Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

Spring Break in Iowa

My mom had her spring break in Iowa last week. She thought it would be a nice, relaxing spring break if she invited all five of her grandchildren to come for a visit. (Okay, maybe she and Dad didn't think it would be relaxing, but we did all have fun!) Oh, and just before that, she thought she and Dad should re-do the kitchen and basement! They meant to do the kitchen, but the basement flooded in the process, so that was the unexpected remodeling project. They also picked up my grandma before we came, so that she could see everyone.

The cousins--Bo, James, Benjamin, Bella, and Paul

The only granddaughter for now--maybe another one in two months??? Bella liked following Benjamin around.

Doesn't he look so old in this picture?!

Grandma and Bo enjoying the outdoors. We had beautiful weather the whole time we were there--in the 70's and even 80 degrees! It was great that we could play outside and visit nearby parks to release all of that energy!

Bella strapping herself into the stroller

James playing with some of Grandma and Grandpa's toys.

Bo was crawling and just learning to pull himself up to standing.

Making music!

Playing Frisbee with Grandpa

Green eggs and ham

Benjamin's preschool class was supposed to make green eggs and ham in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday. They postponed the activity until Monday, however, and Benjamin doesn't go on Mondays. So, on the way home we were talking about eating it; I even had to tell a Phoebe and Daisy story about it. Anyway, I said I could make it for lunch. I used my "magic spoon" and some magic words to change the eggs green. Benjamin, who never eats eggs when I make them, loved it. And Paul, who normally can't get enough eggs, wanted nothing to do with them. (Of course, I don't think Paul was very hungry, since he had a bowl of cereal, banana, and half a bagel for breakfast. He then proceeded to have a sample of cheese, lunch meat, grapes, and bread at the grocery store.) I wonder if this magic trick will work on any other foods Benjamin doesn't like...

Benjamin turns 5

It worked out nicely that Benjamin's birthday fell on a Monday this year. We had a fun day together. We started out with French toast for breakfast, followed by opening presents, which took all of five seconds. Jonathan asked Benjamin if he wanted to open some now and save some for later. What 5-year-old would actually want to wait?!

Check out that speed!

Next we went to a place that had several inflatables--slides and bounce houses. The boys loved it!

The favorite was the princess castle! Maybe not really, but they did like it because there was a basketball hoop inside.

After that we went out to lunch, where we had the waitresses bring out a dessert and sing to Benjamin. He was a little embarrassed, but enjoyed the ice cream sundae!

For supper, Benjamin choose ham and noodle casserole. He wanted a Lightning McQueen cake, but this is as close as I could get! All in all, a good day.

Snow

We woke up to several inches of snow this morning. I guess we haven't been watching the weather lately, because we were surprised. It was almost 60 degrees yesterday, and had felt like spring most of the week. But, I guess it is still winter...

Paul helped clear the backyard of snow--so helpful!

Paul was so excited to play in the snow! This was only the second time this winter he's been out in it. Quite a change from last year!

This was last year--that's the mailbox in the background.

Best Friends

We are so thankful for the relationship that Benjamin and Paul share as brothers. They are self-declared best friends. A few weeks ago, I overheard this conversation, as they were sitting on the floor, with their arms around one another.

"Paul, we're best friends."

"Yeah, we best friends."

"Paul, you are my first best friend, and blankie is my second best friend. And I am your first best friend and doggie is your second best friend."

"Yeah, dat's right, Benny. We best friends."

(Blankie and doggie are their "can't go to bed without them" objects.)

I just love how well they play together, and how much they really do like to play with each other.

Painting

No new pictures to share--I haven't taken any lately. Last week, the boys were sick with a nasty cough/fever bug that's been going around. By the end of the week being cooped up in the house, I thought we were all going to lose it! This week, though, has been much better. We've had some warm weather, and even went to the park one day. Everyone is happier when we can play outside! I do have another video to share, though.

Jonathan and I don't get it, but we're glad they can make each other laugh!