Big Fire

At the very end of May, we got a fire permit from our local fire department and Dan burned our giant brush pile.

Starting it on fire.

There it goes!

It's burning down.

Down to the last bit.

Crazy kids.

This is how you roast marshmallows!

The next night, Dan revived the embers.

Kids were ready for...

...more marshmallows!

Kayaking Fun

Towards the end of May, Dan bought a kayak so we'd have two (the red one is on loan from his brother).  It is mostly for one person, although two small kids can fit.

Action on the pond.

Joseph in the new kayak.

Anne, Dominic, and Joseph.

Lounging!

Anthony was ready to do some work.

Catherine lightened the moment.

A little video of some of our kayakers:

A few days later, they were at it again.  It was much warmer, hence the shorts.

A wave from Catherine, while Anthony did something to the tree.

It was very muddy, as you can tell looking at Dominic.

While Anthony and the girls were kayaking...

...Dominic and Joseph were busy making mud balls...

...to throw at the kayaks.

End of April

Catherine helped Anthony make this for me.

He had to show it off himself.

The kids' favorite thing about going to the mall (which we do about twice a year).

Cool clouds.

Celebrating my birthday at Las Palmas in Andover.

Chips and salsa.  Yum!

The ten chicks.

Girls helped transplant tomatoes and peppers.

Smile!

Do you see them?  Killdeer babies hidden on the ground.

Snow peas growing well.

Cherry pie and asparagus.

Yummy stuff on the grill.

The First Half of April

The new chicks kept growing and growing:

The kids always love the chicks when they are little!

Still little enough to hold in one hand.

Anne

Anthony got really good at riding his bike in April.  He just kept practicing until he got it down:

Ready!

Set!

Go!

Of course, there was some of this in the process.  :)

Here is Anthony, riding away:

And finally, a short video of Joseph, showing me how he saves the ball:

Early May Photos

Kids enjoyed Braums Book Buddies treats!

Messy!!

Not sure what this look means.

The boys got a last day with their friend, Dothan.  He came over to our house for the day while the moving van company was packing up his house.  Joseph, especially, was sad to see his friend leave.

Snack break with a look at a rock collection.

Superheroes on the loose!

With a bunch of boys, the couch cushions in the basement are rarely on the couch.

Pause for a picture.

All four of them in one spot!

The next day, we had some rain and got to see this beautiful double rainbow:

One day I found a recipe for Pizza Breadsticks and made them:

Oh, were they yummy!

 Anthony made this castle all by himself:

He was very proud and would not let anyone knock it down for a couple of days.