Our New Neighbors

We have some darling new neighbors. The four new babies of our resident squirrels have arrived. Spring is in the air.
This was taken from inside our kitchen on a rainy day, so it's not a super clear picture, but we wanted you all to meet them.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Everyone is tired of the rain around here. Call me crazy, but I actually don't mind it too much. The last few weeks we have had beautiful, spring weather with only occassional rain to freshen up the air. This week it has poured every night, all night, and much of every day. Actually, the weather during the day is very fickle: pouring rain, a bit of sunshine, pouring rain, etc. I love the sunshine, of course, but don't mind the rain either. Except for the fact that my kids are antsy to get outside. There's a price to be paid for the green and beauty of Oregon, however:).

Wednesday it was still a nice, warm rain so I let the kids go in the backyard and splash around on the deck. They loved it. Here's Kylene sporting the umbrella. I'll have to get a picture of Spencer & Skyler in their rain boots: SO cute!

We got our first "egging" last night. At about 10:30 p.m. Kyle was studying in the kitchen and suddenly heard something hit the window and then a car race off. He went outside to see what it was and sure enough, a raw egg was splattered all over our window and was running down the side of our house. Thankfully he heard it so he was able to spray it off before it dried on. But now our screen has some tears in it: I don't know if that was from the egg hitting it or from spraying it down with the hose, but nevertheless, it's a pain. I'm guessing it was just kids being kids, but it's still annoying.

Today was a great day: nothing set on the schedule. Actually, tonight was supposed to be the Father & Sons Campout but due to expected thunder & lightning, it was cancelled. Suddenly, the calendar was clear! We relaxed at home in the morning, went to the library, played and read books all afternoon, including a quick walk when there was a break in the clouds, then we went out to dinner as a family this evening. I read a ton of books to my kids: probably for at least two hours total. It was fun to have uninterrupted time with them and have nowhere we had to be. I like it when life slows down, if only for a day.

Gilbert House--Salem Children's Museum Visit

Kylene's preschool visited the local children's museum last week. I had my hands full with my three kids plus my nephew, Daniel, whom I was watching for Jana for part of the time. Thankfully, I had a lot of help from the other moms who were there. It was a beautiful day--perfect weather--and they all had a ball. Spencer especially loved the Otter Pop he got after getting a flat lip on the swing!

Gwen, Kylene, Gabe, Rachel on the oversized chair.

Skyler on the Theater Room steps, just moments before he face planted, whacking his forehead on the very same metal edge that is shining in this picture. His whole forehead is covered in bruises these days so what's one more mark, right? You have to feel bad for them at this age when they are just one massive bruise all over their head and legs:)! Yet still so cute! I would so love to take down the baby gates on our stairs yet am afraid of what might happen. It'll be so nice when he's a little bit more stable.

Mother's Day

Here are Spencer, Kylene and I on Mother's Day. They were so sweet all day. I got to sleep in until 7:20--woo hoo--and then was awoken to breakfast in bed. (I'm not including those scary pictures!) They were so excited--and envious--that I got to eat in bed. Kylene wanted to know why they don't have "Sister's Day" so she could eat breakfast in bed. So I told her maybe she could on her birthday; they were thrilled to hear that! (I'm looking forward to that mess!)

Anyway, I enjoyed a relaxing morning, church, then a peaceful afternoon. I love the no meetings part. Kyle made me a delicious, gourmet salad for dinner, then a yummy oreo ice cream shake for dessert. My favorite! I was showered with all kinds of hugs, kisses, and kind words. I think Mother's Day might even be better than my birthday! I hope this continues for many years to come:).

Thanks, family!

Race Day

May 1st was the Salem-Keizer Foundation's Awesome 3000. Kylene ran the Pre-K race (300 meters) for the second time. (Next year she will make the big jump to 1,500 m; woo hoo!). Since she knew what was going to happen this year, she was really excited for the entire day. And of course, she loved being with her buddies.

Before the race with Gwen, Rachel, and Jacob.

Hudson, Andy, Zach, Kimball, Kylene and Spencer before the race. Spencer told me he didn't want to run so I didn't register him. Of course, the day of he wanted to, but such is life. He enjoyed eating graham crackers on the sidelines while Kylene ran.

Walking over to the starting line. Woo hoo, such excitement!

And they're off! I loved how Kylene & Rachel held hands the entire race. So darling.

After race medal! Way to go!

The family.

After the race, it's back to life as usual: play dates and more play dates! Her and Rachel just can't seem to get enough time together:).

Too Much Cuteness!

Skyler is cuter, and busier, than ever! Man, I can't keep up with this kid. One of my favorite things about this age is, even though they can't talk, you know they understand. He can be so mischievous, silly, flirtatious and more, without saying a word! And don't even think about turning your head for a minute--he's outta here!
Doing is favorite tree-shaking-thing! I hope the tree survives toddler-hood.

Do I have to wake up, mom?

You put my clothes where?

A bin and a book; it doesn't get any better than this.

Drums make the best chairs...

And the best snacks.

Kids Town

Kylene & Spencer got to have Zach & Andy over for a play date last week (it had been forever). They had a great time building this Lincoln Log town. Zach & Kylene went on to build a chicken coop, another log house, and a wood pile, but I didn't get a picture of it before Skyler destroyed it. He was taking a nap during the creation, which is the only reason we made it this far:).

Choo, Choo!

Mine & Spencer's train creation.

I love the focused look on his face.

May? What Happened to April?

Is it really true that I haven't posted for a month? Does the calendar really say May? I am still trying to let it sink in. Last month went by in a daze. Mostly a good daze, but a daze nevertheless.

Life is filled with taking care of kids, church callings, kids' activities, running errands, Kyle's school work, and trying to stay on top of the pile of ______ (insert any word here) that somehow appeared _____ (insert any location). I used to pride myself on never finding any cobwebs, because I regularly dusted ceilings and wiped down walls, yet lately cobwebs seem to be appearing everywhere. I used to think I was pretty amazing for never having sticky kitchen chairs because I regularly wiped them down, yet now I almost daily go to move a chair and my finger sticks to it. "I'll wash it as soon as I wipe Skyler up," I tell myself. Which chair was it, again? Or, more appropriately, which chair isn't sticky? Today my couch was 2/3 covered with a pile of laundry with two overflowing laundry baskets next to it. At least it was clean laundry, I told myself! At least Kylene, Spencer, and I can all fit on one cushion to read stories together:). And I'm happy to report, it is now all folded laundry! Hopefully it can successfully be put away before one of the kids spreads it all over the floor or manages to dump it all out tomorrow morning.

I remind myself as I fall into bed trying to rub my sore back that this stage of life will go by way too quickly and I'll long for these days! It really is wonderful; just exhausting. I'll try to post some pictures of my cute kids soon!