Jared is four!

Jared got a gift card for his birthday and got to pick out whatever he wanted. Dad took him to the store and Jared picked out this roaring, stomping dragon. (I would have never gotten this...) He loves it.

































































He also got a CD player which he really likes - he thinks it's so cool to listen to his own music. He also liked his new Hot Wheels motorcycle jump, money, quarter collector, and Buzz Lightyear flashlight. He got to go to CiCi's for dinner and get an ice cream cone after he picked out his toy from the store. He's one spoiled kid, but he deserves it. He's such a good boy - we love Jared!

Time to go shopping...

It seems like things start getting worn out every 5 to 10 years... We're coming up on our 10 year anniversary and everything is falling apart (besides our relationship - it's great). What I'm talking about is the digital camera, video camera, vacuum, vehicles, mattress, DVD player, etc. It's time to shop for some new ones. What do you have that you like or don't like? Do you have anything (even besides the ones I mentioned) that have lasted longer than 5 years? 10 years?

I've been looking at digital cameras on-line today - I'm interested in a quick shot camera with a good battery life. I don't need huge megapixels or a manual lens. And it obviously doesn't have to be ultra compact. Do they even make quick shot semi-compact cameras that are less than $500? If it's not a quick shot, then what kind of "point and shoot" camera is good?

quite a trio

Camping trip

Last weekend we took a trip over to Alabaster State Park. We stopped at the Gloss Mountains along the way - the boys liked all the glossy rocks. Actually Owen preferred the "ugly" (non-shiny) ones - such a geologist already...

We camped in the state park that night - got a little chilly - down to 43, but I was nice and toasty in my sleeping bag with my little extra "space heater". We toured the Alabaster Caverns in the morning (no pics from that). The boys were a little scared - Jared complained about it being too dark. They did get to see a few bats curled up on the walls.

Today's the day!

Alex is home! After nearly 2 months on another Antarctic research expedition, he's finally home. We're so excited to have him back - I am especially tired of doing the "single mom" thing.

Now we just have to figure out how to share... the boys haven't let him sit down for one second since we got in the door.

Spring buddies

Just can't get enough of those caterpillars... Jared really loves them (and rolly pollies). He's very careful with those, but doesn't think twice about squashing spiders. They wanted to make a home for their buddies - and the truck seemed to be just the place.

soccer season comes to a close

This was the best part about Nathan's season - playing with 2 best buddies. We sure will miss them.










We sat through 2 rainy days of games... they don't postpone around here unless it's flooding.
































The best part of Jared's season... treats!







Jared did really well this year, especially for his first time to play. He was pretty aggressive and not afraid to get in there and get the ball. Nathan played well too - his favorite was defender. He wanted to make sure nothing got past him. You'd often see him kick the ball up the field and then back pedal to get back in defender position.