Tinker toys have taken over

The tinker toys have taken over. Usually Mike is the designated creator of all things tinker toys. He makes pretty elaborate and cool things. Geema and Bumpa have been helping too. Bumpa makes something (usually the coveted lawn mower), a boy takes it, runs down the hallway, and returns with the creation in pieces. So Geema and Bumpa have been tasked to recreate. The cycle continues. The noise level is quite loud as all toys have boy-powered noises. Bumpa is going to need lots of naps to keep up with these silly boys.

Happy Anniversary! 40 awesome years.

Geema and Bumpa have been married since 1971... 40 years. We are so proud of them. We are proud of them for loving each other, being kind to other, and choosing to honor each other for 40 years. What a fantastic occasion. They had lots of fun playing with their boys for the day. We are very glad that they were here so we could celebrate with them.

Thomas the Tank Engine

Derek loves trains. He really like Thomas. We all went to see Thomas in Hood River. It was great to have Geema and Bumpa with us as they were so much help. It all started with a school bus ride! The school bus was a shuttle and all the boys loved it. Then we went to the festival. The boys enjoyed playing with trains, taking pictures with Sir Topham Hat, and running around. Then it was time for the big ride (and snack time). Derek loved looking out the windows. Since, Derek has been yelling push Thomas push! When it was done, he wanted another ride. Geema bought D some fun mementos at the store to remember our special day. We finished our excellent morning with a great lunch and then drove home. It was a great day, It was an excellent event and I am sure we will go back.

Geema and Bumpa are here!

Geema and Bumpa are here for 2 weeks! We are so excited to have them here. There is lots of playing to do!

First lunch at the picnic table!

The boys all had their first lunch together and their picnic table. Derek was a great helper and had an arm around Nate to protect him from falling. Will and Nate thought the whole thing was cool and enjoyed eating off each other's plates. They did a great job.


By the way, Geema and Bumpa are coming Wednesday and Auntie Alli is coming next Wednesday. Woo hoo!! We are super-excited to see them all and do some very special things in the coming weeks!

Slugs

Living in WI, I thought slugs were these cute little things. Here is OR, they are HUGE. They are giant nuisances that eat all your plants...grrr. Now we try to find them in the yard to relocate them. Silly slugs.

Father's Day

We had a very nice Father's Day. Our boys are blessed with a wonderful Daddy who loves them and spends lots of time with them. Mike is a great great Daddy. I am so proud of him! The boys (with help) made a stepping stone for Daddy. They also did some finger painting and made a card.

After church and nap time, we went to the bird refuge again. We carried Will and Nate for the first half and then set them free. Again, the gravel was the best part for all the boys. There was lots of screaming with glee. Will really wanted to walk in the opposite direction. It was a great afternoon. The boys just love to explore. I am very glad they love nature so much and want to spend lots of time outdoors.