Oscar Stew

I guess you may have noticed that we took a short break from the blog. Do not fear, we were plenty busy and have plenty of stew for everyone to have seconds, thirds, whatever! We are finding ourselves severely backed up in pictures & posts, so hold on to your hats…and cross your fingers that we somehow manage to keep up!

Yesterday Rowan was kickin’ it old skoo in her fancy diaper and fresh ink. This girl knows how to melt her papa’s heart. Nothing like a drooly tattoo to set the record straight!

In other news, Brinley scored a 100% success rate with her first butterfly crop. We woke up to black cocoons one morning. We were worried it was all for naught, but a few hours later the butterflies emerged. Nature is amazing!

Brinley’s first born enjoying a sugar-water soaked paper towel! Mmmm, feast!

After a few days the butterfly mama introduced her babies to other forms of liquid sugar, which passed rigorous taste tests, of course! What mama doesn’t take a bite first?

The best part of raising butterflies is getting to hold and play with them before setting them free. The boy was all about it, and jumped at the chance to investigate the bugs.

Brinley wasn’t as daring and had to warm up before venturing out on her own.

Finally the nervous mama collected some courage and enjoyed a light tickle from her butterfly children.

Butterflies can’t stay inside forever, so it was time to set them free. At this point holding the butterflies was an old hat for the Fred.

This one hopped off her finger and right on to one of our strawberry plants. Come back and visit sometime, huh!?

One year ago we came across this little blotched beauty at the new baby dealership. Oooh, shiny!

We needed her, we wanted her (although I’m pretty sure I said different as I suffered through an unmedicated, induced labor).

She filled a hole in our little family that we didn’t even know existed.

She’s gained a little bit of weight since then, put on a couple chins, sprouted a few extra hairs and developed quite an attitude. There’s more of her to love!

Her official b-day bash wasn’t on her birthday, but the kids wanted to make sure Rowan’s day was special. The decorating team got right to work the second Rowan fell asleep on her birthday eve. Do they look eager to you?

Brinley took on streamer duty…

…While Drew huffed, puffed, and blew till his cheeks ached and his eyes popped out. Serious!

They did a mighty fine job decorating.

Rowan woke up the next morning in a most curious mood. The streamers work as an excellent distraction while we change her diaper.

While Rowan wasn’t looking, the kids went back to work. Cupcakes were in order for her afternoon delight!

Oh the precision…

Oh the beauty! Stop licking your monitor!

Mmmm…cake, frosting. Sprinkles!

Happy Birthday Rowan!

Since washing the high chair tray gets old pretty quick, it’s been convenient that the arms on Rowan’s high chair fold down so that she can sit with us at the table. On the other hand, feeding her without the tray allows her more freedom of movement, and of course she’s taken full advantage…

‘Sup duuuuuude?! Check out this salty sister curlin’ away on a righteous wave, brah. Awesome!

Time to muscle down some grub. Hey Ma, how come these strawberries have this gnarly green stuff attached to the end?

Nevermind, the green works as a most excellent handle. Down the hatch!

You totally thought these massive cheeks were just for show didn’t you?

I have learned much from my senior sis, who also swallows her grindage whole. Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Who me? I’m just sittin’ here hangin’ ten brah. I’m not catchin’ any hugangus waves today. Bummer.

Ok man I think she’s gone. Schwinga swoosh! Look right…

And left…

Surf’s up!

Wipeout! I totally hillbellied on my sandwich! Busted!