Cows, Horses and Chickens OH MY!

This morning we got to visit a beautiful local farm. The kids loved meeting some of the residents and Luke especially liked sampling some fresh blackberries.

Jolene the rescued cow. She came a gave us a few kisses.

The horses even came to say hello. James snagged another kiss from this sweetie.

And the chickens. Anyone see the chicken? Anyone see Luke?

And finally, a sweet cat. Charlie helped us get a better look.

So fun!

Water Table and Random Mutterings

We had some lovely ladies over recently to play in our water table. Let's just say they had so much fun that everyone needed some dry clothes after dumping water everywhere.

James has been saying some really funny things lately. A few that I can remember:

*Mommy, last night a pelican put me in his mouth and carried me away. (trying to describe his dream)

*Six plus two equals eight. (shouted during dinner time, no idea where he learned this fact)

*Mommy, it's your birthday or maybe Luke's birthday.(shouted at the breakfast table, later learned he wanted cake for breakfast)

*We sang "God Made James" AND my friend (who will remain nameless) tooted and went like this. (Said in response to questions about Sunday school and included facial grimacing.)

I feel like this is just a small sampling, but of course can't remember anything else. I need to start writing this stuff down.

Sans Snacks

Yesterday was our first day (in a long time) with no snacks. The boys are becoming unruly at meal times and that means it is again time to say NO to snacks. This means that I am hearing a lot of extra whining, and even pleading about an hour before it is time to eat. Sometimes 2 hours before.

So I have to remind myself...

....that Luke looked so cute dressed playing at his kitchen.

And that they give the cutest smiles when I pull out the camera.

And that I even caught their "signature" looks this morning. Luke's is "Who me?", while James' twinkle in his eye means he is thinking up something silly.

And then while the boys are snarfing down their lunch, I sip a second cup of coffee out of my favorite tea cup. Enjoying the quiet bliss and really enjoying not feeding anyone except myself.

Behold, the amazing powers of "no snack" days.

Vacation Highlights

"What did you do at the beach James?" asked James' teacher. "I played with my cousins!" he exclaims. Yup, that about sums it up.

Some of Luke's highlights:

1. Blowing bubbles. This is the closest we could get him to the water, all with the distraction of bubbles.

2. Getting a purple cupcake just because he asked.

3. Collecting shells. (or demanding that Mommy finds him some shells)

4. Kissing and hugging our "new baby cousin".

5. Painting. He could do this for hours.

6. Throwing sand. Not my favorite activity.

James highlights:

1. "Toes in the sand". He must have said this 100 times.

2. Riding the boogie board with Daddy.

3. Hugging and kissing DEANO!

4. Pushing his dump truck all over the beach. Let's just say he slept really well on vacation.

5. Feeding and chasing the birds.

6. Climbing a tree. My little monkey in action.

Numbers and Fresh Produce

When we left for the beach our plants were just barely starting to grow....and two weeks later we have fresh produce.

1. Strawberries

2. Green tomatoes (not ripe yet)

3. Luke is shorter then those tomato plants

4. Mint, rosemary, cilantro, basil, fresh red lettuce, strawberries, azalea, white flowers and sunflowers

Not pictured: Mint and green peas

And finally a quick story to brag on my smartie pants James. While at the beach I was trying to keep the kiddos occupied before a meal and told James to write his numbers on a piece of paper. Totally expected to hear his usual number rhymes and for him to write 1-10. Nope, instead I got this:

Nope, totally didn't teach him to spell this word. He must have picked that one up on his own. I was so stunned I just stared at it. He also started writing his name but ran out of space. He loves to write words on top of words, which makes it a little hard to read. Silly guy!

12 little feet at the beach

Six little cousins at the beach.

We had so much fun and miss you already!

More stories and pictures coming soon....