Adventures at the Derrick...

Everyday Moments...

These boys have no clue how blessed they are to have everyday moments that look like this:

When Auntie Allison and Henry still have the plague...

This is what the rest of the boys do on a beautiful Friday afternoon:

What's Going to Work?

Teamwork!

That time when everyone got sick...

Hilary and kids came here for their spring break this week.  I had envisioned a week full of fun cousin play in the sun.  But then we got hit by the plague.  With half of the Valley crew puking, the Seattle crew packed up and headed home.  It was tragic.  I had a picture of Ezra's puke all over the floor ready to post here, but then I thought better of it.  I thought maybe I should spare you.  But even I caught the bug this time, and let me just say: It was awful!  Although we aren't back to 100% today, we are functioning and it feels SO good!

I did snap a couple of pictures with my phone before the plague hit.  The kids painted the play set.  Unfortunately, by the time I took these most of the kids were down for quiet time.  Silas did have some help, in case you were wondering:

After moving no more than 20 steps yesterday, Silas and I were ready to get out of the house for a bit this morning.  We ventured to the farm house in search of Grandma, but never found her.  We did enjoy a bit of play time in the sun, though!




Silas picked a flower for me:


Clearly, he is pretty much back to himself:

Peek-a-boo and other baby tidbits for the record...

Ezra has learned to play peek-a-boo.  It's pretty stinking adorable due to the fact that he only gets his hands in the appropriate place about a quarter of the time:

He also really loves bath time, reading books, throwing balls, and would spend every waking moment outside if he could.  Crawling is a thing of the past, as he now walks everywhere.  His vocabulary has grown to include the words ball, grandpa, bath, bye-bye, outside, tractor, uh-oh, and basketball.  As a sign for "please" he flaps both hands up and down in a little fluttering motion, which is quite amusing for those who first see him doing it and don't know what it is.  Because, let's be honest, it looks nothing like the real sign for please.  He also clicks his tongue when he sees the cat, since that is the way we usually call her.  Our little baby is growing so quickly, and it is such a treat to see his personality emerge.  The joy he has added to our family is immeasurable!

Buddies...

These are obviously not the best in terms of image quality, but the memory was too precious not to document. Moments like this are pretty common with these two:

Where Owen is Happiest...

Where Silas is Happiest...

She Needs: Wide Open Spaces...

I snapped these photos while out for my run this morning.  I realize there is beauty in all types of different terrain around the world, but I am so thankful to be able to call this home!

Caught...

The Joy of Spring...

Happy Easter!