"THAT WAS SO COOL!"

Today I was the best mom in the world. Everyone loved me. I received many hugs, kisses and thank yous. The boys have been dying to try out the rock climbing gym that recently opened near us, and this cold and dreary spring break day seemed like the perfect time. They loved it. I mean they REALLY loved it! I payed for a day pass for each of them, which at first seemed a little expensive, but was well worth the money. The boys climbed for about 2 and 1/2 hours when we first got there. Then when they were getting tired we went home for lunch and to rest for awhile. Then late in the afternoon we went back for 2 more hours. I really hope this place is able to make a go of it. The people that work there were really great with the kids. They were super patient and encouraging. The kids had THE BEST time, and pretty much used up every scrap of energy that they had for the day.


Climbing out and over this ledge was a big challenge for Fuller. He looked really beat when he got down.








This was about the maximum height that Rowan would climb to. The guy that was working with him really tried to get him to go all the way to the top, but he got a little too nervous.






Grayson was really getting a kick out of hanging upside down. We've always thought he was part monkey.






Fuller's hand were really getting a workout on this one, he had one hand in a crack and the other on the side of the wall. This was one of those times where it was good that someone was holding him with a rope, because he lost his grip right after I took the picture.


It was a little freaky having Grayson hanging so far up in the air, but he LOVED it. The guy that was belaying him said that Grayson has really good natural instincts. He looks up at the path he wants to take and doesn't have to think too much about where the holds are. He said some of the stuff Grayson did just on his own they usually have to work to teach people how to do.

A fabulous day!

No rest for the weary

Buster may be an energetic dog, but he is quite accustomed to spending much of his day in peaceful slumber. He makes napping an art form, and his snoring generally resonates through the entire house. Having the kids home all day has put a kink in his schedule. Yesterday morning Grayson and Rowan interrupted his mid morning nap by blasting "Hamster Dance" and chasing each other around the house with light sabers. He was not pleased. He chased them and barked at them for awhile, but then decided going outside was a better option. If it hadn't been pouring he probably would have stayed out all day. In the end he came back in and just lowly growled from his bed every time they ran past.
Today he should get a good nap in though. Paul's dad is coming to get the boys for the afternoon. (Have I ever mentioned how much I like Paul's dad?) They're going to Chuck E Cheese. What a brave man. Buster and I will have hours of peace and quiet. Pure bliss.

Spring Vacation Day 1- Off to a bad start

I woke up shortly after 5:00 this morning, to the sound of children in my living room. Two of my children were up playing the Wii. They were both fully dressed. One of them had already showered. I sent them back to bed, but they never did go back to sleep.

It's going to be a LONG week.

Titles

I've been thinking lately about life with my boys, and about writing those experiences down. One thing I've thought about is what would I call a book about each them. Here are a few of the possibilities I'm considering:

Rowan:

-"Raising MacGyver- Life with the Overly Resourceful Child"
-"Living with a Loved One Who Turns Tape, Glue and Your Possessions into Art"
-"Role of the Family Baby - How to Charm Adults and Irritate Siblings at the Same Time"


Grayson:

-"Life with Screechy- How to Voice Your Displeasure in the Most Unpleasant Way"
-"Second Grade Casanova- the Art and Science of Getting Girls to Chase You"
-"Always a Ray of Sunshine- Channeling Your Middle Child Attitude for Maximum Impact"

Fuller:

-"Angst- How to Make the Most Out of Every Sigh, Eye Roll and Stomp Up the Stairs"
-" Justice for Kids- One Boy's Quest to Rid the World of Parental Unfairness"
-" The Over-Scheduled Child- How to Keep Your Mom Behind the Wheel by Signing Up for Multiple Activities"

White Board Love Letter

Words by Grayson
Art by Rowan

Easter Craft

After seeing a cute Easter basket online I decided that I was going to make new baskets for the boys. I gathered all the supplies and set to work. About half way through the project I decided that this is MY basket, and that boys' old ones will do them just fine.

Mine didn't turn out quite like the example, but I like it. If you want to make one, the tutorial can be found here. And when the instructions say "you'll want to use a thimble", they mean it.

SIX

There's just no denying it, my "baby" is growing up. On Friday Rowan turned six. He was visibly excited all day. He had a certain extra spring in his step. It was a great day for him. He got to spend the morning playing with his new toys and games. Then off to school where his class sang to him and he got a birthday crown and pencil from his teacher. More playing in the afternoon, and then PARTY TIME! Rowan was very specific about what he wanted, Domino's pizza and an ice cream cake (even though we just had one last week for Fuller's birthday.) Uncle Jim and Aunt Enid came to help celebrate, they came bearing gifts, and a willingness to play UNO Attack by Rowan's rules. Rowan fell asleep claiming that it was "the best birthday ever!"


We just love this little monkey. He is wonderfully sweet and silly and full of mischief. He keeps us entertained with his wild imagination and great dance moves, and is the best snuggler EVER! I just can't imagine our family without him. We love you Rowan!