Thomas is 7!

Thomas turned 7 on July 5, 2009. He wanted, once again, a camp-out for his birthday party with dinner, a treasure hunt, s'mores for dessert, and a backyard slumber party in the tent.

A few of the party-goers:

Thomas and his 3 best friends: Frankie, Graham, and Henry:

Perfectly golden marshmallows!:

A little front yard baseball (not a scheduled party game, but one that lasted a good hour):
Only Graham and Henry could spend the night. At 10:00 pm we told them it was time to get in the tent, but they would have to have quiet voices due to the neighbors. Or...they could come inside and sleep after they played their DSs. This was the scene around 11:00 pm. They chose to stay inside for the night.

4th of July on Camano Island

Our friends, Mark and Annette, threw themselves a joint 40th birthday party on the 4th of July at Mark's family's vacation home on Camano Island. Lots of kids, crab to eat, fireworks, and fun.

4th of July Morning

We started the morning of the 4th off with a kiddies parade through Hawthorne Hills with the Petersons. For the boys, decorating their modes of transportation the night before was a highlight.

And the ice cream sandwiches at the end of the parade were a bonus!

The new generation of fans

Nathan bought the "Thriller" video today for his IPod. Oh, and "Scream" with MJ and JJ. I thought that was pretty cool. What are they saying these days: Michael is more famous in death than in life? Certainly the case in this house.

RIP MJ

I had this poster on the back of my bedroom door as a teenager- my first poster of this kind. My heart didn't flutter for Michael Jackson like it did for others at that time in my life, but I recognized his talent and so admired him and his music. I've introduced his songs to the boys over the past week, and he now has three new fans.

Camp Hayward

The last weekend in June we headed east to the Chiwawa River near Lake Wenatchee to stay at our friend's cabin that we lovingly call Camp Hayward. We had a delightful time even though Scott and I came home with over 80 mosquito bites between the both of us.Lisa, Kelly, Glenn, Hannah and me on the deck.War paint made with charcoal. The boys were the dirtiest I have ever seen them at the end of each day. The mosquitoes did not bite the kids. Maybe they smelled too bad.Fire, carving, peeing outside, throwing rocks in the river. The boys were in heaven.

Scott said that if he was ever in a calendar, he'd pose on a pink inner tube. Lisa proceeded to go out the next day and find him one at the local hardware store!
Brrrrr! The river is glacial run-off.

Murphy had the best time of all. Such a tired puppy.

Happy Boys...Sad Mom.

I'm sad, but I'm clearly outnumbered. I couldn't even watch while Drew succumbed to the male peer-pressure. Being like his brother definitely won out over what mom wants.

Nathan says he is going to do it too once school is over. I miss their lovely locks. Sigh.

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Nathan turns 10 today. That's a big deal to him, and to us. We're so proud. Yesterday we had his family birthday party:
Happy Birthday, Nathan! The next year is going to be a great one. I can feel it.

May Images

Not sure why I did not post once in May, but as I look at my calendar right now, each little box has multiple entries. Busy...too busy. I'm looking forward to summer when things settle down a bit. I'll then try to be a better blogger.

Here's our May in pictures:

Mother's Day Hike. We went up north, outside of Arlington, to Boulder River Waterfall (I think!). It was a beautiful day, and the highlight was that Drew hiked the entire 2.5 miles. Happily. He sang along the trail. Great Mother's Day.

A trillium. This was a special find for me that day because my Grandma Marge loved these flowers. When I was a little girl she shared them with me and taught me to appreciate their beauty because they only bloom every 7 to 10 years. I've rarely seen one since my childhood, so how special to see it on Mother's Day. I instantly thought of Grandma. Thomas woke up one Saturday morning in May and decided he wanted a crew cut. This is something Scott has always wanted the boys to do, but they have adamantly refused for years. I'm not sure what changed Thomas' mind that morning, but true to form, he does things differently. His bravery gave Scott the courage to try it too. So, here are the Buzz Boys. I miss Thomas' gorgeous locks, but I think the 'do looks nice on Scott. He has since bought a set of clippers and I've had the pleasure (?) of giving Scott his second buzz cut- against my better judgement. Thomas has decided he wants to grow his hair back out. Good boy.

Our annual trip over Memorial Day weekend to Seaside with Scott's family. Good times:

Bumper cars is serious business in this family. We go every year. Nathan is riding with Cousin Charlie. Scott and Thomas are in the background.

Their first lemonade stand. Location: Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom's. Their profit: $30.Birthday celebration for the boys and Cousin Ellie.Biking along the Prom.

April Images

Busy busy April. The boys' spring activities are in full swing. The flowers and trees are blooming and our grass is still green. It's such a pretty time of the year around here.

We got some great news today. After 4 weeks of chemo, Theresa's tumor has shrunk and her blood marker levels are near normal. This was all via a text message, so the details are none, but I await to hear what this all means. To me, there is some good news on this front. Hallelujah.

Here's a glimpse of our April:

A boy and his dog

The soccer moms

I love this picture of Thomas. Check out his leg muscle.

Baseball Fans

Birthday Party