MY BROTHER IS IN HAWAII FOR HIS BIRTHDAY, BUT WE HAD A PARTY FOR HIM ANYWAY

and he was there. Sort of....

We had a bbq in his honor, had Hawaiian music playing as we ate in the backyard and even sang happy birthday to him.  He had a little help blowing out the candles and eating his piece of cake.

We missed you at your birthday party Steve but know you're having a wonderful time on those paradise beaches.
Love you!

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO CELEBRATE

my brother's birthday.

This is one of my favorite pictures I've taken of Steve.  I think he's maybe 6?

Steve is fondly known as Stevie-Poo.  He's a fun brother and even funner uncle.  Our boys think he is cool beans and they love spending time with him.
He is spontaneous and loves travel and is actually celebrating his birthday weekend in Hawaii - how cool is that?
The only thing that would make his birthday better, is if he'd let me play match maker....

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

STEVIE-POO!

WE LOVE YOU!

45 YEARS AGO, THESE TWO LOVEBIRDS GOT MARRIED

Happy anniversary mom and dad!  We love you!

BEACHY WONDERLAND

Saturday night my sister-in-law's mom, Ardith, turned a church gym into a beachy wonderland for a wedding reception.  It was gorgeous!

My sister-in-law, Erica, sister of the bride, made the beautiful wedding cake - photo 3b.

Ardith made all the incredible cookies.  I was so impressed with all the detail.  No doubt, she was baking for weeks.

My other sister-in-law, Sarah, and I made the cupcakes.
-Chocolate peanut butter with a chocolate ganache center and peanut butter icing
-Lemon with a lemon curd center and swiss meringue
-Red velvet with a chocolate ganache center and mascapone icing

My favorite cupcake on the table was the lemon.  They looked like dollops of sea foam.

Absolutely gorgeous reception.  It's all in the details.  We're so happy for Jackie and John!

HE'S IN IT FOR THE UNIFORM AND SNACKS

Lach's t-ball games are my absolute favorite.  We giggle the whole time.  This boy cracks us up!

MEET OUR CHICKS

 This in Chica Chica Boom Boom - she is a Buff Orpington and will lay brown eggs.

 This is Coconut - she is an Ameraucana and will lay various shades of blue and blue/green eggs.

 This is Zelda - she is a Black Australorp and will lay brown eggs.

 This is Princess Leah - she is an Ameraucana like Coconut.  She will will lay various shades of blue and blue/green eggs.

And last, but not least, this is Rosie.  She is a Cuckoo Maran and will lay dark brown eggs.

We are SO excited to have these cute additions to our family.  We have to build a coop and I have found a wicked cool coop plan for Larry to use as inspiration.  I'm giddy.  Lily is on mama mode again and the boys are ecstatic.  We are looking forward to our start at urban farming.

LAIRD IS IN HIS FIRST YEAR OF TRACK

One of his events is pole vaulting.

I made an animated gif of him clearing his eight foot jump at the meet.

It's fun seeing him explore and improve this new skill!

BASEBALL WITH MY MAN CLAN IS

a little of this and a little of that.  To better illustrate, here's a sneak peek into last night's game.

Example one - And he's safe!  Yippe kai yay!

Example two - bored out of his gourd.

I absolutely love it!

TODAY WE HAD TWO GAMES AT THE SAME TIME

but luckily for us they were at the same field, so we took turns running back and forth to see them.

It was Lach's very first EVER t-ball game and it was the funniest game I have ever seen in my life. He doesn't have a clue what he's supposed to be doing out there. He chases the ball instead of running to the bases. When he's in the outfield, instead of throwing the ball in, he holds it straight up in the air proudly because he is now the one who 'has it!' It's a riot and he's having so much fun!! 

Landon played t-ball last year but today was his first baseball game.  Having a ball pitched is something new for him but he loves it.

 It will be a super fun season watching these two.  My wee ones are growing up!  Gah!