big day for gman

graham graduated from his violin class today, which means he had to play a solo. he is very brave, but is not one to enjoy the attention of being a soloist (unlike our other violinist). he wanted to back out, but pushed through and did it! also, this morning i was late to appear out of my room (being up early is definitely my preference, but baby with a cold and up a lot has made for a weary mama lately) and i found the boys in the kitchen eating breakfast that graham had served for himself and miles. there are a million struggles in parenting everyday, but let's celebrate the victories.  i'm grateful for this independence!

cold!

the freezing, dying skink they 'rescued' with a missing leg and a bleeding ear.  at least he died in a warm house and with a name.

the face of compassion

chic-fil-a date while the big kids were at a party

the chattiest lil date

stuffing it in

adam had some art framed for my bday.  the kids painted this together for adam a couple months ago.  i LOVE it.

one of my sweet grandma's watercolors

i love how they love me.  so grateful for a husband with a sense of humor for these wild days!

my mom's hand-painted bday card.  this one is definitely getting a frame!

too tired to read another book

one of owen's new friends

forts in the woods

they each had their own 'room'

listening to the neighbors tell about the death of their dog

lizard-catcher and his trainee

been experimenting with sour dough thanks to my sis-in-law.  this beautiful loaf was raw inside...too big!

grabby mcgrabbers is always trying to get the spoon, and then rubs his face. oh my!

bath time!

peruvian hat troubles

that's better!

toe jam yumminess

so grateful for this snuggly boy...been getting those luscious thighs stuck in the crib slats

costume carnival

we snagged a quick visit with some sweet missionary friends in town for the day

"queso!"

"cheese!"

1st time singing in the morning worship service.  she did great, but being one of the shortest choir-members, was completely hidden by the piano...

costume cute

we got a slow start this morning as we dug around for costumes. i'll probably forget to take pictures later, so snapped a few this morning.

third little dragon we've had..good thing it's cold today!

a good picture of everyone is impossible

his third year being a skunk.  i just love this costume.  it jiggles when he walks.

threw together a little pirate outfit..podo helmer?

speaking of tricks...a little break from school

sweetness

miles has been sleeping on the top bunk lately.  we found him like this last night, sound asleep and twitching.

i came home from my run to find adam being "forced" to read before miles woke up.  the kids are so into the warden and the wolf-king