Spring

Has sprung

Spring Break

We are still fort builders.

 

Now, they just make forts, plural, so they can line up and battle one another.

Swedish Meatballs

I think it was the grumbling I did over the Christmas holiday that ended in something like, "Now I know why we never got these things when I was little--they're a pain in the neck to make!"

 

And so, on the Spring Break dinner wish list, Nick's only request: Swedish Meatballs.

Awe, So Sweet

Elaine, zip lining out from the tree house on a Saturday afternoon.  While Ben waits for his sister below.

Then it turns out that the green thing up there was a Nerf crossbow, part of her weapon stockpile, and Nicholas was there waiting to defend her with some other different weapon.  She had been chosen to go on the re-supply mission and had to zip line over the zombies (Ben) and then make it back to the fort before being captured. 

 

A little more complicated than capture the flag. 

 

The sweet part?

When she clearly wasn't going to accomplish her mission and make it back to Nick, the zombie (Ben) suddenly fell over.  And then I heard,

"Don't worry sister.  The zombie didn't see you, and then he fell over.  You still have time to make it back!"

Happy Easter!

 

Spring Break

When all else fails, read a book.

Day One of Spring Break

He came home from church and slept for an hour and half.

His dad had to work.

When it was time to go to the skating rink, I had a conundrum.  Take the three, leave the fourth home to sleep it off alone? 

 

He answered for me: woke up, wiped the drool off his face, and announced he was ready to go.

He felt crummy, but he knew the others wouldn't get to go if he couldn't.

I think he must feel crummy from aging about five years in the last three months.  Kid is going to be a handsome teenager, even when sick.

The Limbo

When twins win the limbo on their third time out,

 

I cheer.

 

And then they win a free drink from the snack place.

 

Good thing I'd already bought them a drink about five minutes before the limbo started...

Gymnastics

All four, every Thursday.

It did not take long for the balance beams and trampoline to win their hearts over Tuesday piano lessons.

Our House

Is a very, very, very fine house.

Complete with alternate chess matches at all times.

A Little Spring Cleaning

The wind was perhaps headed the wrong direction for this photo op.

 

So we re-directed for a picture of the proud clean-up crew.

And then settled in to enjoy a sunset fire in their newly dug and stocked fire pit.

Spring

Continues to spring

around here.

Pizza Challenge

Randomly assign pizza fixings chosen by number from secret mother number assignments

Make your pizza.

 

Bake your pizza and build total anticipation of the disgust about to arrive.

 

Nicholas: The most theatrically disgusted by his most pizza-like pizza.

Pizza sauce, olives, crunchy Asian noodles, and mozzarella 

 

Elaine bravely  biting into alfredo sauce, bacon, jalapenos, and cream cheese.

 

Alida.  Well lady, you lost.

Sweet and sour sauce, peanut butter/pretzel bites, anchovies, and cheddar.

You were a good sport, and we all tried it.

It was terrible.

 

Dinner Out

Not quite the same as it used to be.  We've moved on from having colors to keep them happy to having iPad games to keep them happy. Sheesh.

Our Vicious Guard Dog

Yes of course the delivery man should be terrified to get out of his car.

Conversations With Ben

Me: "Ben!  You were student of the month, and you have a letter here from the mayor congratulating you! (?)"

 

Ben: "Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

 

I guess I do need to dig through their backpacks from time to time.