sweet birthday boys

lots has been happening around here. the boys had birthdays. i can't believe miles is 3 and graham is 5! here is a baby picture of each just for fun. They shared a birthday party and share a room, but they are very, very different.

Graham continues to be fascinated with creatures and sometimes requests to read field guides straight through, which makes me very sleepy! he is maturing in so many ways, expressing himself, learning to read, growing in athleticism. just a few days before his birthday, a neighbor taught marit how to ride her bike and she taught graham (thanks to papa for the important bike-repair so it was possible!). we have been hitting our favorite running spot and the big kids ride now and they are FAST. g is usually out ahead and just hoots and hollers the whole time, except for where we usually see deer when he commands silence from us all. he can go several miles without even seeming winded. oh i praise God for this son and pray his life would bring honor to the Lord as he grows and learns.

Miles is always keeping us laughing or sometimes pulling our hair out as they all do at this age. he is so so silly. he insists on hugs and kisses from every single family member when we split up for various activities. he is a joy and beginning to "help" me cook and inquires about all the ingredients. miles loves to build things, to figure things out, to make messes and clean them up! ha! he is our only semi-organized child. our prayers for him are those of gratefulness as well and that he would walk with God always.

miles

 I'm not sure how long we will be able to share birthday parties, or even how long we will have friend parties at all, but for now it works.  we invited just a couple of their buddies and families to the creek, where they LOVE to go!  a fun time was had by all, though we did not anticipate how muddy everyone would get (sorry parents).  we should not be surprised i guess.  thankfully, it was a natural spring, so pretty "clean mud."  my sister-in-law even came with the cousins and they stayed for a couple nights and we continued the fun!

cupcake helper

cousins

oh my word.  we washed them off in the little waterfall

art project with aunt kel!

reading about planets.  we had plans to do school together that morning, but after art and a book, they just played and played and played.

our ambitious run with 6 kids!  craziness.

4 little bikers to keep up with...they actually did so great, but we were exhausted.

there are frogs in the creek!

she has her own little balance bike.

thanks kel for coming!  such fun!