working hard & freedom

Jeff had to spend most of the day installing a new garage door opener.  Leo was his helper and I took Harrison with me to help clean our neighborhood pool and get it ready to open.  Harrison loved getting to help inside the pool while it was draining.  He was the youngest one there and worked just as hard as anyone else.

While we were there they found a baby snapping turtle and frog in that gross water.

After we got home we got to do a much anticipated activity.

My mom sent Harrison a ladybug kit for Easter.  They came as larvae with their habitat, turned into pupa and then adults.  The boys watched them grow and change everyday.  It was fascinating.  (FYI they eat raisins.)  The day scheduled for release was the day after Jeff got home so he got to participate.  You'll see his dirty, greasy hand in the video.

With his love of bugs, this couldn't have been a better gift for Harrison!  Both the boys keep talking about where the ladybugs might be now.

Daddy is home!!

Jeff was gone for two very long weeks.  He went to Sweden with the Army for a NATO exercise.  Although we got to Skype with him once a day, there's nothing like having him home!  Jeff flew in late on Friday night and Saturday we were super busy so Sunday we dressed up for church so I could get a picture.

 All three of these guys are so handsome!!

 It felt like Christmas with Jeff bringing the boys so many presents but it looks like Easter with my Azaleas finally blooming.

April color days

purple, black & blue

Leo is so over me taking these pictures!

fire station first

We've been to the fire station many, many times over the last three years.  They are awesome with the boys, letting them run all over, explore the trucks and look at the equipment.

 This trip to the station was a special treat, we got to ride in the fire engine!

 The ride was only from inside of the station to the end of the driveway, but it was still pretty awesome!  I was shocked how quiet the interior was with the lights and sirens on.

Leo really wanted to squirt the hose so Ms. Karen let him do that.  Harrison wanted to work the controls so she let him do that.

 It was so cool.  The boys are still talking about it.

birthday interview

I almost always forget to do these until after their birthdays.

LEO at AGE 5

How old are you?  five

What is your favorite color?  green!

What is your favorite toy?  the Hulk Harrison gave me for my birthday

What is your favorite food?  cheese!!

What is your favorite snack?  Fruit snack (gummies)

What is your favorite TV show? PJ Masks

What is your favorite movie?  Sing

What is your favorite animal?  gorilla

Who is your best friend?  Lizzie

What do you like to do outside?  play on the trampoline   

What do you like to drink?  chocolate milk

What is your favorite song?  Kung Fu Fighting

What is your favorite book?  knights and castle books

What makes you happy?  my blanket and acting like a six year old

What makes you sad?  when Harrison doesn’t share his Legos with me

What do you like to do with Mommy?  jump on the trampoline

What do you like to do with Daddy?  play bulls on the trampoline

What do you like to do with Harrison?  play Legos

What do you want to be when you grow up?  a Ninja

Leo's birthday party

This was the year for Leo to have a smaller birthday party at the house.  He wanted a "good guys" party (which included superheroes, ninjas, Buzz Lightyear & Woody) and was allowed to invite four friends.  He picked out his cake.  The Spider-Man face lit up.

In addition to the cake, Leo also picked out what ice cream to serve and requested pink lemonade for the party.

 I love how excited all the kids get about opening presents. 

 They were all supposed to be holding up five fingers showing how old Leo is now. 

 My sister had to leave to catch her flight during the party.

 Leo had such a great time playing with his friends.  He told me it was the best day ever.

Happy birthday buddy!

the rest of spring break

The boys had tons of fun with Aunt Becky!  They even posed for a sweet picture for her.

 Leo's grape juice mustache

We got a week pass to the Bounce House.

There was a special Lego club during spring break.  They showed the Lego Ninjago movie and allowed Leo to participate as well even though he's technically not old enough.  Leo loved being included.

My sister gave all the boys (including Jeff) haircuts, which they all needed.

She made Ninja Turtle cookies with them.

What a week!!

Spring Break 3

We try to go to the zoo at least once a year.  The boys were excited to go back.

We've never seen a tiger this close!  You can't see it because of the shadows but there was an orangutan right next to us.

an original cage from the zoo before habitats for the animals 

 It's hard to see, but that's a one month old lion cub in the background. 

 Leo was so disappointed that the goats were gone.  Apparently they go on vacation for the winter.  He didn't want to pet anything else. 

 We really lucked out with nice weather during spring break.