Our Island Adventure

We decided to get out of town for the long weekend. I found a brand new, beautiful house overlooking the water that just happened to be available. Camano Island is an easy 2 hour drive, which is about all we can stand with 3 little boys in the car. This gigantic star fish is one of the many the boys discovered at the State Park.
Western Washington is having a miserably soggy May, but we would not be discouraged from getting out and about. The boys were good sports about putting on their rain gear and heading out for the afternoon with Steve. We just could not get over these amazing star fish!

Luke wanted to try a group photo. Andy is inside the house asleep. Honest.

My pictures are out of sequence and I'm too tired to fix it, but we stopped at the Children's museum on the way to the island. I usually take the boys here once a year. I wanted Steve to see it, too. We were able to connect with one of my college roommates who lives nearby. It wasn't quite as easy to visit as it used to be, with 3 adults chasing after 5 little kids, but still fun to see her and catch up a little bit.

Andy was in awe of the train exhibit. He spent almost his entire visit playing with the trains. I literally dragged him out, kicking and screaming, when it was time for lunch. They would've stayed all day, but Eli didn't have any place to nap and 3 hours without sleeping was about all he could take.

Although I wish the weather wasn't so nasty, I am glad we chose to go on our trip, anyway. We played lots of board games (hooray for Battleship!), read books and watched our favorite shows. The house was amazing and the scenery enjoyable. A great start to our summer.

Little Mister Goes Vertical

In keeping with his role as the third child, Eli spends a lot of time on his backside. The floor gym, the car seat, the stroller, naps in the swing, sleeping in his crib. Given the size of his noggin, he doesn't look like he'll be sitting up any time soon. Unfortunately, the back of his head is looking a little...odd. A baby in a helmet is about the last thing I need this summer, so I am on a quest to get that boy off his backside and hopefully re-shape that luscious melon.

Thanks to my latest acquisition from Craigslist (a nearly new Jumperoo), Eli has now gone vertical. He is in awe of his surroundings. At first he just sat there quietly and stared. Sucked on his fingers. Stared some more. I think it must be hard work holding up that giant head because he starts to cry pretty quickly. So much fun, this little guy.

Girl Time

Heather hosted a table at Graham Emmanuel Baptist's annual Friendship Tea. What a treat! Every year, the ladies outdo themselves. Just when I think it can't get any better, they step it up a notch. I sat with Heather, Mom and several other wonderful ladies. The food was fantastic, the conversation enjoyable and we were blessed to hear from a fabulous speaker. The theme was "Seasons of Life" and a lovely 87 year old woman told how her walk with the Lord was evident in every season of her life. I'm amazed the life experience a woman can share if we just give her a chance to talk. She lived through the Depression, sent her husband off to war, weathered the failure of her marriage, parented as a single mom, remarried and is now enjoying "the golden years" with her husband and extended family. I'm sure she felt like her story was quite ordinary, but I thought we were inspired and encouraged by her words. A delightful lady and a lovely afternoon with two of my favorite 'girls'.

Mother's Day Weekend

Finally! A sunny day on the t-ball field. Most practices were cancelled in April due to all the rain. Andy detests practice; he whines and complains the entire time. But, come Saturday morning he seems to enjoy playing in the game. I sat right near third base yesterday and he paused to make a face at me. Every time he got to third base, he would ask me if he was done and where was the mommy with the snacks. He cracks me up.
Steve took the boys camping on Saturday night at a near by state park. Oh, they love it. As soon as he announced where they were going, there was much leaping and dancing with delight. They kept squealing about "fire" and staying in the yurt. (It's an enclosed, heated structure that resembles a teepee). Apparently these millipedes were quite fascinating. They befriended another family with young boys who were camping near by. Luke's only complaint was that they didn't stay longer. Eli and I stayed at home this time, but maybe we'll catch the next camping adventure.

We all gathered at Grandma and Papa's for Mother's day lunch. The weather was beautiful, the kiddos were well-behaved. The cousins sure enjoy one another's company. They rode the riding mower, took turns shooting at cans with the BB gun and helped Papa plant a few things in the garden. What a fantastic day. We are so blessed to have such fantastic children in our lives.

All Boy, All the Time

Luke and Andy have decided that perhaps they are worthy of one another's company. Much yelling and chasing ensues as they invent little games to play together. At least they are having fun. God sure has a sense of humor: I don't like loud noise, chaos or dirt. So he sent me all boys and boatloads of the 3 things I dislike the most. Ha, ha. It is funny to hear them laughing like little hienas. I know, I know...someday I'll have a clean, quiet house and I'll long for the preschool years again.

In an uncharacteristically mellow mood, Luke decided to hang out with Eli while he was waiting his turn in the tub tonight. Eli seems a little perturbed that we broke out the camera. He was probably hoping it was time for rice cereal and pureed pears.

This was yesterday, I think. Enjoying his first "meal" of rice cereal and Gerber bananas. He was so happy to see that spoon comin'. He kicked his feet with glee and opened right up. I had to switch to a booster seat today because he was bouncing so hard in this chair and making it nearly impossible to feed him.
I can't believe we've hit five months already. Yikes!