A Farm Visit in May

The last week in May, Auntie Mimi Erin told us that we had been invited to visit a couple and their farm.  They raise sheep and thought the boys would enjoy seeing all the new lambs.  It was such a treat to visit their beautiful farm!  The highlight for Henry and Walter was getting to visit a newborn lamb just a few minutes after it's arrival - they talked for quite awhile about how the mother took care of her lamb, what the lamb looked like etc.  Very special.

Observing with the Mimis

Maybe a little tired...

Trying to get a little lamb to come say, "hello."

 "Getting closer..."Maybe he'll want to eat this..."

Henry decided he didn't need to pet any sheep or lambs.  Walter ended up finding a dozing lamb that he could sneak up to and pet for a little while.  I really appreciated such a thoughtful invitation which allowed Henry and Walter to experience a little fun on the farm.



Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day seems so long ago.   I think the weather was kind of cool and rainy, but that didn't stop Walter from  helping get everything ready for summer.

Helping Gramps (that's the most recent name) rake leaves off the patio.

I know, you probably didn't need to see all of those pictures, but I couldn't decide...

Wearing Grandma's glasses

Even the dogs are excited to be back at the lake!

Gus

Kenda

Time to practice casting again...

Fishing with Dad

Getting the boat lift all set (any chance to use tools).

Carrying stuff up to the garage with Mimi.

I had some cute pictures of Henry and Mimi Erin working with pie crust, but I couldn't post them so you'll have to use your imagination.

Time for a little relaxing with Mimi Megan on the dock.  He situated his chair just so...

took in the view, and then moved so he could be closer to Mimi.

Time to celebrate birthdays (Grandpa and Walter).

Making funny faces.

Getting tickled - Henry LOVES to get tickled.

Opening birthday presents.

Checking out his new flashlight from Mimi Erin (brothers of birthday boys can get gifts, too).

Trying on Grandpa's new ear protection (maybe I need to buy one for myself!).

Back to the flashlights...

Really digging the flashlights!

A leapfrog just like his big brother has -  What a day!

And now a little present that Henry could use while he recovered from his surgery the following week.  Star Wars has become the latest thing to hit our home -

-as you can see, he was excited about having a few Star Wars action figures. 

Why do they have to put that yucky picture on every single Star Wars item sold?  Ugh!

On to the birthday cards...

Our little Walter is 3 years old.  

Love that smile!

I love these two!

Grandma made the Thomas birthday cake that Walter requested - amazing as usual.

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

Walter had quite a year and has grown so much.  It is such a privilege to be his Mom.  We're praying that he continues to be healthy, has a good relationship with Henry, and that a love for Jesus and His word will continue to grow. 

Goodbye, Tonsils!

After Walter's hospital stay in March, we decided that if Henry needed his tonsils out this was the year.  The ENT agreed that Henry's amazing snoring skills and sleep apnea would improve if he had a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.  We spent June 8th at Children's Hospital while Walter enjoyed a day with Grandma and Grandpa L. 

Waiting.  He watched Cars 2 while  playing with the burping shark car track (for real) that the staff thought he might enjoy.  He got a little nervous when it was time to get rolled away, but was glad his dad could stay with him until he fell asleep.

The nurse said Henry asked for his blankey as soon as he woke up and was a real trooper.  He is one tough kiddo.  It was a rough couple of weeks, but we're so thankful that his recovery went well...and he's no longer snoring.

 Waking up

Being a ham with Dad

...and still waking up...

(His facial expression in this picture reminded me of his referral pictures - still melts my heart.)

Pictures from my phone

I am sooooo far behind, but hoping I can catch up by Christmas. 

On this day in April, Nate and Henry spent the day at Uncle Jeff's house so Walter decided he wanted to go to the "pirate ship park" with friends and have ice cream at DQ.  Thankfully, sisters L and T (and their mom) were able to meet us for a last minute get together.  There was quite a bit of noise coming from the back seat when we left DQ and then suddenly...it was completely quiet.   

Literally, every. single. day. Walter asks if we can go to Target and then the grocery store!  Not surprising, but both boys love the toy aisle and on this morning tried on every Super Heros mask they could get there hands on, begging me to buy them for their birthdays. 

Big Day at the Pool

One benefit of small town living is having a pool three blocks away.  We have a nice toddler pool H & W enjoy, but this summer we are spending more time in "the big pool."  They continue to amaze me with how quickly they learn new things! 

Walter relaxing poolside...probably trying to decide when he wants to make a snack run. 

When gets in the pool he can't stop laughing.

Henry swimming in circles.  He loved jumping in the pool as long as his head didn't go under water...until yesterday.  The three of us went to the pool in the afternoon and while Walter and I watched, Henry puffed up his checks,  closed his eyes and jumped in - his head definitely went under the water.  After he surfaced he gave us a big smile and thumbs up. 

A few jumps later he tried to convince me to let him jump off the diving board!  What?  I managed to get him to wait until Nate came with us after dinner.

After dinner he realized how much fun it is to float on your back (which is really pretty cute to watch),

AND...

Henry took the first of many (many) jumps off the diving board!  It wasn't long before he said, "I want to jump off of that one (pointing to the "high board")."  Much to his disappointment, we told him he would have to wait on that idea. 

Meanwhile, Walter decided he was ready to try the diving board as well.  He walked out a few times and decided to go back, but the third time he jumped to Nate and was very proud of himself.  If only I could have held his hand as he walked to the edge of the board and snapped a picture of his first jump!  It definitely feels like my little boys are growing up, and I'm very proud of them.

Last Week of School

Henry's last day of school was May 24 and his class celebrated his birthday the day before.  He decided on Fruit by the Foot with Star Wars characters (How do they know about these things?!?) for his birthday treat. 

Walter wanted to be in the picture with Henry and Mrs. V. 

Henry modeling his birthday hat from school (holding a card and present from his teacher).  I really can't believe that he is going to be 5 years old in a few days!  We were talking a few weeks ago and he said, "Next year I'll be 6!"  I was about to correct him when I realized he was right...I think my heart did a few flips.

Silly Boys

I don't think I need to write a whole lot about this picture...kind of speaks for itself.