Happy Days Are Here Again!!

Happy days for me at least. I couldn't wait for school to start again. I needed the routine back in our life. Anthony started Kindergarten this year!! He has been dying to go to school with his brothers and ride that big yellow bus. He was excited and has loved it!

The 2nd Grader

The 3rd Grader (And no his shirt is not dirty. He had just taken the trash out and it had been raining.)

Waiting for the bus.

Animal Whisperer

We have an animal whisperer at our house and his name is Diego. This kid has a talent for catching animals or getting them to come to him. Over the past two months he has caught and released (most) animals. He is not afraid of anything and I haven't figured out if that's good or bad. While at the moment his favorites are reptiles (sadly to him they are not my favorite), all animals will go to him. I'm telling you if he doesn't end up with a job that has to do with some kind of animal I will be shocked! The above turtle is "Eco". He found this turtle at a park near our house. This is the only caught creature he has been able to keep. I was sketchy at first but the turtle grows on you. =) The next animals are ones that he has caught and released. There were some frogs in the mix but they didn't get a photo op.

This is a small bird.

Relaxing

At the end of June we took our annual trip to the Outer Banks. Another great week flew by. You would think with the house filled with this many kids it would be crazy but it keeps getting better as each year passes.

I was very excited for a great week

This year there was: Turtle catching

Swimming at the pool

Digging in the sand

Trying to catch a wave (in super cold water!)

This year we played on the sand dunes and it made for some great laughs. (Keep your eye on the right side of the screen.)

A great way to relax

Pinewood Derby

This past Thursday was the Pinewood Derby for Diego. He was very excited. We were ready for an exciting night. Here is Diego with his car. He went for the simple sleek look.

The track. Nothing fancy. I had to laugh that is was held up with hymn books and put together with pvc pipe. Not what I was expecting but it did the job. It was a very much laid back race than I was picturing, no weigh in or anything. This is the heat that Diego placed 1st. He was happy! I was nervous how he'd react if he didn't get a good finish but he did well even when he came in 3rd on one heat. He was so good!

Overall, he tied for 3rd place. Not bad for our first time.

His car won "Judge's Favorite"

So today the boys were out playing with our neighbor and they decided to have their own Derby race with our cars. It was a good laugh!

Christian...the old man driver.

Anthony vs. Christian

Anthony had me and my neighbor cracking up as he drove his car. It was Anthony meets the Flinstones. His little feet were trying to go so fast!

Ouch!

Anthony vs. The Swing

Blue & Gold Banquet

Last Thursday Diego had his Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts. Each scout had to bring a cake and Diego chose to make a Yoshi cake. He did this all on his own. He did really well and really enjoyed making it. It was a proud moment!!

He got the award for "Most Artistic" for his cake.

Receiving a badge

His troop doing their skit

The next few pics are from Jan that never got posted. Here I am surrounded by my men (and Autumn) on my birthday!!

On our last snow storm the boys went to the hill at my parents house and had some good runs down the hill. Christian is wiped out!

Diego is trying to snow surf!

Talent Show & Photo Dump

Today the primary at church had a talent show. At first Diego was the only one who wanted to share his talent. Last minute Anthony wanted to share his. I was surprised by how many kids actually got up and did things. We had tap dancing, piano playing, ballet, gymnastics, karate demo, magic act and a few others. Many kids brought things to display. It was a fun morning.

Diego decided to display his drawings. He has gotten quite good and loves to draw, make comics and books about animals. (of course!)

After all the talent acts they let the kids who wanted to explain their displays. Anthony brought his soccer ball.

Me and Anthony. I was really proud of him for getting up in front of everyone. I was surprised he did it all by himself. He even told Christian (who was waiting in line with him) to go sit down, "he could do it by himself!"

LEGOS Lately the boys have gotten into legos. I took them to buy a set with their own money and they quickly put their set together.

The finished products:

Christmas

The boys were a big help this year. They put the tree together and put on all the ornaments. They were excited!

Here they are waiting for the ok to come down the stairs.

Boys with their loot!