all ate it. Zane was the only one who spit it out. The other three boys chomped and chomped. A delicious (?) midnight snack.

In the car on the way to Idaho... Lucas keeps taking Ethan's things and messing with them.

Ethan: Look at my face Lucas - Do I look happy?

We got home and Brian is changing Lucas' diaper. Lucas: I happy. I see you.

Uma sent the boys down to go check on the worms in the compost bin. Lucas: Worms yucky! No eat worms!

Brian: Do you want a juice bag Lucas? Lucas: Yeah! He goes and gets a ziplock bag out of the drawer. He insists on putting the Capri Sun in the bag. Then, we are in the car and he wants help with his straw. I grab it and take the straw out of the wrapper. "NOOOOO!" He makes me put the straw back in the wrapper. I give it to him. He promptly pulls the straw out and gives me the wrapper. "Straw. Help me." Now I have to put the straw in.... repeat....

The boys' favorite song? "Baby baby baby, uh-oh...." Now Ethan claims he's "Justin Beaver" and that means he has a new girlfriend at daycare.

Sunday morning, our last day of Spring Break, we headed into church. There was a family service after the regular one and Ethan got to play the sticks on stage! He took it very seriously - so stinkin' cute. He was pretty much on beat too. And during one of the songs I did the motions wrong and he totally cued me from the stage. My little director.

Then it was naps and more painting. Turned out we had just bought tint instead of white paint. No wonder why it looked so cruddy. It's looking better now.... But still not quite there... After that was a trip to Silverdale for much shopping. We picked up some clothes, party supplies for Mr. E, went out to dinner, and then made a mad dash through Costco since it was closing.

Such a great break. So hard to get up this morning, but we managed. And now it's April 4th! A very Happy Birthday to my grandpa - Baboo Bill! He's 89 today! We miss you!!!! And what better present than a certain adorable red-headed nephew of mine who shares a first name with you!

Love you Baboo!

Day 8 - Spring Break 2011

Day 8 of spring break brought us out to my parents house for dinner and relaxing with the U's and Nana. We had two things to celebrate.

1) The arrival of Connor McLean. He's doing well, eating and sleeping like a champ! Plus, he's adorable! Maddie and Morgan are proud sisters - though from the pictures I'd say Maddie was more interested in the hospital equipment than the baby!

2)We had to celebrate the life of an amazing person who passed away over break - my cousin Jennie. Growing up she was always one of our favorites to see! She was about 10 years older, but was always willing to play with us and I can distinctly remember her going along with my crazy science experiments that I put on for the family one year. She was always smiling and always positive. Years ago, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, given only months to live. She dug in, lived life to the fullest and fought like hell. She surrounded herself with the people she loved. Through the hard times- there were many - she stayed optimistic and continued to make others smile. Reading her facebook page since she has gone has been such an amazing tribute to who she was. We miss you Jennie!

And so we toasted. To Connor and to Jennie!

To Family.

Day 7 - Spring Break 2011

We said goodbye to our Kuna friends, and then bye to Jess and Liam, and off we went for another marathon day of driving. Jess' mom, Donita, rode back with us - brave woman! It was fun to chat with her and catch up on the last few months - made the drive seem much shorter!

The whole way back, I was checking my phone regularly, as my sister and law had gone into labor! We were anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new nephew - William "Connor". He finally arrived later that night, after we had eaten and were reunited with Daddy! Brian was so excited to see us and we were excited to see him!

Connor was born at 9:49 pm in Boston - 10 lbs, 1 oz, 22 inches long. He has red hair and is the spittin' image of my brother.

Adorable little man! I am such a proud Auntie!!!

What a fabulous way to end the trip. Love.

Day 6 - Spring Break 2011

We were supposed to meet a friend of mine that morning, but she had to cancel, so we decided to hook up with Jess, Todd, and Liam. They were headed to the zoo as it was half price zoo day. We got there and it was just too packed. They were already in, so by the time we would have found parking, and stood in line, they would have been ready to go. So, we made plans for lunch and headed into the Discovery Center.Lunch was delicious! We went to Big Jud's - yummy burgers and even better tater tots! We ate way too much and just enjoyed time with our Idaho "family". Afterward, they took us to a very cool place - Powell's candy shop. We sat on the street eating gelato and basking in the sunlight. Such a great afternoon.

Another car nap and then it was off to Just Kid'n Around to play with our friends, the Coates. It was so great to see the kids again!

And Summer and I had a great time chatting while they all played!

It is crazy to me how time has flown and our kids have grown up so fast! I guess with my own kids I see it gradually happen, so it's almost shocking when I see other kids at the same age.

We said our goodbyes, picked up some dinner, and headed back for our last night in Kuna.

The boys played superheroes!

And chased a big monster - aka Kurt, Beth's husband. That guy deserves a medal!

The boys stayed up late watching a movie and playing with the light sabers we got them all at the candy shop.

More giggles.... lots more giggles.

What a great trip. Beth - you were an awesome hostess! Thanks for

letting us stay and loving on my boys

Day 5 - Spring Break 2011

Getting 4 boys under 5 out the door early in the morning should be a difficult task, but not with these boys! They were up and at 'em and ready to go! We were headed to the zoo....

To meet these fabulous people! Katie was in my class last year and is one awesome kid! And her mom volunteered and became one of my favorite people in the world! They were very brave to meet our group at the zoo - we are a handful!

The boys loved seeing all the animals while we chatted about all things important to life! There was lots of laughter and being goofy. Funny kids!

When it became "that time", we headed off to Pizza Hut where Vickie and Katie not only were willing to be seen in public with 4 boys ready for naps, but treated us to lunch as well!

It was soooo great to see them!

After a nap in the car, the boys and I picked up some doughnuts and headed over to another Katie's house. She had two dogs - one very large that Ethan fell in love with! Lucas was not so sure about it.

Katie and her husband just adopted this beeautiful baby girl.

They could not be happier and we could not be happier for them. We caught up while the boys played and watched a movie. So fun to cuddle that bundle of joy!

We headed back to Beth's house and the boys got to see their very cool playhouse in their very cool backyard.

They played hard.

We kept waiting for a big fight, punches to be thrown, the battle to be waged....

Never happened... The boys were too busy playing fun, imagining games, hiding under umbrellas...

And just being goofy.... This pic makes me think Lucas was a little homesick....

Ethan served them all "fish" - and the bark was flying everywhere.

Oh my word the boys had fun together. Beth and I did too. Lots of laughing.

I forgot to mention that the night before Beth's husband watched the boys so that I could go with Beth to her workout class. It was boot camp. That was some serious stuff. Ouch. I am still ouch. I'm impressed Beth! You are one buff chick!

This may have been our busiest day, but also our most relaxed. Awesomeness.