Chunky Monkey

Six weeks and over twelve pounds and 24 inches, Levi is trying to catch up with his big brother as soon as possible. Speaking of weight, Silas recently informed us that he weighs 200 pounds, his daddy weighs 300 pounds...and me, well, mamma weighs 17 pounds. Smart kid, I like him.

30 + 1

Last year our town and a nearby camp suffered a stomach virus epidemic of sorts. I was the first one in our circle to contract the virus, and twenty-one of my friends and family followed. This was during the month that surrounded my thirtieth birthday...we kept trying to have a party, but everyone was bowing out of social functions and choosing to disinfect entire buildings with bleach instead. 

So, this year, my friends made up for it with a big "30 +1" surprise bash at the patio of a local coffee shop. Lots of yummy food and cake (I was even offered a mocha containing chocolate vodka--accepted the mocha, declined the vodka). To end the evening...while dancing, Priya pulled over the table containing the punch bowl on top of her, broke the bowl, landed under the table, and drenched her cousin in sherbet and sprite. These things happen when you party too hard, I explained. Levi celebrated by taking a napping tour of all the available arms and laps. 

Another Lake City baby

My friend Charity had a baby girl last week. Adelaide is quite possibly the most beautiful newborn I've ever seen, with big cheeks and thick RED hair. I'm arranging a marriage with Levi...immediately.

Goodbye, Annie.

Soon after Levi was born, our dog suddenly got old. The week before she was running and playing, and then....she stopped eating, and pretty much gave up on life. We took her to the vet, who gave her some shots, but basically said, "She's way past the expected life span for her breed." A few more weeks went by, as we teetered on the decision that we made today. The goodbye was more difficult than I had imagined. She was 10 1/2 years old. I have had her since her first birthday. She was with me through the last semester of college, West Virginia, my first six years of marriage and the birth of my three children. Annie was a great dog, a good companion, and protector of the children. Silas asked "what will they do with Annie?" when he saw me crying this morning. I told him "Dr. Howard will take care of her until she dies." He grabbed Annie's face and said, "Annie, God will be with you wherever you go," which was his Sunday School lesson last week. (I'm not sure about the theology of that, but at that point, I really lost it, laughing and crying at the same time.) Goodbye old girl.

Priya is 2!!

Priya celebrated her second birthday in the town park today. Christian and I made a gazillion cupcakes last night. We were joined by Priya's friends and our own. The party was cut a little short by a big black cloud, but I'm pretty sure every one had their fill of sugar and the merry-go-round. The only granddaughter, Priya received some girly clothes, some hair accessories, and some jewels. My camera ran out of batteries at the park, so I didn't get too many photos. I included a shot from her #1 party to show how much she has changed this past year. I'm not sure who taught her to eat cupcakes like that. (Well, ok, if I wasn't trying to loose pregnancy weight I would have shoved one down my throat, too!)

Hanging with Levi

We're enjoying our three children immensely. And, they are, for the most part, enjoying one another. We have had a busy week with visitors, birthdays, Art receptions, etc. We loved having GG here! The kids really miss all the attention. Our friend Ross, with whom Christian lived in Nepal, came to visit for a few days. Always a joy to see him! Christian has been hanging out with the teenager whom he mentors. Today they went rafting together. Cupcakes in the park tomorrow for Priya. 

So, no one is bringing me meals anymore, no more GG, BUT I am still getting a lot of help from friends and family who take the kids hiking or to the part for an hour here or there. I'm getting more creative with getting the older kids to help around the house. The moment they are not entertaining themselves, I give them a job to do. I figure they will either learn to play nicely together soon, or be a better help to me (or both!!).

Colorado boys

Silas leads the way up the mountain...

The line up...

Have you seen any of these criminals? Here they are, all seven of the cousins, in order: Levi, Micah, River, Priya, Titus, Judah, and Silas. Ok, so they are not all looking at the camera and smiling, but I was impressed nonetheless.

Spring hailstorm

Silas tested his pelting tolerance yesterday in a hailstorm. And, yes, if we had any smarts at all, we'd start making dandelion wine by the gallon...where did we put that weed n' feed?