Still Alive

Yes, we're still alive.  We just didn't take pictures for a while, and I got busy.  A friend reminded me that I hadn't posted anything in a while.  If you aren't satisfied with the service, see the manager for a full refund.

These pictures are in mostly reverse order.  See paragraph #1.  This one is on Sauvie Island, on our Plan B hike yesterday, because Plan A turned out to be closed for hunting.



Stuart got Hot Wheels for his birthday.  The weather got nice.  See what happens?  It was very redneck, but we didn't leave it out overnight and the neighbors did not complain (to me).



Most days, I write out our schedule on a board so the kids know what we're doing for the day.  Yes I know this seems way more organized than I actually am, but it works for me.  Anyway, one day Stuart decided that HE would write out the board.  Here it is:
 


The boys playing a multiplication facts game that I made up.  Marcus is putting the numbers in order, so that Stuart has an easier time filling in the facts table taped to the back of the Candyland game.


Stuart's 8th birthday!  He asked for a carrot cake, and for carrots in the decorations.  Don't give me a hard time, I'm not a professional decorator and I was using a freezer bag with no tip as my piping bag.



The very happy birthday boy.

 

Marcus helped with the Hot Wheels, too.  This is from the same day, but the order is all mixed up.  See paragraph #1.

 
Rhododendron Garden, maybe a month ago.  This one may become the new blog banner, if I get around to it anytime soon.

 
Resting in the sunshine at Oaks Bottom.  This was Stuart's first long walk post-surgery that didn't include the stroller for him to ride in if he got tired. 

 

Marcus being Marcus, also in Oaks Bottom.  Check out those freckles.  More came out today, I should get another picture.

 

Marcus at Stuart's Cub Scout banquet.  I didn't get any separate pictures of Stuart, he spent the entire time playing with friends--mostly they bopped each other with balloons.  Priceless.

 

Marcus got a scooter for his birthday.  Mostly I just wanted to capture the expression on his face.  This is classic Marcus.  Stuart is the earnest one and Marcus is the sarcastic one. 

 

Marcus blowing out the candles on his birthday cake.  Yes this is out of order, see paragraph #1.

 
Both boys dressed up for Easter Mass.  We ended up getting there right as Mass started, so we sat in the balcony with the organ.  That was interesting when the last song of Mass included the organ.  We were about 10 feet away from the pipes.

 

 Note that Stuart's top front teeth are FINALLY coming in.  That's three and a half years of waiting.  He was really excited to have the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny visit on the same night, too.

That's all!  Happy Easter!