Hiawatha Trail

It was a beautiful day for a bike ride in the mountains on the Idaho/Montana border.

Guess which one didn't want his picture taken.

A House Full :)

Matthew & Mandy & Megan all came to visit today.

Our little friend Megan is staying a couple of days. Look at how Ari adores having a "big girl" around.

They had some fun together . . .

but my aspirations of influencing Ari in feminine pursuits rapidly evaporated as Megan took to the swords and shields. Actually, Megan and Gabrian played fantastically together. They are closer in age. Ari merged into and abandoned their games fluidly.

Here's a game of Hullabaloo.

We had lots of "action" song games too.

Now, that's a lot of cheese!

Man, did she really take that picture?!

Mandy and Megan.

Now, that is why we have the big dinner table.

I love it!!! (My spot is between Gabrian and Ari.)

Boing, Boing

They didn't even remember we had a bouncy castle.

(And we barely remembered what sunshine was like.)

Beautiful

It is so beautiful here this time of year. I love our yard! The camera can never do the colors justice!

Soccer Season Done For Now!

Today was our last soccer day till fall. Conor had a great season, got a cool trophy, and has one cute fan!

He's Reading Fiction!

Cameron has decided that he likes to read fiction. It is relaxing for his brain. (In the past, he has staunchly refused to read any fiction, saying, "What's the point?") I'm happy about his discovery and hope he never outgrows it. I just got him a 2 year subscription to Science Illustrated, so I'm trusting he'll still enjoy non-fiction as well!

Cameron Vs. Floor

The floor won.

Apparently, he "fell in the hall" at school.

Spring Concerts 2010

Conor - 4th grade.

Cameron - 3rd grade.

We Have a Library!!!

I have always wanted a library. This is the children's section.

On the other side of the window is adult fiction.

Behind Gabrian is non-fiction.

On the close wall this side of Conor's head are oodles of Readers Digest Condensed.

It's awesome.

(We aren't done building shelves, so textbooks and computer books are organized but still in boxes.)

Uncle Matthew Came!

Uncle Matthew is working "in the area," (only an hour or so away), so he came by for a surprise visit and thrilled the kids.

Catching kids on the zip line. Uncle Matt made an extra handle so the little ones can reach.

Why backwards, Ari?!

The classic slide train. (Can't do this on school playgrounds anymore.)

(Any time you want a meal, a shower, or just to be mobbed by kids, Matthew!)

Swallows Park 2010

We went to Lewiston to stay with Denise and preview spring.

Auntie gave Ari her first manicure.

Isn't she glamorous?

It was kind of windy and cool on Saturday, but Sunday arrived with beautiful spring weather.

Off they go, along the river to Swallows Park for our annual excursion.

This year, Gabrian was on his bike instead of in the wagon.

Ari rode in the wagon, eating bread meant for ducks, as usual.

WHY won't they stay on the path?

(And why does Conor always have holes in the knees of his pants?)

Ari and Uncle Eric.

She has to run to keep up - look at that flight phase. :)

The payoff is so worth it.

Both of them seem to be having fun.

Puppy is getting tired.

Gabrian is looking kind of tired, too.

Yep.

Quickly crashed - but what? No sleeping in the wagon? The first outing without crashing in the wagon. An era has passed.

Feet

Her feet have been growing all out of proportion.

Gabrian Stuff

Gabrian doing Gabrian stuff:

Helping Daddy with the library floor.

Stealing Mom's spot when Mom moved to throw up (after wisdom tooth extraction.)

Cuddling the dogs in his favorite cozy spot.