At the end of March, we rented a pair of cabins with some friends (Andy, Jennifer, and their three kids) at Rasar State Park. We really lucked out with the weather. It was still pretty chilly, but it was dry and sunny. We had a playground, lots of open space to run around, and a very quiet road for riding bikes.
Mountain Man breakfast
Just a little yoga by the river
The boys loved their bunk beds. Here they are reading a book together on the top.
Adult birthday parties have never been a big thing in our household. But this year I wanted to do something special for Jonathan. I decided that since we already had family in town for Avery’s birthday, this would be the perfect opportunity to surprise Jonathan (his birthday is technically ten days later). So six hours after the horde of first graders left our house, Jonathan, Ashleigh, Mark, and I headed to the Snoqualmie Brewery for “drinks.”
Jonathan was totally speechless when his friends all yelled “surprise!” It was such a fun night, and we had a great time catching up with good friends.
Jonathan and his work buddies, Tom, Jason, and Andy
The Western Crew Team (well, 5 rowers and their coxswain anyway). Renee, Mike, Jonathan, James, Jim, and Josh).
We are now the parents of a seven year old. Wow, when did that happen? Are we even old enough for that?
At seven, Avery is such a good kid. His favorite subjects in school are science, computer lab, and recess. He loves playing Legos, exploring the woods behind our house, riding his bike (he’s moved onto a bigger model with gears), and “saving” worms/building little boats for them. I always find bark and other little treasures in his pockets. Avery loves nature, mac ‘n cheese, and his little brothers. He’s discovered video games (ugh), and would play Minecraft or Sticky Ninja all day if I let him. His favorite book is The Indian in the Cupboard, and he now frequently speaks in broken English and asks to be called Little Bear. Imaginative child that he is, he even once fashioned a loincloth for himself and pretended to hunt with a bow and arrow. Avery is also very logical, and right now he is the king of delayed gratification. I really hope this sticks. He will work to earn things he wants, and he will take a bribe. I always think it’s fun to speculate about the future careers of my children based on their personality traits and current interests. Right now, I’d say Avery may become a scientist, engineer, environmental preservationist, or politician!
Avery’s seventh birthday party was a royal affair. He’s been very into knights lately, so the theme was an easy choice, plus, he loved the fact that he could be king! We didn’t get a dragon to show up, but The Reptile Man came with all of his cute, cuddly friends. I can’t say enough about this guy – he was awesome, and had a calm, mellow demeanor perfect for a party with fifteen first grade boys.
The kids kept busy coloring while everyone arrived
Time for the show! Here’s the monitor lizard.
Crocodile
This cute croc peed on our floor!
Aubrey & Hamza
Wiktor & Brooklyn
Tortoise
Cobra
Boa
James and boa
Aubrey riding the tortoise
“Maybe no on will notice me filling up on popcorn during the show!”
The grande finale was this pretty python
This rope snake was Avery’s favorite.
“This python makes a great boa!”
Avery said he wished the tortoise was a little faster
Tortoises are attracted to the color red. This one headed for the stripes on the kitchen mat.
Auntie Ash
Jason & Jono
Present time!
Some down time with Nana.
Movie night. I believe we were watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. I love how Silas is totally into the picture while Kieron and Avery are like, “Mom, you’re blocking the TV!”
Our reader.
My knight and viking preparing for battle
Notice Kieron’s tough guy expression
Jonathan took Avery and Kieron to Nana’s house one weekend, so it was just me and Si at home. On Saturday, we had a late play date with Ethan at Caroline’s. Here are the boys at about 9:30 pm.
Avery and Kieron like to go to the swamp in the woods behind our house to explore and try to catch fish.
At the park with my three amigos
We surprised Jonathan and visited him at his office at the end of his work day. The boys had just had haircuts across the street.
The brewery is very close to Jonathan’s office, so we decided to walk there for dinner. Avery loves the big brother duty of holding Silas’ hand.
We went to Bellevue Park one weekend. Avery and Kieron were pretty busy running around, but we got a few cute shots of Silas.
Back at home
Our baby boy turned two on March 1st. We celebrated with a small car-themed birthday party. Silas thoroughly enjoyed himself, loved being sung to, and left most of the present-opening to his older brothers, who were happy to help out.
At two years old, Silas is loud, expressive, happy, and likes to be the center of attention. He knows what he wants, and he wants it now. He doesn’t see any reason why he shouldn’t do what his big brothers do, and wants to be involved in whatever they’re doing, whether it’s a good idea or not. He does not think he needs a bib, prefers not to use a booster seat, likes Legos, and would really like to ride a bike. He mimics what his brothers say, complete with their intonations. He has a pretty deep voice for someone his age, his favorite word is no, and he loves cars, playing outside, dogs, and his big brothers.
At his well child visit last week, Silas weighed in at 26 lbs 4 oz, and was 34″ tall. This makes him our skinniest, shortest two-year-old yet.
Happy birthday Silas Tristan! We love you!
Setting up for the party
The spread
Bode
Avery brought his magic set down and performed a couple tricks
Girl Scout cookies make a great bribe for pictures
