Oscar Stew

While my family went to Atlanta to pick up my sister Jenna from her mission, we spent the week preparing a proper welcome home at our place.

Drew worked on the banner letters while Brinley cut the yarn and used excessive amounts of tape. Why does scotch tape not stick to construction paper?!

We got some really cool window markers and adorned our entire back door with messages to my long lost sister.

Brrinley knows how to write her name, and made sure it was plain to see.

Drew is not one to be subtle. Let’s just say my sister wasn’t too thrilled about this one, but…

Once Jenna and the fam were back at our place, it was what to do that had us somewhat perplexed. Jenna had not yet been released, and wanted to stay the course until it was official. Where was a place we could all enjoy within the rules of the white bible? The mountains of course! It will be warm and sunny and be lots of fun!

Hmmm. Well it wasn’t too warm, but did go back and forth on the sunny part. Brinley made a beautiful bouquet of sandwich while eating her flowers.

Jenna wasn’t too hot to trot on eating the flowers, but Rowan seemed curious.

Drew tried to give Brinley a kiss and was cut off at the pass.

Brinley!!! Are you OK? Just kidding. Drew was chipmunk hunting. 

We saw lots of elk getting fatted up for the long summer ahead.

Brinley tried out several shoulder seats and piggy backs, but had a tough time settling on just one. There was the steady and sure Jenna…

And then there was the wild and crazy Dan. Hold on to that horse Brinley!

Soccer season may have ended a few weeks ago, but I am still entitled to brag about what a super-star Drew was, right?

This was Drew’s third year playing soccer. We really watched his skills develop this season as he grew more and more aggressive in chasing after the ball. Of course, he did have two of the very best coaches, and a team full of friends – which made the season even more fun!

Tweeeeet! I do believe we have a line violation. Oh yeah I forgot, the rules are more like guidelines…

High five to the fan club! Gulp some water, and back to work.

If the other team proves to be of only mediocre talent, try playing against your own team instead!

As the games wore on, one of the fans became restless and started constructing a grass castle for Stickerella. 

After that she spent some time honing her skills for her own soccer debut. “Anything you can do I can do better…”

The rest of the fans stayed dedicated to the cause and chanted even louder. Notice the face paint, waving flags, and general state of inebriation…

Drew claims to have scored two goals on his final game. This cannot be confirmed nor denied, as it seems that his fan club may or may not have had their eyes glued to the game the whole time. Shame on us – twice!

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!?