Memorials

On Saturday we met at the New Rye cemetery to bury Grandpa Butler; it was a rainy, cold day but the grass and the trees were brilliant. Under the tent we briefly shared stories from Grandpa's life and then quietly left to share a lunch at mom's house.

It was appropriate that he was buried on Memorial Day weekend. We went down to the parade yesterday morning and late on had the Driscoll family over to enjoy dinner and some time at the park.

Tea party and big sis!

This was the last day of Sunday school for the semester and Rilla's teachers decided since they only have girls in their class they should have a tea party! (Gabe &Zach's equally awesome teachers helped them shoot of rockets outside ...)

Then we went to get Katy at the airport-- hooray!

Mile run

Every year the boys do a mile run with their gym class on the track at Memorial Field. Happily they were both scheduled to run at the same time so Rilla and I picked up some Popsicles for an after-run treat (we bought 60 so we are good to go for awhile with leftovers!) and then headed to the field. 

Too cute

Little Rob came for a visit today for about four hours while his parents were working - he did very well. The boys found him to be adorable and Rilla was 95% well behaved which was refreshing to say the least. Not sure but it may have been Rob's first wagon ride!

Edgar

Last night after dinner Rilla and I were playing with her blocks in the living room (she loves this activity but only at this specific time) when I heard a knock on the door. We were expecting company but not until after 8, so imagine my surprise when I opened the door to see my nine year old standing there. Holding a  bird. In a napkin.

"We've got to save him!" Zach cried passionately.

"Don't touch it!" I cried with equal passion.

At this time our neighbor came down to offer some cake to the kids, the doorknob fell off the front door for the fourth time that day, and Zach told me that during the rescue mission he stopped in dog poo with his school shoes. Oh, and the baby put her rain boots on and abandoned her blocks in favor of going outside to see the dying bird.

Sigh.

John was texted, the bird settled gently in the grass to await his private nurse, and I tried to get Rilla into bed (after cake of course).  

My knight in shining armor arrived on the scene, and having only his weight lifting gloves on hand, put those on and proceeded to administer tender care towards both bird and boys.

Despite the tears, old parakeet cage/food/water and medical attention, Edgar didn't make it. He is buried in our backyard. Thanks for the sweet memories, feathered friend! 

:0)

Monday Momday

Laurie and I have had a set Monday morning date for years - today it involved new tires (her), coffee (both of us), groceries (both of us), a curly haired toddler ( her) and a sassy two year old (me). Loved it.

Oliver Benjamin

Mom and I were able to scoot down to Arlington yesterday to see Jennie and Josh's new son; an hour goes far too quickly when staring at a newborn!

Brrrr!!!

Today was super chilly!! 

The boys had early release so we made it to the park for a little while (it was overrun by Tweens with zero parental supervision who were Trouble according to this mom, so we left early!). On the way home Rilla demanded that I carry her, my tea, her bike and her helmet; when I demurred she decided to take her shoes off (more to carry!) and lie down across the path. Weakened by laughter I had a hard time getting us home safe and sound but we managed.

Zach had a field trip that involved losing a boot in the mud and checking out some one-celled organisms under a microscope. His kind of day for sure.

I was lazy today; a run, some laundry, some sorting (starting to panic about the packing!) and then... Finishing a book.

Nifty Gifties

Mom and I went sentimental this year - there is a certain poignancy in the air as we begin our preparations to leave for Bible school. Having heard me mention the charm bracelet I got Katy for graduation (troll beads), Mom asked about getting one for me. We went together last week and picked it out- I LOVE it. John got me a Bible charm in honor of our upcoming move.

We got Mom a necklace with birthstones representing my brothers and our five kids, as well as a devotional she and I can  do together, the same one I read with he kids each  morning. The idea is very appealing to me, one more bond when the miles stretch between us.

Mother's Day

What a lovely day.

It started out with an epic fail in the motherhood department, however, when my sensitive poet of a nine year old came to my bedside at 6 a.m. and I was too groggy to realize he was greeting me with a beautiful card he had made. Needless to say, I felt like a heel when I was awake enough to realize I sent him away and even now I am terrified it will leave some type of permanent damage.

John did a beautiful job with a family dedication during church (which I plan to copy down here soon) and then we went to mom and dad's for the afternoon.

It's the weekend!!

NThe morning started out nicely with a pillow fight followed by our Saturday pancakes, this time with turkey bacon. Somehow I still don't know how to make bacon outside of the microwave, a sad testament to my generation. After a brief cleaning session the boys saddled up their bikes (Gabe got a new, bigger bike yesterday, so Zach has moved up to Gabe's old one; both boys seem happy with the arrangement) and I popped Rilla into the jogging stroller. We just got back from the 3.8 mile loop, everyone did very well!

Fancy pants

Fridays are tired days, with my two nights of work in a row (which I am so thankful for, knowing many many moms work much more than my usual 15 hours a week).  Rilla and I went outside this morning so I could assemble a scooter I picked up for Gabe; the outfit Rilla chose for his outdoor activity was quite fancy in my opinion!!

Sweep sweep sweep

Rilla sings this as she sweeps the porch - 

Ice cream with the bony muscle-y arm muscle dealer

First ice cream of the season! A tripped and scraped her lip, Gabe was attacked by a humongous ant he was positive was a Queen Ant (Zach clarified that it was a blood-sucking firefly) and Rilla dropped her cone before she got a single lick in. All in all it was a classic experience.

My sweet mizunos

John has been raving about mizunos - his choice of running shoes - for years. Being the type of shopper I am, my choice is always whatever is on clearance, so I've never had mizunos before. Recently I bought my fist pair, and in the last nine days have put 35 miles on them. Off to an ok start- -

Errands

On Saturday we needed to pick up a few groceries and once we were done Rilla asked to ride the merry-go-round outside. It must be older than I am and is likely the only ride in NH that is still only $0.50.  Both boys decided to jump on which Rilla thought was great fun!