Oscar Stew

Could it be that Winter has finally released it’s death grip on Colorado? Bony cold fingers or not, it’s been kinda warm around here over the past week, and as true sun chasers we had to take advantage.

Hooray for sandals…even if they are last years’ model and your toes hang off the edge…

Brinley isn’t much for physical challenges. It was too much of a challenge to put her helmet on right. The slightest incline will send her into a fit of rage the moment her speed decreases by half a knot.

Fortunately when the going gets tough Brinley has a brother that’s more than willing to give her a shove. I see a two-wheeled vehicle in her near future. 

That’s enough calisthenics for one day, on to the fine arts department. At 6 years old Drew is what we call a “Driveway Muralist Expert,” shown here equipped with his fancy paint sprayer that he got for his birthday.

Sharing is caring. Even though it’s Drew’s toy Brinley is allowed to put her paws on it from time to time. If only it went both ways…

Woke up the next day expecting the worst. But much to our surprise it was another yesterday outside. Back to the streets!

It started to look like it would get chilly or windy before long, so I put Rowan in her snowsuit to keep her warm and block the wind. She ended up looking silly and sweaty instead.

Slipper-wearing CSI Brinley created more crime scenes in the driveway.

Drew took a break from scooting to remind the world of the order of letters.

Yet another day passed. But on this day there was a little chill in the air. No matter, we proceeded with haste directly to the park.

Brinley took some flying lessons.

Who’s driving this flying umbrella?! turn Turn TURN!!!

There’s no better way to finish out the day than by throwing balls over the fence with the neighbors. (It’s possible that Brinley is wearing Drew’s jeans in this picture. I can’t imagine why, I’m always on top of the laundry…always.)

Rowan would disagree however, as she enjoyed a nice hot soak in the sink.

Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun,
Please shine down on me
Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun,
Hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you
To please come out so we can play with you
Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun,
Please shine down on,
Please shine down on,
Please shine down on me…

Have you recovered from your egg hangover yet? We enjoyed an entire protein filled blood pressure raising week of Easterness. It’s really quite lame to enjoy any holiday for just a day, when the fun can be drawn out until you never want to do it again…

It was warm outside at the beginning of the week. That calls for an outdoor Easter egg hunt with friends from the ward 5 days before Easter! Woohoo!

Nice work! Hey Binnie, turn around I see another one. Hurry quick before Drew beats you to it!

Even if it was just mommy that hid these eggs, finding candy is still fun no matter what. To avoid confusion (and allergic reactions) all the eggs at the park came with a “personal touch.”

Hey this one has my name on it too!

I think Rowan is hiding eggs in her cheeks.

Enough of this fake plastic stuff. Easter can be so superficial. Let’s get down and dirty with the real deal. Rowan was pretty excited when she thought she could get her hands on the egg dye.

Curses, Mommy has foiled my evil plot! I’m laughing in agony!

Permission to dunk: Granted. 5…4…3…2…1…

 Wow this egg dippin’ thing is totally wicked! Totally.

You dip them in the color water and the color stays on them! It works every time!

At first we had quite the variety of colors. This is a blue egg…for now.

We got out the paintbrushes and things got intense. Sometimes egg decorating can be a challenge…

Awaaaha ha ahaha ha! Rookie!

Drew’s blue egg is now a psychedelic egg.

The finished product. No green, yellow, or red eggs to speak of. Just a whole bunch of purplish brown ones. I guess we let them take the whole egg dying/painting a little too far.

The real reward is the black eyes, bloody noses, and dyed fingers. Egg decorating is a contact sport!

On Easter Eve Drew & Brinley made sure to set out a nice big carrot. Why? D&B said that the Easter Bunny doesn’t have a sled like Santa, or wings like the Tooth Fairy, so hopping to all the kids houses would make him tired. Sounds good to me! The Furry Home Invader left plenty of stuff to remind the kids of the true meaning of Easter, plus more candy.

Easter morning looks to be a success!

It wasn’t over yet. We sped up north to see baby cousin Logan be blessed, and spent the afternoon and evening enjoying great company and a fantastic Easter dinner at Aunt Marsha’s house. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so that portion of the day remains undocumented. It’s a shame. Better luck next get-together!

This last weekend was General Conference. Drew and Brinley quickly became experts on the do’s and don’ts of conference. They’ve even written a book on it, due in stores this October. Here are a few samples:

Make sure you start the day off right. Make yourself some whole-wheat-yet fluffy-truck-stop-style pancakes, complete with froot loop and raisin flair. The whole wheat is important, especially for Daddies. They need the extra oomph to keep those heavy eyelids open.

If it’s cold, snowing, and windy outside, don’t get mad. Make a pancake that reflects the weather.

These old guys are really smart, and have a lot to say. It’s ok if you can’t sit still for eight hours; there is plenty of work to do…

To keep you and your sister occupied, you should do lots of different things, but be sure to share! It’s also important that you wear your jammies all…day…long. Maybe even into the next day. You get bonus points if your shirt is on backwards.

It’s really fun to make a pancake out of Play-Doh, and then stick your pencils and crayons in it so it looks like a birthday cake. It also makes it easier to keep track of the colors you’re using.

Trust us, “conference homework” is more fun and easier than school homework.

What is conference homework? Well first, you have to color the ties. It’s ok if you don’t stay inside the lines.

If someone is talking that isn’t in your conference book, you should play Raisin Bingo. First one to get 5 in a row gets to eat the raisins! I wonder why mommy won’t let us use M&M’s?

To make your Mommy and Daddy know that you were listening, write down words that you hear the old guys say. Work, Savior, talks, life, gospel, God, prophet, spirit, prayer, Book of Mormon, Christ, principle, Joseph, Latter-Day Saints, kind, temples…you get the idea.

On your conference homework you get to color their hair and faces too. It’s OK if your sister gives President Monson blue and green hair. He used to be in a rock band.

Uh-oh. Don’t tease your sister too much or you could get sent to your room.

Say your sorry and that will make it better. Then you should make bead rings, bracelets, necklaces, whips, chains, and cat toys.

Make sure you use all the beads. Mommy will buy more.

For all the babies out there, make sure you smile a lot, and take naps during sessions. That way we have our best shot of actually listening and enjoying the talks. Nice job Ro-diggity!