Spring Break Day 5: Bowlin' it to You!

We took the whole family bowling yesterday! I helped (or supervised) Ashton while he learned how to "take turns" with the rest of the family. It was his first time bowling except for wii, of course.
Well, thanks for hanging out with us during our spring break. It was fun and I think the boys had a great week! Have a happy Easter everyone!

Spring Break Day 4: Zooing It

This is my 200th post! Wow!

We took the kids to the L.A. zoo yesterday. It was Ashton's first trip and he enjoyed seeing all the animals! It was a lot of walking and we didn't plan on Ashton's short legs not handling all of it so Derrik did a lot of carrying him. We all had fun!














The above pictures are "borrowed." :) Don't tell! (shhh!)

Spring Break Day 3: Egg-citing times!

I had to work today so we spent the day decorating eggs! Fun times:

First, Mommy has to blow out some eggs. Whew!









Then we can decorate!

















Here are some emergency vehicles we created.









And the final product!

Spring Break Day 2: All Aboard!

We went to Travel Town today and got to climb on the trains. The boys were in their element and had a blast! Here you go:

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.