Yummy Cakes and Mud Pies

Since it was so warm today, the boys decided that they needed to make some mud to play in. So after many trips hauling water, they finally got the right consistency to make a really good mess.

Though KiKi didn't need much guidance in how to make a mess, he did need a few instructions in how to properly mud-coat legs, forearms, and trees. Maybe tomorrow Neil-Te will teach me about mud masks!

Before making mud pies, Neil-Te made a delicious birthday cake for Oma's birthday dinner. As you can see, he was very proud of his work. I was happy to have a little time to spend with just Neil-Te because his older brothers were busy and KiKi was supposed to be napping. I think that he appreciated having my undivided attention as much as the extra strawberries and raspberries!
She may be getting older, but Oma still gets lots of male attention!

A, CoCo, and SS made Oma this little birthday pillow. She's made pillows for each of the boys, so they thought she might like one too.

Sandy Creations

Our boys' favorite place to play is the sand hill off the side yard. They have done quite extensive excavations - huge holes that are deeper than the boys are tall! Even KiKi joins in. He trots around the sand with bare feet, despite my best efforts to get him to keep his shoes on. I'm sorry that I didn't think to capture those tootsers in my picture. (Anyone else a little grossed out by the mud-dipped pine cones behind KiKi?)

This is the sandcastle that CoCo built today. Big brother told him that it was impossible to stack two buckets for the largest tower, which made CoCo all the more determined to keep trying. On his fourth try, it finally held! Of course, CoCo also had to add some climbing trees and foliage - ever the nature guy.

This is the creation that A and Neil-Te made with AG. AG has been my mother's helper since I started homeschooling 3 years ago, and she never fails to come up with something fun and creative to do with the boys. The boys are always so excited on her "day," and Mommy is always happy to get a little house cleaning done - not that my freshly mopped floors stay very clean when the boys tramp in with all of their dirt! ;-) Anyway, here's hoping that the forecasted rain won't wash away these creations too soon!

The Stuff of Life

The sight of this glass strewn across the length of my kitchen, living room, and even down the steps, was what greeted me when I responded to A's shrieks of, "Mommy! Mommy!" Funny that just last week I began using glass again to drink my juice in the morning. I have had nearly all of my glassware relegated to the top shelf for a couple of years - since CoCo and A began getting drinks for themselves. Though I'm sad to have to return to plastic drinkware all day again, at least I have two independent boys who not only get their own drinks, but still think its cool to get drinks for their brothers!

For the Love of My Girl

Okay, we do a lot of disgusting things for our children, and I often tease SS that one of the perks of having her arrive almost grown up is that I never had to change her diapers, get spit-up on, or clean up after her when she is sick. However, this sandwich that she requested the other day ranks right up there with disgusting things...Peanut butter, jelly, cheese, and lettuce, anyone - and made with the heels of the bread too? :-) (Okay, I admit that I would make a sandwich like this any day over cleaning up the typical kid messes!)

Happy Birthday, Oma!

It's Oma's birthday today, and though she is off on a hopefully relaxing vacation, we just wanted to send out some birthday wishes...

and birthday hugs and kisses! We love you!

Feeling Like Summer

We had such warm, summery weather Saturday and yesterday, that I am now eagerly awaiting summer. My uncle and aunt gave us their pool, so hubby and I are busy preparing - hubby planning the layout of deck, pool; and I am busy trying to rearrange my gardens because some of them will get covered with decking. My dad even came by yesterday with his grown-up toy (a Steiner tractor) to edge my gardens for me. They look so nice, though I need to shake out and remove all of the freshly-cut sod. I have every intention of using some kid power to speed up the process. What little boy doesn't like to shake around some dirt!


This photo is of KiKi's new swim gear - in preparation for lots of swimming this summer. I have decided that all of my boys need those UV shirts this year - even my biggest guy! :-) They do look cute, and KiKi is sure that "hot blankie" might like to go swimming too!

Quirks

A has this thing about trying new things. He hates to try anything new- especially new foods. We had a big production over dinner tonight because Daddy made the fried rice, and A was worried that it would taste different than restaurant fried rice. Finally he ate it all, though he refused to admit that he actually enjoyed it!

He is an avid reader and powers through books. He enjoyed the Harry Potter collection so much that I encouraged him to read the Charlie Bone series. However, because mommy suggested it, and he didn't stumble upon the series himself, he refused to read it. Finally, several months after my initial suggestion, he began the series. (I placed one on his bedside table and told him that he needed to read the first chapter.) Well, two days later, he can't put them down. He is almost done with book 3 and spent the entire 80 degree day reading! (At least he read outside!)