Spring Break Day 1: Let's Go to the Farm

I promised myself I wouldn't do this again this year! But, the boys look forward to seeing their daily adventures on the blog and I love to make them happy so, here we go!
Day 1: We went to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark and picked strawberries! They have a large farm, complete with animals and little rides for the kids. Check it out:






















Here is the "fruit" of our labor = STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! Yum!

Date with Ethan

Derrik and I took Ethan out for dinner on his birthday. We went to Elephant Bar and gave him our last and final gift: the black Nintendo DS he's been dreaming of FOREVER! We included the Lego Star Wars complete saga game that he's also been wanting FOREVER! I'd say he had a great birthday. I know we're proud of him and so thankful that he's in our lives. And, it's official....he's 10!

Ethan's Birthday Party

We celebrated Ethan last Sunday with a party! We took several of his friends out to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" and then went back to our house for cake and ice cream. Did you know that nine and ten year-old boys make a lot of noise? It's true, yep. Lots of noise.
Anyway, here's a few pictures of the day:

Doin' the Spring thang!

This photo reminds me of water fights on Ranser.
(Do Grandma Bonnie, Uncle Greg, Aunt Stephanie and Aunt Kristin remember those?)



In theory, this did sound like fun. Upon reflection, I will be staying as far away from that thing as possible.

Pinecar Derby 2009

The boys did their annual pinecar derby last weekend. This was Cameron's first year to enter a car so he was very excited! Derrik even entered a car in the dad races. Cameron won third place for design with "Master Lego" and Derrik won first place with "Domino." We are very proud! Ashton got in on the action at home with our homeade ramp and his own car.

Vasquez Rocks hike

Derrik took the boys on a hike with a group from church up to Vasquez Rocks awhile back. It looks like quite an adventure!




The small specks at the top of the ridge are Ethan, Cameron and a few others from the group. Derrik felt safer watching from the bottom!

Rearranging

We've moved some furniture around upstairs over the last few weeks. Now, what used to be our bedroom is another living area/family room with the computers and some couches. Our bedroom is the old office and the boys just got a bed makeover. We like the arrangement a lot and feel like we're utilizing the space in the house better. Check it out:

Our new bedroom

The boys new bedding

The new office

Music Concert

The boys performed in a choir concert that I direct for work last weekend. The Santa Clarita Songsters is a new choir and has about 10 kids in it.
Here they are performing a song with the sound shapes:

Papa Ron's visit!

Papa Ron visited us this week and we had fun! He helped with homework, wrestled with us, and spoiled us rotten! It rained some while he was here but the sun came out toward the end of the week. I wish I'd gotten more pictures, sorry!

Mother-Son Dessert

We celebrated Valentine's Day a bit early by attending the annual Mother-Son dessert at church. I had two dates this year since Cameron has been attending the boys group this year! They'd learned a few manners like pulling my chair out for me, serving me dessert first and showering me with homeade gifts. They video tape the boys each saying something they love about their mom. Ethan said, "I love my mom because she helps me with my homework." Cameron said, "I love my mom because she tucks me in every night." Ahh...the things we grumble about that make a difference to them! Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hug someone you love today!

Hugs

Ashton has a new ritual at bedtime. He lays down, holds his arms out and says, "hugs," and then waits for me to give him one. Very precious. I tried to capture in a photo.

4 Day Weekend To-Do List

Pack Ethan for Winter Camp for two days. He's going with his best friend, Brian. He's attending a camp in Forest Fall, CA. He'll need a sleeping bag and warm clothes if there's snow. (check)








Prepare for Cameron's first sleep over. He's invited two friends, Troy and Teddy. Check with moms to make sure they're clear for the overnight. Borrow tent from Troy's mom and figure out where to set it up. Shop for snacks and pick up a movie. Remove all Cameron's post-its. (where does he get THAT from anyway?) Put batteries in the flashlight.(check)







Get ready for new kitchen floor. Move small table out, and clear off refrigerator. Sweep old floor. Take out any snacks or beverages needed for the day and store in cooler. (check)
Have a great weekend and don't forget to breathe.

Ashton's Big Day!

We took the camera with us as we celebrated Ashton's 4th birthday. It was such a great day!



It started with pancakes on the birthday plate.





Playing Indiana Jones on the computer.





Enjoying a book at the library






Watching a new Dora movie from the library.






Watching Mommy decorate my zoo train cake.










Doesn't it look yummy?





Waiting for the party to begin!











McDonald's double cheeseburger and french fries!









Riding the carousel at the mall.










Birthday cake and ice cream!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning started early and was worth it! The boys were thrilled with the wii music they received! Ashton liked his train table which I was thrilled about myself! A full day of play for sure. We chowed on some monkey bread mid-morning and stayed in our pj's all day! Yeah!