A Full Nest

The boys feel like the bee's knees in new outfits from Aunt Sari.

This is a common scene after the kids spend a few hours on the trampoline with the hose on.  Joss, a stickler for modesty, would want to me to clarify that she wears a rash guard with this swim suit when not in the shower.

When I asked Tristan why he didn't take his pajamas off before getting into the tub, he replied lamely, "I forgot."  This coming from the kid who got in the 92nd percentile nationally on his STAR reading test this month!  Perhaps we should focus less on reading and more on his activities of daily living.

My Super Hero costume for my alter ego, "Handy Mandy."  I was able to fix a hole in the ceiling (caused by a leak) and one in a wall (caused by violently ripping out a shelf with a stripped screw, which hole was then enlarged by Logan's curious hands).

The girls modeling their peasant dresses, gifts from Aunt Sari.

Jocelynne and Chloe made a poster advertising their baby-sitting skills.  They've had one paying costumer so far and made $10.  All their practice with their 3 little brothers has paid off!

The primary president, who I work with at church, brought us dinner while Landon was in California attending his father's funeral.  Although Rick's early passing was a shock, Landon and his family are at peace.  He is back now and plugging away at his dissertation, working days, nights, and Saturdays, trying to meet those deadlines to graduate in December.  

Love those brown eyes.

Our broody hen finally started laying, after 2 months of free-loading.  The egg to the far left is ceramic, but the rest are food.  Logan is usually the first to collect the eggs and empty the chicken-bucket and balks if another kid beats him to it.

Jocelynne's guitar teacher is full of praise, calling her the best in her class.  She still loves reading and often hides away with a book.  Chloe is on chapter 20 in Harry Potter #5 and can't wait to finish so she can watch the movie.  She likes listening to music on the kids' iPod and is always the first to volunteer to watch her baby brother.  Tristan is having a hard time enjoying 2nd grade--he doesn't appreciate his teacher's instructing style.  I admit that I had a hard time sitting still while enduring her lecture at open house.  Despite that, he is thriving.  At home, he likes to jump on the trampoline and roughhouse with Logan.  Logan, who we call "His Highness" at home, could properly be called the "King of Kindergarten" at school.  He loves his class and struts around with the confidence of youth.  He enjoys playing with Tristan and taking care of the chickens.  Dane can say "mama," "dada," and "night-night."  Additionally, he can sign "milk" and "eat."  His favorite skills to employ include shutting doors (sometimes trapping himself in a room) and turning off lights.  The most annoying thing he does is climb onto the dining room table and pitch everything onto the floor.  Yet he manages to look cute doing it.