Oscar Stew

There are plenty of times when the lives of the celebrities are not documented with professional photo equipment. Things often happen quickly and without warning, and being part of the “now” generation enables us to capture these moments with a quick twist of the wrist.

Where are we headed Ro? This backseat driver seized the opportunity to become a front seat driver, and she loved it. 

El seems down with it. Happy girl, ready to roll!

We’ve had some pretty good luck with thrift stores as we outfit the house with basic needs, like dressers, desks, etc. It’s a little risky though, because once Brinley laid her eyes on this flawless piece of advertising there was no leaving the store without it. 

But something did get left at the store. Jade Lola, Brinley’s cabbage patch doll, was not in the car at the next stop. I was sure it was a lost cause, but we hauled back to the thrift store to see if we could find it. We searched high and low, with no sign of it anywhere, and we sadly headed for the exit doors. Meanwhile Brinley dropped to her knees, used some mustard seed faith and prayed that she would find her doll. Not 10 seconds later this distraught mother was reunited with her child. Whew…the faith of a child is amazing!

Have we mentioned that Rowan likes zebra print?

Elea-soak loves baths. Just another day in paradise, with the spring garden in full swing!

Time to make dinner. Thanks for helping Rowan! It’s kind of a bummer that she is tall enough to grab things off the counter.

Desert was tasty though. All 2 dozen were snarfed in less than 5 minutes, because they are Ryan’s favorite and he has no idea how to savor them.

Aunt Jenna has been supplying us with a gravy train of free Chick-Fil-A coupons…the kids love stopping in after a day of shopping to let loose.

Rowan isn’t quite big enough for the playground, but that didn’t stop Drew from making sure she had the time of her life. He was sweaty from lifting her through the playland several times! Way to go Scoob!

Drew, Brinley and Rowan had chicken strips. Eleanor had two servings of fist, biggie sized!

All I wanted to do was take a nice stroll around the neighborhood. I don’t know what other plans Rowan had, but clearly I had ruined her day.

Tantrums may lack maturity, but they burn a lot of calories!

While Rowan snoozed in the hallway I was able to finish a quick sewing project. When I tried it on my model she laughed and cooed. What girl doesn’t like new clothes?

Once the beast woke it was clear she was finished making her point. Or maybe it was her new zebra minkee blanket that made it all better…BABAAAAAA!

We loved that Easter landed on Conference Weekend. It was the perfect sunny Sunday with the family. The conference talks seemed to have greater significance, and the time we spent outside in the backyard between sessions was enough to keep the monkeys from going completely bananas during the Sunday afternoon stretch.

We found ourselves painting Easter eggs at 9pm on Easter Eve. Me, procrastinate? Never!!

How is the Easter Bunny supposed to hide a camouflaged egg Drew? And how are we supposed to find it?! 

Let the worldly festivities of trespassing-egg-crazed-rabbit-day begin! You folks got a permit to hunt eggs? Alrighty, looks good. We’ll be over at the bait station if ya need anything! 

Glossy-eyed Ro showing off her prized kill. We could probably get the polka-dot one stuffed & mounted.

There are some things that you don’t bother with when there are candy eggs to be found. One of those things is matching pajamas.

The camo pants must have helped Drew find his camo egg. The Easter Bunny needs to try harder next year at hiding the eggs; the hunt was over in less than five minutes. Nice haul!

Eleanor wasn’t into the thrill of the hunt this year. She is, however, finally wearing the first outfit I made her. She was supposed to wear it home from the hospital, and it’s just now starting to fit.

What would Easter weekend be without children slaving in the kitchen? Our expert potato scrubber tried her hand at cheese distribution. Nice job Rowan!

In non-Easter related news, Drew and Eleanor teamed up with Berta the Bosch and made some delicious whole wheat bread. I’ve been trying to get back into my groove, and my new wheat grinder has been taunting me for months. So take that Greta! Yes, I name my toys…I’m not nuts, just a little crazy!

Another birthday has come and gone for me. I am now enjoying the last year of my 20’s. The kids tried to help soften the blow by making sure the birthday fairy stopped by.

I had my cardio workout done after my children forced me to find all the letters to the puzzle scattered throughout the house to figure out the “mystery” message.

We got sick almost immediately after moving back to Colorado. Everyone got over it pretty quickly, except Eleanor.  Her snuffles developed into a full on sinus infection. So to make a long icky story short, E spent a few days on the sauce… 

And to add insult to injury, we thought we’d get her up to date on her immunizations while she was recuperating.

She is such a good baby, she didn’t complain at all. She is all smiles 90% of the time.

Last Friday night my parents and Kristy showed up for E’s blessing this last Sunday. They were pretty tired after their long drive; you could see it in their eyes…

Prom Queen Kristy was especially loopy.  

Hey wait a second! These are the googly eyes that Grandma F sent us! Scoobie, you’re looking kinda scary!

Sorry Binnie, but Eleanor’s eyes are still bigger than those peepers.

Drew was quite the ham and made sure the camera was always focused in his direction. He had us rolling on the floor in laughter. Must be a boy thing…

Between spring break and having family in town, we’ve become regulars down at the alley. That’s right, we are starting a league.

Which 11lb ball is the lucky one?

Sure Rowan, arch your back, stick out your butt, and show some skin. Are you trying to distract the boys?

Hooray, I scored! And my zipper is down! Aw dang…

2 pins! High score! Better watch out Drew, Binnie is taking the early lead!

This is a rarely used but effective release called the swan. Check out the tongue action!

What a comeback! Drew got 3 strikes in one game. Hey Rowan, you wouldn’t know why the wall here looks like a couple of the walls at home, would you? Busted!

Yo scorekeeper, are you even looking at the right lane?! I want a full investigation, this game is rigged!

This is Ryan’s feeble attempt at the swan. Can you say GUTTER BALL?

This. Ball. Is. So. Heavy! Oh it’s my turn? Nevermind!

Is the ball there yet? How about now? Now? now?

Brinley’s coach said that it was better to throw the ball down the ramp. And who cares about accuracy when you have bumpers? It worked for her!

Who won the game? Who cares?!

After bowling away all those calories it’s time for a scooby snack. Free meal! Hope you kids enjoyed all the luxuries we spent on you this Spring Break.

Bowling is hard work! My arm is so sore! And…zzzzzzz…