Farmer's Market

Me and the boys went to the downtown Farmer's Market this afternoon. Waymond got to meet us and we all enjoyed some lunch together.

The boys brought some of their money and picked out a treat to buy after lunch. Isayas picked mini donuts (Chocolate frosted) and Ermias got a snow cone (Cotton Candy and Vanilla).

Isayas finished his donuts in a world record, so Ermias was nice enough to share some of his huge snow cone.

So, if you've given the boys money for birthdays or Christmas you've contributed to their sugar high this afternoon! And they thank you!!

They've been running around with our neighbor this afternoon playing Star Wars. And, hopefully getting some of the sugar out of their system!!

Puzzle master

Isayas has become the puzzle master! He always wants to try to do them by himself and he does a great job.

When his great grandma came to town (the other puzzle master) they had a good time with the puzzles!

Slip N' Slid

While we were in Longview the boys got their first try on a slip n' slid. Needless to say, they had a fantastic time!

Mt. St. Helens

We recently visited some friends in Longview, WA and went to Mt. St. Helens! All the boys were pumped!

Ermias prepped in the car using the binoculars. I think he had more fun using them than anything he saw through them.

Just a glimpse of the mountain on the drive there.

We didn't actually hike around the mountain we just looked from afar. We all had a great time and learned so much. They have this great video of when the mountain actually erupted. Amazing!

Detailing

Last week I pulled the boys' car seats out of the car so they could ride in Grandma's car and what was underneath on the seat was GROSS!

So, after the Grandmas left town we did a little cleaning in our car before the car seats went back in.

What's great is that at five and seven using Dad's shop vac is about as exciting as getting a new toy. The boys had a blast!

We even cleaned Dad's truck's windows and vacuumed it out. They didn't want to stop with just the car.

I dusted and cleaned the windows in the inside while the boys took turns vacuuming and cleaning a few outside windows.

I must admit, the car looks pretty good. We even stopped for a car wash the next day so the outside would look clean too.

Staycation

 We are enjoying a bit of a "staycation." Today the boys broke out the Lincoln Logs that Grandma brought with her last week.

 After lunch we took the train to visit a few of the museums downtown.

 We tried to go to the Art Museum, but it was closed.

Thankfully the Glass Museum was open.

We sat in the Hot Shop for awhile. Isayas is in awe of how hot the fire is and how glass gets soft. And, how they mold it all. He asked me about a billion questions and I didn't know the answers to any of them.

Ermias wanted his picture taken by the glass birds.

Then we stopped for some coffee. Yes, everyone had some. Decaf for the boys!!

 I think this is his "Hulk" face!

Then we waited for the train to take us back to our car. Isayas was ready to sit down after all the walking we did.

Yesterday

Yesterday was my birthday (yeah, another year)! We celebrated with a little get together at the park near our house.

We started the day with a little yard work. Waymond needed to mow down our dandelions and prepare the yard for the tent!

And, I did a lot of weeding and planting in the garden.

The boys were SO excited about sleeping in the tent, even if it was just in the backyard.

For lunch the boys took me to The Cheesecake Factory for a nice meal (that I didn't have to cook) and some tasty dessert.

The boys were a little leery about having a dessert with "cheese" in its name, but I think they could have each eaten an entire piece themselves!

Then I got to spend some alone time when the boys went to the tent for a movie and bedtime.

Ermias was super concerned that I would be lonely and scared in the house all by myself during the night. Very thoughtful of him, but I had no problem! :o)

Believe it or not they stayed all night and the boys slept super well. Waymond was a little stiff and could have used a bit more sleep. They are going to try again on Friday night.

Fake smiles

Ermias has been working on his smile for pictures.  After I took this one he wanted to look at it and ask, "is that a good one Mom?"

Cupcakes

We've had a few nice sunny days.  The boys took full advantage and spent most of the days outside riding their bikes, playing with our neighbor, light sabering each other (among other things).

Here they are enjoying a Little Debbie chocolate cupcake that Grandma Jani sent them in the mail.  They were a big hit!

Volcanos

Last week at the park the theme was Science and the kids got to make volcanos.  The staff handed out pieces of foil and the kids had to shape their own volcano.  Then one by one they added baking soda, food coloring and then the vinegar.

Isayas loves this!  His overflowed nicely.

He's seven

A little clip of Isayas' birthday party at the park:

Grandma Connie made the birthday cake.

He was excited about the cake!

Opening gifts at home (from family).

Playing with his new RC truck!

Bop It

I've mentioned that we've been spending our days at one of our local parks (thankfully the weather is nice where we can actually go outside).  Our Metro Parks has a summer program with (free) lunch, organized games, crafts and board games.

The boys have LOVED it this summer and Isayas has been addicted to the Bop It game.  His personal high is 34!

They've also really gotten into the organized sports.  The staff have taught them a game called Mushroom ball.  Kind of like dodge ball, but with running.  They try to play in the back yard, but it just doesn't work as well with just two players!

Now I just need to get them to eat deli meat and cheese and they would like the free lunches (Subway sandwiches).

Summer school song

I should mention that Ermias is holding the cloud on the far right.

Summer School

Today was Ermias' last day of summer school.  He learned so much about Mexico, Panama, & Peru.  And, he had a great time.

At the celebration his class sang a song in Spanish.  Waymond recorded it.  I'll post it tomorrow.

My dad

There are so many times that Isayas reminds me of my dad; they would have been great friends!

We went to have some coffee as a family and I couldn't resist snapping this photo because he totally looked like my dad!