Three weeks since Christmas

Stu got a new zoom lens for Christmas, and most of these pictures are him playing with the new zoom lens.

At the Rhododendron Garden.



Crazy child.  But the camera loves him.



Finally, a decent picture of an American Coot.



I don't know who these guys are.  But if they keep showing up, I might have to start writing dialogue for them.



This picture was taken right before Marcus turned 4.  He was excited to move on from the 3 to the 4 at the Rhododendron Garden.



Craft activity in history:  make a Celtic warrior cloak.  Stuart has the standard one with dragon brooch.  Marcus wanted one too, so he got an "M" brooch.  Note:  you do not need a hot glue gun if you have sufficient duct tape.  Both brooches are attached with a diaper pin and duct tape.



The other day I found them "fighting fires" in their Celtic warrior cloaks.  Sadly, I couldn't find the camera.

Marcus wanted a "tree toy" for his birthday, and made it very clear that it should look like a Christmas tree.  Stuart made this for his brother, with Stu's help.



I should add that Marcus liked it very much.  Then he decided to give it to me as a present.  (He gives presents all the time.)  He wrote a note that said "HAPPY BRFdA MOM" only the d was backwards.

My mom asked me to take a picture of Marcus' paleo-ish birthday cake.  Oops, it was partially cut before I remembered.  Paleo-ish carrot cake with raisins and cherries added.  Plus a brown cherry frosting with a red 4 on top.  That's what Marcus said he wanted.  Whew, that wasn't easy but I managed it.



And now Marcus is 4!  I have a few other pictures, but mostly the camera hasn't been coming out in the last ten days or so.