Memorial Day

Another holiday weekend, Arizona style. Mike had Monday off, and the 3 day holiday went by in a blur of kids and sun. Saturday we spent the morning doing what we've been doing every Saturday for the past month: scoping out houses and going out for lunch. On Sunday, our house turned into a revolving door, and no fewer than 8 neighborhood kids were in and out with the boys at different times. Monday we were invited to a pool party. Besides being the only ones under the age of 50, we had a nice time. The boys got to splash around in the pool (and work on their swimming) and we all got way too much sun before we retired in the shade for chips, hot wings, and sandwiches.

Beating the heat

The heat is upon us. The boys and I have been gradually shifting our days to more time spent indoors, in the shade, and cooling off. Friday we went to a local splash park with the homeschool group. It was geared towards very young kids, with little slides, waterfalls, faucets, squirting things, misters, and sand. It was a great way to spend the afternoon. They all ran around for awhile, and ended up setting up camp in the sand box, where they left only to fetch more water for their sand castles. Everett liked sitting in the trough of running water, and I stood there with him so long that I got a scorching sunburn on the back of my neck.

Saturday was errands, and Sunday was my 10th Mother's Day as a mom. Spencer woke me up bright and early at 6, to tell me Happy Mother's Day, and to double-check his spelling on the card he was making for me :) Then they all surprised me with a trip to the movies to see Ice Age 2, followed by IHOP for lunch.

This week is all about hanging out... Hanging out, playing, and waiting for some news that should be arriving tomorrow.

Busy busy busy

In my experience, there are at least two kinds of busy weeks.... 1. the kind that you spend running around in circles, only to get to the end of the week exhausted, but with no idea what you'd accomplished, and 2. the kind spent doing lots of cool, interesting, satisfying things, and feeling a sense of elation along with the exhaustion. While we've certainly had our share of the first kind, this week was the latter.

Spencer and Paxton logged many hours bike riding and on the computer, respectively.

We bought a coconut because Spencer wanted to try coconut milk. We cracked it open, tasted the milk, and threw most of it away.

We went to dinner at Denny's, spent a long time, savored our desserts.

The boys found a native american book and craft kit. We read the book, and made the craft together: A handmade dream-catcher that they hung in their room.

Mike and I met with a realtor, while the boys enjoyed a water fight with their friends next door.

We made peanut butter cookies, despite the 95 degree heat.

And today, we went to Walmart, both to pick up a few necessities, and so they boys could spend their Playstation profits. They took a long time, and carefully weighed all their options. Spencer ended up choosing a remote control truck, another John Deere tractor, and a Dale Jr lego set. Paxton browsed through the cars with Spencer, but I knew he wouldn't make his selection from those aisles. His came from another part of the store: electronics. After much deliberation he picked two PS2 games... Madagascar - because he loves his computer version so much - and Tokyo Extreme Racing. It was fun for me... both to watch them spend it, and to share in their excitement at their new toys. On the way out, there was a woman with a little table set up, collecting money for the needy. She asked if I could donate a dollar as we zipped passed, and I told her I was sorry but didn't have it (at the time I didn't think I did). That wasn't the example I wanted to set for my kids. I took a breath and stopped. I remembered I had some change, and let the boys help me count it up. We went back to her bucket and put the money in, stopping to chat for a couple of minutes. She told me I'd be blessed for my donation... but I already am.

Our baby boy

Everett turns two today! And while it seems I say this for every boy and every birthday, it really doesn't seem possible that my 6 pound little munchkin is really two: An official, full-fledged, no-holds-barred toddler.

He was lucky enough to get a 3 day celebration this year. Daddy had Friday off, and after a trip to the party store for Elmo balloons & the grocery store for sandwich fixings, we spent the day playing together. Saturday was his party, and the vast majority of it was spent out in the sunshine... watching the kids ride bikes, swimming in the pool, playing with new toys in the driveway. It was a fun, relaxing, and happy day. Sunday was part two of the party... another long lazy day outside, and when the heat got to be too much, an afternoon at the library.

The past two years have gone quickly to be sure. They've been full of new places, new things, and exciting changes. And the best part of all has been watching this little boy grow. At two, he is sweet and energetic and happy and strong and so very entertaining. He has a big heart in that tiny body.

Happy birthday Everett!!! We love you more than you'll ever know.