Happy Birthday Aunt Jenn!

My parents had five lovely girls and just one handsome guy,
So for the perfect sister-in-law, there was really only one try.
Joseph was the first one engaged in Summer two thousand one,
And the start of welcoming new in-laws suddenly begun.

Jenn truly set the standard high – a mix of sweetness and wit.
Truly, for my only brother, she has been the perfect fit.
And to this family full of girls was added not-your-average dame
A noble woman – full of strength – beneath a charming frame.

With an almost-4-year-old & twins – just starting now to waddle,
We’re sure your special day won't be of the perfect, restful model.
But we hope your day is full of joy – this birthday wish we send.
I’m proud to call you sister! We love you lots and lots, Aunt Jenn!

Pop-Cycles

Jonathan thinks of popsicles as a spin of of the word motor-cycle. Yesterday was so nice, I sent both boys outside with a red popsicle. Jonathan loved them and ended up eating most of Gabe's too. Jonathan told me later that his hands had blood on them...

Sporting the Belt

As you can see, the boys are sporting belts. They keep their "camping knifes" and their sword (possibly confused for the broom) in them. It is the latest craze here. My boys are "all boys".

Happy Birthday Maggie!

Little cousin Maggie is one year old
Delightful as can be - of her it's told.
Trying to keep up with her older sister Tess
But still not quite as quick in making lots of mess.
And so we wish her well - on this her birthday.
And hope soon to live closer - Hip Hip Horray!

Mother's Day is coming!

This is great - Thanks to Natalie for posting it on her blog!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

Jonathan's Proprosing Marriage and Peek-a-Boo

These are just random photos. Jonathan and Gabe in their latest sunglasses (which are now broke).
Gabe and Jonathan at Grandpa Eugene's house.
Yesterday, I told Jonathan that usually people marry someone close to their age. So Jonathan decided that when Rachel (his cousin) grows up, he's going to marry her "in the temple".

And Gabe's saying, "Peek-A-Boo" - something I could never get Jonathan to say. To each his own...

Our Mini Vacation

We started our little vacation by taking a load of our stuff to a storage unit by my parent's home. We stayed the night at Grandpa Eugene's and picked up a bed before going on to the storage unit. Carol and Bryan and their family came over, along with Uncle Josph and Aunt Necha and family. It was fun to see the progress of Carol and Bryan's home and how all the kids have grown.

The next day, Dad and Garrett unloaded the uhaul. We went back to the house and took a fun trip down memory lane by taking the boys out onto the farm (sadly, I forgot my camera). Then, a lot of my family showed up - all of them except Stephanie - and we ate a yummy meal. Sunday, we went to church with Grandma and Grandpa Z. Jonathan braved his first class away from home and did ok after the treats came around. Monday, Jonathan and Gabe stayed with Grandma Z while Garrett, Jacob and I took a look at some property and potential employment for Garrett. That night, we left for Grandma Vickie and Grandpa Darrell's home.
Tuesday night, Shawn and Carissa came over for dinner. Garrett grilled some chicken and Mom made her famous potato salad. Aunt Diane and Uncle Jerry and one of their boys came over. We got a nice group picture - thanks to the them.
That night, we left for Grandpa Eugene's where we also got to see Uncle Joseph. Jonathan and Uncle Joseph played some "duets". As you can see, Jonathan thought that was pretty neat!
The boys shimmied over to Grandpa Eugene and posed for a picture....
....and then, Uncle Joseph started tickling them both.It was a fun week, but it's been nice to be at home to enjoy our last few weeks before we leave our home for new adventures elsewhere!