Curtis is 16!

What a weekend! We went to Sequim to my sister Tanya's house to celebrate her "baby's" 16th birthday the weekend of April 12th. Of course, "it seems like just yesterday" he was a teeny tiny baby. Curtis was a super guest of honor and I think really enjoyed having all of the little kids worship his every move. He let all the kids climb all over him, built an elaborate fort for them and at one point jumped up and yelled, "LET'S PLAY PRINCESS!" Quite a popular statement to 5 girls under 5 :-) But, also an expression of how well grounded and self-assure he is. How many 16 year old boys do you know who would even give little kids the time of day?

We also got to see darling Darian show her prowess on the softball field. (which is where I took pictures - I'm still waiting for my darling sisters to send me the pictures from Curtis's party) :-)The day was gorgeous and she and her team played to a tie against Bainbridge. They were outrun in a run-off, which happened because the game had dragged on for about 2 1/2 hours and they were only in the 6th inning.

Recommended website

I found a website that I really like. It is http://picaboo.com/ and it is for digital photo books and cards. Shutterfly is great and you can make gifts, but this one has more layouts and backgrounds and is almost like scrapbooking which I would like to have the time for, but really don't. The prices are reasonable too. I made one for Nicholas and Aleah for the year 2007. Plus, through the 31st of March it is buy one, get one free and you know how I love a bargain!

Hoppin' down the bunny trail

We usually have an annual Easter party and attend the Easter Egg Hunt in town. It is a great time to see the kids having so much fun with their cousins and grandparents - and have some fabulous food, not to mention a few chocolate bunnies! But, this year, calendars just don't jive and Nicholas's soccer game is in direct conflict with the Egg Hunt - so - we had our party this weekend and had our own egg hunt in the back yard! Also, Nicholas's soccer game gave Aunty and Gramma and Grandpa a chance to do the "soccer thing" and watch him play his little heart out :-) (he is the goalie in the picture above). He liked showing Baby Jaine how to kick the ball!

What's with this kid?

My dear sweet Nicholas has changed. Look at these pictures from our California trip - do you see a trend? If it has anything to do with sports, this kid is all over it. He's like a dog - he'll throw, run and kick the ball until YOU are tired! I even had to pack a football and golf club :-)

In his soccer game last weekend he headed the ball down the field on two throw-ins in a row - Holy cow! I couldn't believe my eyes. His passion and enthusiasm just radiates his joy.

Flitter flutter, little butterfly

If you have never been to a butterfly house, you are truly missing a magical experience. The life cycle and movements of butterflies is fascinating, and to see several types of butterflies in one place, seemingly living in harmony with each other, is uplifting. For me, an even greater joy was to watch Nicholas and Aleah gleefully encountering different types for the first time at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA. "Look Mom! there's another one!" Nicholas was able to coax 5 different butterflies onto his hand and at one point there was anothere one on his back. He also managed to transfer one of the butterflies to Aleah so she could feel what it is like to have this delecate creature in her hand. And, because Nicholas was so comfortable, he was able to transfer a butterfly onto Grandma's hand too.

California look out - here they come!!

My Mom & John live the reasonably quiet life of retirees - but not the 14th - 20th! Nicholas and Aleah were like spinning tops, they were so excited to be on vacation. Their stated desire was to go to the pool, the pool, the pool some more, and if there was any time left over, maybe the Living Desert and the Children's Museum. Well, we managed to do all of that, plus the big park, the swanky Rancho Mirage Library and my favorite, the Street Fair - whew!!

Jump Rope for Heart

On February 12th, Nicholas joyfully participated in Jump Rope for Heart - a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The event was held at his elementary school for the 19th year in a row - and he was quite proud to be a part of it. I served as a parent volunteer and had a great time holding ropes, serving snacks and cheering on the teams. I felt bad for Nicholas though, because he had soccer practice too, and gave great effort there. He ate voraciously at dinner, begged for "just a quick shower", then nearly fell into bed. What a great kid!