Summer days

Eleven

Eleven. The years go by so fast.

We were sure by now corona virus would be over but it was another birthday without a party. I’m just not sure what other people are comfortable with or really what we are comfortable with. So we said maybe August or just wait until next year when hopefully life will be back to normal. Everything he wanted to do he can’t yet so it’s all on hold until more things open back up. 

So we haven’t done much today. Joel opened presents this morning and then has played the Xbox with friends most of the day. I took away the Xbox for awhile when school ended so that alone was a treat for him. We were planning on the beach but it’s been raining off an on so a quiet day at home seems what all the kids are having for their birthday. 

But I feel like the fact that he got a rodent this year trumps any friend party. He should be counting his blessings for Chloe! Ha!  

He made a hat for her. Still looks rat like to me....Colin jokes that I much really love Joel to let him have Chloe. Joel - always remember the fact your mother is allowing this!

He is one of the smartest kids I know. The way his brain thinks is facinating to me. I would love to get a glimpse into how his mind works.  He adores Colin. Tolerates Norah. They are either best friends or constantly fighting. He is still champion of unfairness. Fighter of injustice. Always finds the loophole in everything.  He is very loyal to his friends and family. 

He is our constant source of entertainment. Always making us laugh. His quick one liners keep us laughing. He loves to create and learn new skills. Right now he is working on cooking and makes his own breakfast - eggs usually or pancakes or waffles and loves grilling.  He is someone who can be incredibly sweet and so strong willed and stubborn at the same time. Sometimes I’m not sure I will survive parenting him but I’m sure he would say the same about having me for his mother. He is the best snuggler and gives the best hugs. He is so happy and content with the simplest of things. A new box of crayons and it’s Christmas Day for him. I bought him a bag of plastic straws to craft with and he was thrilled for days. 

Happy birthday sweet boy! We love you! It’s going to be fun entering this next phase of middle schoolboy! 

Elizabeth

A few weeks ago we went to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Elizabeth. Norah is about to be dethroned as the only girl cousin and she couldn’t be more thrilled. She’s already wanting to pick out matching outfits. 

Beautiful momma!

Sarah and Mary painted the nursery

While we were at the baby showe Brent and the kids did this. As Colin said “I’ve never seen Dad so lazy” maybe our next house should have a pool...

We all can’t wait to go back in a month and meet a sweet baby Elizabeth.

He loves her

I still think she’s like a big huge rat without a tail - but he loves her so. He’s been outside reading her books and the neighbors have come over to see her. They made her a track because she’s a fat little thing that doesn’t move. I don’t think she was let out of her cage much before. 

She’s a little more tolerable when Joel makes a hat for her to wear. Part of me is worried she will die and part really wouldn’t miss her at all! In a year she will reach her life expectancy which is what I keep telling myself. The care Joel is giving her she will probably live on for years and years. 

Quarantine made us do this

Just another thing I think we can blame on quarantine....Joel has spent the last few months researching guinea pigs. We’ve been inundated with facts on guinea pigs. How cute they are, what they eat, what great pets they make. Over and over. All day long. It’s so bad my friend heather sent me a text this week saying her neighbors friend posted that they were looking to rehome their guinea pig and she thought of Joel. So for free we have a new pet for Joel. The people were very excited to get rid of this thing! Ha! Should we be worried? 

Meet Chloe.... an early birthday present for Joel. 

It’s a glorified rat without a tail. It’s a rodent we have brought into our house. Colin has the great idea to keep her cage in the garage. We are monitoring the temperature in there and have ordered a smaller cage to bring her inside when the temps get too hot or cold. This pig sheds a lot so for Colins asthma I feel better with it sleeping outside. 

Joel - never doubt how much your mother loves you! 

Cascades

The next day we hiked the Cascades. Along with the entire county it seemed! I’ve never seen it so packed. But it was a beautiful day for another hike.

McAfee Knob

The last day of “school” we headed up to Blacksburg right after Norahs last google meet and our FaceTime piano lessons. We had been wanting to go most of quarantine but they closed all the trails up there. We debated about still going because at least it would be a different house we would be stuck in! Ha! 

They were just opening up the parking lot and trail when we pulled up. In fact we parked down the street because the parking lot was barricaded but when we walked by the rangers were moving them so Brent went and moved out car closer. And we saw a peacock just walking down the trail. 

The kids were excited to hike this after seeing our pictures from when Brent and I hiked it. I think we redeemed our 14er hike from colorado. This was wasn’t so strenuous and gave a pretty spectacular view.

Joel is terrified of heights so I’m was impressed he got as closed to the edge as he did.

Joel picking on Norah and ruining the picture she wanted me to take.

Norah pushes him away.

Joel “Norah you almost knocked me off the mountain”

Sibling love