outdoor fun

Logan had severely outgrown his old bike so Tracy took him shopping and he came home with a beautiful 20 inch, bright red, Schwinn Falcon. He was excited to point out it had both handbrakes and pedal brakes. A separately purchased bell was added to further enhance the cycling experience.



Logan loves the bike but unfortunately the training wheels we attached didn't fit the frame properly and he had trouble riding it. Enter new bike number two: a 16 inch, bright red, Quest Rocket. Logan has no trouble riding this one and is crusing up and down the street.



While Logan rides, Owen looks for worms, slugs, and bugs in the yard.



One of Owen's many vehicles.



What they say is true. It's impossible to have a bad time in a large, inflatable, donut-looking, thing-a-ma-bob.

the one and only plasmacar

Logan received an early birthday present from Grandpa and Grandma this year....a Plasmacar. This thing is really fun. There are no pedals. You drive it by moving the steering wheel back and forth, and inertia, centrifugal force, gravity, and friction do the rest. Logan immediately became an expert driver and whips around as if he's been using one for years.

day at the park

Logan, Owen, and cousin Gabriel enjoyed playing at the park during our recent trip to Appleton.

Owen takes the playground equipment for a drive...



and crawls through a tunnel.



Hanging out with Logan.



Gabriel finds something interesting in the grass.

one year ago

Mom,

Not a day goes by when we don't think about you. We remember the fun games you played with Logan and Owen and how much you enjoyed reading with them. You always took the time to listen to us and supported our dreams. Your patience and generosity were qualities that everyone wished they had themselves. You were a good teacher and friend, a caring mother, and an awesome grandma--we miss you!

t-ball game 1

Logan decided to play T-ball this year. After two practices he had his first game last night. Although a little nervous he did well and it was fun to watch. The coaches actually pitch a few to the kids and then bring out the tee if needed. Logan hit a pitch his first at bat and used the tee in the second inning. He played second base and fielded the ball once. This age group could use a smaller batting helmet...most of the kids had to hold it out of their eyes to see where they were running.

Logan waits for a pitch.



Swinging for the fences in the second inning.



Walking in from second base.

ready, set, go!

Dusted off the bike this morning to partake in National Bike-To-Work-Day. It felt nice to get a little exercise and avoid fossil fuels.

worms and the people who love them

Similar to his brother at this age, Owen is fascinated by worms. The recent rain provided multiple opportunities to observe and study these creatures in detail.

A specimen has been targeted for observation...



...and successfully captured.



These are the only flowers not eaten by the deer. Our tulips last about two days around here thanks to their nightly visits.

spring swing

The beautiful weather this afternoon prompted us to dig the swings out of the garage. Both boys enjoyed themselves immensely. Logan has improved upon the art of self-propulsion and Owen is more enthusiatic than last fall.







I was a little worried when this tough looking biker gang showed up in the driveway but there were no incidents.

two

Has it really been two years since we first met Owen? What a little boy he has become, trying to do everything big brother does, and still pretending to be mama's little baby and snugglebunny.

Sporting his new birthday crown handmade by mom.



Owen contemplates the wish he just made.



You can't even see the spinach, blueberries, and cauliflower! These cupcakes are chock full of "hidden" ingredients, making them extra delicious and surprisingly healthy.



Pieces of a dinosaur puzzle and a pile of bugs are just part of the wreakage from the "great unwrapping" of 2008.



Happy Birthday Owen! We love you!

downtown train

A mere 4.5 months after receiving a train set for Christmas, we finally picked out a table to get the track up off of the floor. Both boys were pretty excited. Owen picked out a new train with a scoop shovel on the front. Logan picked out an engine with a cattle catcher but unfortunately it was out of stock so he decided to save his money.