Another Weekend Photo

Todd's co-worker emailed me a great photo of Evan climbing the rock wall at the work party they attended this weekend. I just had to post the photo of my strong, brave, big boy. Go Evan!

"I think I can get to the top of this thing, no problem!"

Super Weekend

The weather was gorgeous this past weekend so what was not to love? Todd's company had their annual party at the Civic Center. He took the boys and they had a blast playing the games, jumping on the bouncers and eating. Evan especially loved the golf putting game and came home with multiple coffee mugs, which was the prize at that booth:

Recently, we have been playing some board games at night. Last week we played Scrabble a couple of times. It is one of my favorites, but Chad wasn't too thrilled with it. His favorite game is chess, which he has been teaching to Evan. Evan is very vocal and tends to give away his strategy while playing, so Todd is trying to teach him how to have a poker face. Good luck with that one!

Chad is planning out his next move!

On Sunday we went to the movies and saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Evan and Chad have both read the books and we all enjoyed the movie.

What's Up With the Boys?

Chad's basketball team won 3rd place in their end of the season tournament. Here is Chad posing with his winning medal.

Evan is enjoying the spring weather and took Muddie out for a few minutes to see how she would like it. She loved the sunshine and we can't wait for more!

More Backyard Progress

Yesterday was a nice day weather-wise, so Todd got some help working on our back yard. Todd finally removed all of the concrete sidewalks and with all of the rain, it was a muddy mess.

Our friend has a gorgeous tractor and spent a couple of hours disking the back and side yard. After lunch, he used another attachment (some type of blade; I'm sure my folks know what it is called) to smooth everything out. The results were incredible. There is a night and day difference in the yard...it is gorgeous!

Yard after disking.

Our friend and his "purdy" tractor!

Todd is pleased with the progress.

Before--A Disaster!

After--- Much Better!

Muddie Update

We have had Muddie (Evan's bearded dragon) for about three months now. It has been incredible to watch her grow. I looked back at one of my first posts and video about her and can't believe the changes.

Yesterday we got in a shipment of crickets and superworms to feed her. This is the first time we got the worms. She loves them, but I have to be honest and admit that they creep me out a little. When did I get so squeamish? Here are some new pics and a new video of Evan's baby eating some greens:

Evan's Recent Projects

Evan loves all types of crafts, experiments, rocks, science, art etc. He was very excited when we came across a crystal growing kit. It was part science, part nature, part art...right up his alley. The kit comes with some plastic containers, three rocks and some crystal solution that you have to mix with hot water and put on the rocks. We followed all of the directions and waited for his crystals to grow. Here is a picture of the box:

Here is a picture of his crystals. They are not quite the same as the photo on the box, but are crystals nonetheless. Also, he did have a blast doing the project and learning about crystals.

Evan also continues to take art lessons at his school. Here is his latest drawing; perfect for spring!

Guinea Pigs Bath Time

It had been a while since Riku and Leon had had a bath, so the boys decided that it was about time for a good cleaning. Chad ran some warm water in the sink and took the guinea pigs in one at a time for their washing. They didn't seem to mind the water too much, but did shake a lot once they got wet. Evan's main job was drying one of the guinea pigs after its bath.

Chad soaping up Riku.

"Hey, this isn't too bad."

Evan doing his drying duty.

Everyone is clean!

Ice Cream Treat

There is nothing better on a gorgeous Friday afternoon than an ice cream treat and happy children!






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Sunday Afternoon Cooking

Todd typically does his weekly cooking on Sunday afternoon. Yesterday he was making a gumbo and Evan decided to pitch in and help. He had a blast stirring in the big pot. My picky eater said that it smelled good, but refused to even take a taste. Shrimp and crab gumbo...that boy is missing out!

Stirring takes a lot of concentration!

This is a blast!

 

I could just eat this kid up!

Evan's Tae Kwon Do Testing

Every few months Evan has testing in Tae Kwon Do. Last night was a testing night which involves him performing the latest routine (called a "form") that he has learned. If he does it correctly, he gets a new belt and moves up a level.

Evan feeling a little nervous before class.

Evan did a great job with his form and then had to count to five in Korean. I don't know if he was more nervous or if I was more nervous watching him. He was so proud and happy to get his new belt. Way to go Evan!

Evan showing off his new belt.

Todd was with Chad at his basketball game. That has also been going well and Chad's skills are really improving. His team lost their first game, but they have won every one since. Way to go Chad and 76ers!

Outdoor Project Progress

Todd has been working diligently and has made a lot of progress removing all of the sidewalks from our backyard. He has been putting all of the broken concrete on our driveway, which up until last week, stretched from the front of our drive to the street. It looked like this:

 No, we aren't building our own levy...

A gentleman who needed the broken concrete as filler for some of his property removed a little every day and now our driveway just has one small pile left. It is a relief to have it almost gone!

The rubble is disappearing!

Now, Todd is working on the backyard. It used to have a watering system, so there are lots of pipes and other treasures that need to be dug up. With all of the rain, it is still very muddy, so Todd is waiting for it to dry out some before he continues leveling it out and fixing our drainage issues.

The mud pit!