Nature Boys

We take a walk almost every day down to the mailbox and beyond.  Here it is in pictures.

On our way down from the driveway.

View of our house from the road.

Finally big enough to open the mailbox by himself!

Yes... pajamas and boots.

Looking down the road as these 2 race along the grass.

Always have to stop at the mud spot.  

My stylish children and  their boots...

Checking out water in the ditch.  They like to look for algae (or as Luke says, "allergy.").

Pulling over to go up the "secret way."

Posing for mommy.

Well, hello there, Sunshine!

On the way up the "secret way."  This is really just a path cut through the field by a mower.

There they go!

On the way back.  It really can't be described as a walk.  More like a stop-and-go.  This little guy likes to  pick flowers along the way.

Sean keeping Eli company while Luke is getting his flowers.

This is the preferred method of getting the big wheel back up the hill.

More flowers...

Back to our driveway.

LOVE all the blooming flowers, especially along this stump.

And... more flowers.

We made it!  Budreaux resting in the shade.

Miquon Math so far...

...it is working out very well!

Eli rolls around while we work at the table.

Drool much?

And random shot of the day:

Luke is a happy helper!

March Projects

Here are a few things we have done so far in March.

Made shamrock sun catchers with tissue paper:

Cute little assistant

Library books 

Finished product - love how they turned out!

While Sean was at P.E. one day, Luke and I collected clovers from the yard.

Pretty new patio!  The boys covered it in grass and ivy leaves to celebrate St. Patrick. 

 A few days later we picked more grass and clovers and put them in contact paper for another window decoration.

We also read a library book and made a weather wheel. 

Sean drew an "elephant trunk" tornado on the front of his.

Since Sean is crazy about weather,  I forecast we will have several more weather related projects 

in the near future!

Remembering Grandma Marion

The day before Sean's birthday, Grandma Marion died.  Although she had been sick for a while, it was pretty sudden.  Instead of the small party we had planned for Sean, we went down to Columbus for her Celebration of Life.  They had pictures put up all over the place.  It was beautiful to see her through the years.  She was holding a baby or with a child in almost every shot.

I felt so bad about not being there during the last few days when it had become obvious she would not live much longer.  I felt like I just wanted one last hug.  Plus, I wanted to be there for my family.  It was late when I got the call that she had passed.  I was praying and felt God give me the idea to make some heart ornament-type mementos to give to the family.  She was a great quilter and I had some of her fabric.  Side note: she wanted everyone to wear Atlanta Braves t-shirts to her celebration.  So, the fabric I picked was red and blue.  Jeff's mom really did a lot of the work- they would not have been done without her (I'm so glad she happened to be here!).

The boys in their t-shirts.

Later, Justin was getting smiles from Eli. 

Luke, forever the comedian, wrapped in a rug (of all things!) with his Burger King Crown.

My favorite picture of Grandma and Sean on his 2nd birthday.

I attached this verse to the hearts:

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, 

he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." 

Zephaniah 3:17

Happy 7th Birthday, Sean!

Let's not dwell on the fact that this is a month late...!  Sean got to celebrate his 7th birthday with a visit from Nana, Papa and Grandma Sweeney.  He got some fun gifts (LEGO Heroes, a LEGO set and Nature Detective accessories).

They enjoyed Grandma's walker.  A little too much. 

Sean had been wanting peanut butter pie for a while, so this was the perfect time to make it.

Big brother love.

This is one of my favorite pictures- ever.  

Thanks to Nana and Papa, we got to take Sean on an Asheville date the next day.  We ate at P.F. Chang's (he loves Chinese), got new shoes at R.E.I., visited the toy store and hung out at the Children's Museum. 

Sean loves all things tornado, dolphins and sharks.  He says he wants to be a meteorologist and oceanographer.  He still loves his LEGOs.  He even built a Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) from them.  He watches Storm Chasers and other documentaries on weather or the ocean.  He started soccer this month- his first organized sport (I am officially a Soccer Mom!!).  He is still a tender, loving boy.  He cannot stay in the exam room when Eli gets shots.  The nurse took him out and then brought him back when the shots were done.  He prayed for Eli not to cry because it "hurts my heart."  He will always be my baby boy.