Xmas tree 2014

On our way to Summer's tree farm to pick out our tree for 2014.

Peewee's playhouse: oagila monsters

Peewee's playhouse: Oagila monster: http://youtu.be/gxpZtxTVuKY

Chicken egg song redo

If you watched the last video of Niles's spring concert,  you have heard the call - and - response song about the chicken egg. Well,  in this soon to be #1 hit Jonas and Niles sing a song about an alien with o.c.d. and short term memory problems.

Random call and response with Jonas and Niles: http://youtu.be/tp1IBrkDjaA

First in, first out.

It's Concert Season!

Niles at UADC spring concert 2014: http://youtu.be/3VOx3tCyTfY

Spring 2014

The longest, coldest winter we can remember seems to be leaving. Finally. The kids and the other animals have been enjoying the warmer temperatures. The baby foxes have made a reappearance, and seem to be somewhat unfazed by our dogged papparazi-style photographing of their antics.
Jonas and Niles enjoyed the Aldo Leopold Nature Center's Maple Syrup Fest. Our chickens, R2-D2 and Star, sure are happy to be less cooped up, too. They continue to lay lovely brown eggs with delicious orange yolks. It's amazing how much better the eggs taste than store-bought. I suppose that's because they are able to move about and they get a variety of scraps, bugs, and anything else that looks tasty in the yard. :)

Winter break around the house 2013-14

http://magis.to/fXd5AAMFRQkfDnIGAQ

Cookie making... Sprinkles gallore

Jam while you work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB7c-Z547Jc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Bouncin' & Experiment'n

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJuoesp68-k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

School Starter & BDay 6

Bits of Summer with the Boys

Corn farmers of Du Rose

The boys were very excited to grow sweet corn this summer. Niles in particular would check on it daily, water it, and shake the tassles so the pollen would pollinate the silks. It paid off!

Family Prom 2013

Last Friday as a threesome for 2013

I decided to take the kids to Indian Lake for some hiking on the last Friday before I go back to school. We hiked up the unglaciated hill to check out a little stone chapel built in 1857 and look out over the lake. Then we hiked back down to the glaciated prairie and lake area to watch birds and grasshoppers flit amongst the flowers. Jonas and Niles carried all our snacks and water bottles while speculating about the animals' behavior and which plants were native and which might be invasive. We've raised some real winners. :) I'm wishing summer would never end.

First 3 vs. 3 soccer games of 2013

Jonas' s game looked pretty "real", with kids tearing after the ball and kicking towards the right goal. Niles' s game....not so much. Cute to watch, though.

Chicago "Big City" trip 2013

Our first big out of state trip was to our southern neighbor, Illinois. The boys were excited to go see "the big city", as they call Chicago. The trip was very fun, adventurous, and a bit educational. We came home exhausted, but pleased. Enjoy the slideshow and movies!

Dinner making dance party

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYqvGx36L8E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Last day of 4k

Jonas had a busy and emotional last day of 4k. He was sad to say goodbye to his teacher and classmates, but excited for summer to begin.

Candymen

Watch "Niles candy guessing game" on YouTube

Niles and Jonas analyze the contents of their candy baskets.