Good Day, Sunshine!

It was that kind of day here today. We spent our entire morning in the backyard. We were even able to enjoy a picnic lunch by moving our little table out there. It worked perfectly. The boys played hard and slept harder at nap. Unfortunately right as Erik walked in the door everyone was high needs McGee, so he didn't get to see much of the fun. Then he had to jet for BSF Fellowship. This is where the guys in his group all get together before class time and share the most recent stuff God has been doing in their lives through the study. Always a good time.
After finishing dinner with the boys we headed back outside and Luke hit the "baseball" for the first time ever! He started taking pitches this morning, totally HIS idea, in case you are thinking that I'm "that mom." But I was pretty stinkin' excited when he hit a pitch tonight. We were out front, because the backyard is unbearable in the evenings. And I totally screamed and jumped up and down as he hit a line drive down the third baseline. Okay, there were no bases, or lines, but it was fun. He hit a total of four pitches tonight. I won't tell you how many I threw. :-)
Well, there are grandparents and great-grandparents awaiting this post, so I will finish up with the pictures and a video.

Luke climbed this "tree" all by himself. He also wanted that bucket hanging there. No idea.

Happy Paul peeking at me through the play structure

Picnic lunch. I'm going to do this every chance I get this summer. No vacuuming required.

The video below was shot during pajama playtime tonight. The box was completely Luke's idea and I had NO idea what he was going to do when I began shooting. It really gives a whole new meaning to hammer head. I laugh every time I watch it. I hope you do too.

Beautiful Day

It was a beautiful day today and the boys and I were able to get out and enjoy it a bit. We had a play date with friends to the north this morning. Their backyard is very large and both boys had a great time in the sand box and kicking the soccer ball into the goal. After nap we crossed the street to play with Keary the Corgi, who has enough energy for both boys at once. She's just a year old, so they are all growing up together. Very cute. I will try to remember my camera the next time we are headed over.
Tonight's pictures are brought to you by a moment of sweetness right before bedtime. Paul had been sitting in his rocking chair and Luke decided to join him. Luke then announced, "We are so cute!" I agreed and ran to get the camera.

How do we look? Just a little primping before the photo shoot begins.

I tried to get Paul to ditch the pacifier, but it wasn't going to happen. I think they are still cute.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

It's one day late, but we love you and hope your day was wonderful!

Paul is looking at a picture of Grandpa and doing his best to wish him a happy birthday. Luke is in the other room, refusing to be part of the video, but adding his commentary nevertheless.

Spring

The weather has finally started to look like Spring. Blue sky, slight breeze. Good stuff. Naturally I'm down with some sort of chest cold. I felt mostly fine until last night when it hit hard. I woke up I'm hoping that resting today and drinking lots of EmergenC will do the trick. And despite feeling mildly under the weather, I'm enjoying the breezy shade on my front porch at this moment. Paul and Oma are on a walk around the block. Luke is still napping, as is the Daddy-Man.

From my porch I enjoy a great view of my street. I love sitting here. The porch itself is tiny, not large enough for a chair, so I use the steps. Candy tuft and daffodils are blooming in my yard. My neighbor is cleaning out his car. Weeds have taken over the lava rock that separates the sidewalk from the street. Our lawn is mowed, but not manicured liked some. I had a fabulous professor in college, Dennis Martin, whom Erik house sat for the summer we got married. Dennis told Erik to mow the lawn, but not too short. Even while summering in the south of France, he liked to think of his lawn in Tacoma, WA as being a little overgrown. Lovely.

We missed church today because of my cold. I was bummed because it's Palm Sunday, our first at Mosaic. Each year I like to consider the journey of Jesus during this week. He knew riding in on that donkey what Friday would hold. He also knew that the next Sunday would change the world forever. I won't miss church next Sunday, even if I have to wear a sign that says, "Don't touch me. I'm sick." It's just too cool to miss.

And now a few pics of the boys, just for fun. These were taken pre-haircuts, but they are too cute not to share.

Luke wearing his Cubbies vest and holding his Cubbies book. So cute.

Paul with his first flower, a dandelion picked from our neighbor's yard. I don't think she'll mind.

Hair Cuts and Puzzles

I took both boys to get hair cuts yesterday. At the same time. Together. It actually went really well. The place I take them is designed for children and has a train table. That's pretty much all that is required for the boys to declare a place awesome. I love the women that work there. They are patient and kind. About fifteen seconds into Paul's cut, Luke declared his need to pee on the potty. This necessitated all three of us heading into the one-seater bathroom. She didn't bat an eye at this insanity. She's got kids. This was Paul's first "official" hair cut. He did better than fabulous. He was perfect. I had him sit on my lap, and he seriously didn't flinch, cry, whine, or wince once. Low maintenance dude. Luke also did well, only wincing at the finishing job with the trimmer. I think they look great. Here's a video of them yesterday after we got home. They are working on a puzzle together. Luke is a tad bossy, but Paul doesn't seem to mind.