There's Something About a Creek...

3 Little boys + warm spring day + a creek= FUN! There's nothing like "exploring" a creek. this one is at one of the parks we go to. The little boys like to wander around looking for critters and throw rocks in the water. They also like to walk back and forth across the creek. It usually ends up with one of them falling in- on this day it was Whit. The water was chilly but the air was warm so he didn't complain too much!

Snips ans Snails (and any other critter Murphy can get his hands on)

What could be more exciting than a TREE FROG? Nothing- according to Murphy. Whenever we spy one in the yard he jumps up and down and squeals and holds out his hand and says "Hold" meaning I am suppose to catch the little critter and place it in Murphy's hand (not always the safest place for little critters!). Fortunately, he hasn't LOVED any frogs too much.





This little froggie was fairly cooperative and just hung out for awhile





Murphy just can't get enough of all the little creepy crawlies. He is definitely going to be the kid who brings frogs and worms (and whatever else he can find) home in his pockets. Luckily, I find most of the critters fairly interesting- as long as they stay OUTSIDE!!!

Rub A Little Dirt On It!

There is nothing like BASEBALL FIELD DIRT! What is it about that dirt that entices little boys to get down and dirty in it? I guess it is soft and smooth and boy it must feel good when you are rolling around in it! Not to mention the telltale sign it leaves on your clothes- that brownish red clay-like STAIN that your mother can't get out on the first wash no matter how much stain stick she uses! By the time we left, all 3 boys looked like they had a tan because they had so much infield dirt covering their bodies!















I think Whit is actually trying to "steal" 3rd base

Terrible 2

Murphy has officially entered the "terrible 2's". He has already displayed some very "2" behavior- a few tantrums, not wanting to take a nap, whining and generally not listening- so this year could be a challenge! We didn't do much to celebrate (i.e. no elaborate party) but he didn't seem too excited about turning 2 anyway so I am glad I didn't go out of my way to plan a gala. His spirits did brighten when we went to the park- fresh air is always a magic elixir for a mood change and he did enjoy opening his presents so I guess we can check this birthday off as a success!



Reese made the 4 layer chocolate cake- YUM!



Murphy having a stare-off with his cake













Obligatory birthday picture with Mom



Happy Birthday "Murmey" (that is how he says his name)

Reese's Fashion Line (aka Street Walker Wear)

Patrick brought the girls scarfs from Afghanistan. They are very pretty but I am not sure they were intended to be worn like this:



Reese modeling one of her many creations





I thought Hadley was the girl I was going to have to lock away when she became a teenager but apparently Reese is the one I am going to have to worry about and Yes, she is going to kill me for putting these pics on the blog!!! I LOVE being the MOM!

A Hunting We Will Go

It was a BEAUTIFUL day for an Egg Hunt. The eggs were "hidden" all around the fields at Mimi and Bepa's house and the hunters were sent out on a mission to find CANDY!







SUCCESS!!!







Murphy didn't hunt but managed to steal some eggs from Whit's basket



Did someone say CANDY? RUN!!!





Is there any CANDY for me?



YEAH- Candy!





Whit's Easter "Bonnet"




Pat retrieving Whit after a hard hunt

Everyone got plenty of candy to fill their little bodies full of sugar and I have been finding candy wrappers all over the house- apparently, the trash can is a foreign concept to my children. Now what to do with the 5000 plastic eggs?

Fun and Games

There was a smorgasbord of activities at Mimi and Bepa's. Bepa mowed a portion of the pasture nice and short for use as a soccer field, volleyball court and croquet ? (don't know what you play croquet on). Plus, there is always the hoop court on the driveway and lots of tools for digging playing in the dirt.







Brett doing his best Michael Jordan



Murphy LOVES this hoop because he can actually get the ball up to the rim!











Murphy decided it was just easier to run off with the croquet balls



and the mallet? was a great sledgehammer!











Brett takes losing very hard- Patrick had to have some serious counseling sessions with him every time they lost a point!



We are looking forward to our next visit to the "Farm"!