Bumper Crop

I'll start by saying that we have been completely ignoring our back patio as it is full of pipes for Tom's water project (to be discussed in a future post, I'm sure). It is a disaster back there and I just try to pretend that it doesn't exist. That being said, Tom and the kids ventured out amidst the weeds today and found that the strawberry plants we put in last year have popped up and are kicking out some berries. The kids were thrilled to be eating things that we actually had grown, however inadvertently. Maybe someday we'll attempt a real garden!

The boys hunting

Success!

The perfect outfit for the day!

Future Doctors/Handymen

Today Nicholas put on his doctor outfit (left over from his tubes surgery). Charlotte was not happy about the fact that we only have one set of "scrubs". She was placated with a spare shoe cover as a hat. They started using the doctor kit, but really, how many times can you check in each others ears and give each other shots? So they moved on to the tools box, which has much more variety. Luckily they used the tools to "do some work" on the fireplace and the floor and not each other. Judging from the above picture, they certainly take their work seriously.

Cat Class Farewell

In lieu of going to school on our last day, the Cat class and their families met at a park for a farewell picnic.

Nicholas and Ms. Jamey whom he adored (somehow I missed getting a picture with his other teacher Ms. Sally)

Jack Gunther, Nicholas and Logan

Charlotte tried to play with the boys...

but got distracted by the availability of CheezIts

Jack Rollo and Nicholas in a serious game of "bolleyball" as Nicholas calls it

The gang - Logan, Jack Gunther, Nicholas, Jack Rollo and Henry

We were so lucky to be with such wonderful children and teachers this year. Nicholas and I both made some great friends.

Adios Music Friends!

Today was the last day of music class. Five of us have been together for 3 years, so it's a little sad to say goodbye for the summer. One of our friends, Katherine, is moving to the UK at the end of the summer, so it really is the end of an era. We'll miss you!

Mrs. Love and our class

The fab five (minus our friend Grant) - Nicholas, Daniel, Lily and Katherine

A House Full of Kings

Tom's brother, Tim, and his family came through town as they made their way from Albuquerque to their new home in Maryland near DC. The kids really enjoyed the time with their King cousins!

Charlotte instantly bonded with Bella, who had to be sequestered in her crate to keep dog/cat interaction to a minimum.

Nicholas and Andrew have a mutual love of puzzles.

On our one full day, we took the whole gang to Grant's Farm. Emily was the sweetest big girl cousin!

Because of the heat, they had the misters turned on. The kids LOVED it!

A wet bunch, and the closest we came to a cousin picture. Charlotte kept running away!

(Ryan, Emily, Andrew, Nicholas and Jordon)

She was excited that the baby camels were now feeding at the fence with their mothers.

Jordon, Andrew, Nicholas and Emily

Daddy/Uncle Tom in story-teller mode.

After visiting with us, they continued on their way to Maryland. We wish them the best of luck in their new home and city!

Spring Photoshoot Highlights

Charlotte was most definitely not in the mood , but Nicholas was a total champ. The location this time was Faust Park in Chesterfield. We're still on the hunt for the perfect family photo... We'll see how they turn out in the Fall!

Mr Chatty

I love the fact that Nicholas is very outgoing and has no problem talking to people, young or old, and today it went to a whole new level. As we sat down for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes, there was a woman sitting in the booth next to us, eating her dinner alone. Nicholas struck up a conversation with her that lasted over 10 minutes. They talked about our family, the fact that he was a wearing a shirt from Prague that Daddy bought for him and any number of other random topics. I kept interjecting "I'm sure she'd like to eat her dinner, sweet pea" but she would shake her head and say she loved the conversation. Then she launched into the story of her life and that kids just hadn't been in the cards for her, but that she loved them. I'm glad he found a willing participant, because to many (and even me sometimes) eating in peace and quiet would have been the way to go!

Are These the Biggest Balloons You've Ever Seen??

A very nice man at the dealership gave these to Charlotte, and we were very thankful for the entertainment while we waited for the car to be serviced. Unfortunately they didn't make it home. They both touched the ceiling in the waiting room before we left and popped. Something very prickly on those acoustic ceiling tiles... They were fun while they lasted though.

Last Chance for a Girl's Day Out

As Nicholas' school year winds down, Charlotte and I took a girls only trip to Grant's Farm (or "the Farm" as she calls it). It's always fun to see what she is interested in when she doesn't have to keep up with Nicholas.

To think next year we'll have 5 mornings together without her dear brother! I figure Nicholas and I had more than 3 years of alone time before Charlotte arrived, so she's due a little one-on-one attention!

Pole to Pole

Today we made a quick trip through a new traveling exhibit at the Science Center called Ends of the Earth - From Polar Bears to Penguins. Who doesn't love polar bears and penguins?

Right off the bat we were greeted by this mega bear.

Charlotte crawled into this den, and was surprised when it growled at her!

The blurriness of this is because of Nico's quick reaction to the growls. He wanted out!

We moved onto the Penguin area. Charlotte was a huge fan.

My two ultra-competitive boys going at this game. Fish would light up on the sea somewhere and you had to touch them to make them disappear and others appear. They played this for a long, long time.

Now onto my favorite part. Dressing up like a penguin. The kids both tried on the bottoms and waddled through the ice and snow.

The grand finale? Suiting up with a slick penguin sliding tummy.

And they're off!

Zoom!

We may have only spent about 30 minutes inside (oh the days when I could stop and read every sign!), but we had a blast.