ladybugs

We bought some lady bugs for our garden today to take care of the little pests eating our plants. Before letting them go we did a bit of research on them and discovered that it's best to release them with moisture. How perfect for a rainy day! We also learned that the babies look like tiny alligators and Oliver has been asking us all afternoon how alligators turn into ladybugs. Wouldn't that be quite a sight! The boys had fun releasing them and Oliver brought a few inside to keep as pets.

low tides

The boys had fun at Golden Gardens on Friday. The tide was really low and there were many creatures to explore in the tide pools! We saw crabs, starfish, geoducks (which are a type of clam), birds and trains.

getting ready to explore

geoduck! Oliver and Tessa had fun poking them and watching them sink back into the sand and spray water over a foot tall.

digging

starfish! we saw several.

looking for more geoducks

26

Uncle Evan celebrated his 26th birthday with us yesterday! He went with Oliver to preschool in the morning which made a certain little boy very happy. The boys also helped me make this delicious cake and they could hardly wait to try it.

Uncle lights the candles

ready to blow!

team work!

Uncle makes the first cut

my first four layer cake!

waiting in anticipation

yum! frosting!

and now I'm thirsty

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day 2013: crossfit, walk to farmers market, gardening, salmon, sun and napping kids!

fire engine man

Someone was awfully happy to have gotten a hold of his brother's fireman hat without him noticing. He even managed to snag the fire truck (aka the wooden airplane that magically transforms into whatever particular vehicle is needed at the moment).

backyard fun

As the weather gets warmer, the boys have been enjoying more and more time outside. All it takes is a little water and dirt and they can occupy themselves for hours!

Mr. Cool in his sunglasses

I'm not exactly sure what he's doing here

raking

the teakettle lid makes a nice hat!

Elliott demonstrates hands-free drinking on a tricycle

and again

camera hog

busy mixing mud

fence climbing

hanging out on the slide

They have been enjoying the front yard, too!

naked baby and a tea kettle

Elliott plays with the newest backyard toy, a tea kettle from goodwill! The boys love to fill it with water and pour it into their dirt pit. I couldn't resist these photos of Elliott.

peekaboo!

Watch Elliott disappear as he plays one of his favorite games :)