Face Paint

On Sunday during small group, our babysitter Gen painted all the kids faces. She is really great! This looked better in person that you can tell in the photo. Jack had a black nose and blue face (his request), Ben looked like Lightening McQueen, Jordy was a frog, and I can't remember what Camp was but he let her paint his face too. Sorry I did not take more pics! They all looked adorable and seemed very pleased with their faces.

Earth Day

On Tuesday night at dinner, AnneMarie reminded us that the next day was Earth Day. She suggested that we eat our food outside and then pick up trash. I thought that was a very nice idea. Her first suggestion was to eat in the front yard, but I am relieved to say, we really don't have much trash to pick up in the front yard (weeds, however, are another story). So she revised the plan and we went to Haynes Park instead. We had a picnic dinner on Wednesday evening, cleaned up after ourselves and then cleaned up around the area, and finished up by playing on the playground.

AnneMarie changed clothes after school, as you might have guessed.

Almost every single item he picked up, Jack asked "Is this trash?" The answer was, invariably, yes.

Even Dad gets in on the action!

There was a surprisingly sad amount of trash, considering this is an otherwise well-maintained city park. We had a fun time celebrating Earth Day, maybe we'll do it again next year.

Jack's First Shower

Jack needed much convincing to get into the shower for the first time. He really liked the idea of taking a shower, but when it came time to get in, he was unsure. Sister got in first to show him it was okay. Of course, it wound up being a blast! AnneMarie had quite the little servant willing to spray warm water on her back while he just shivered. Because of the detachable shower head, it was actually quite an efficient way to wash them. They are already asking when they can take another shower!

Happy Easter

Our family.

We had an egg hunt at Jenny's house in Roswell. Jim and Nathan hid the eggs, they did a good job because they kept the kids busy for quite a while. It was really a blast, and all 11 cousins were there, except poor Noah slept through the hunt.

Most of the kids really got into it.

Can you tell it was a little windy?

Dylan isn't too old for eggs filled with candy ... but maybe Jake is. :)

Happy Birthday Mason!

Our nephew Mason turned 8 last weekend. He had a roller skating party and it was a total blast! The roller rink in Roswell is just the right size for kids. It was the first time for both AnneMarie and Jack, and they loved it! They definitely take after Nathan in this area. He is a great skater and I am, to put it mildly, not. Sorry for so many pictures, but I could just not get over these kids skating! It was so much fun, we will have to find a place in Albuquerque to go skating soon.

Mason & Noah are ready for cake.

Both Jack and AnneMarie insisted on sitting with the birthday boy.

Wipe out!

AnneMarie was very proud when she made it all the way around the rink without holding on at all.

Papa Bob is watching something else? while AnneMarie and Ryan skate past.

Garrett is getting good!

Aunt Aleigh is an old pro.

"Wait for me, Sisser!"

Jack did not want any help. As soon as I had his skates tied, he told me, "I can do it myself. Go sit down, Mom." Of course, I did not comply. But really, by the end of the party he could do it himself (with a lot of help from the rail).

When he wasn't roller skating, Jack was playing air hockey, mostly against Noah. They had a ball, and both were very good!

Big cousin Dylan watches (and also kindly played with Jack). Happy Birthday to Dylan as well, he turned 12 last week!