Asher's Date

When the kids do nice things we have them put "jewels" into a quart jar with their name on it. When the jar is full, they get to go on a special date of their choice with either Shayne or me. The 3 oldest have gone on a few dates already, but Asher just finished his jar for his first date. He told us that he would love to go to a hotel, go swimming, and jump on the bed. So, that's what he did!

Wickham Park 6/3/2010

Asher, Marin and I went to Wickham Park in Manchester (wow, that's so Austenian) with our friends the Elliotts. I can't believe I haven't been to this park yet, it's beautiful. They have gardens, an aviary, and fun playgrounds. I think our favorite spot was the garden with the pond full of frogs. We have tons of toads around our house, but no pond frogs (since we have no pond, duh). They had big frogs, little frogs, and hundreds of tadpoles. I tried to catch one, but was unsuccessful. Asher really wanted to catch one, but considering I couldn't catch one (I am quite a proficient, after all), I didn't think he could. But he did!



Then we realized that the poor frog only had one leg??





Marin LOVES playgrounds, especially swings. I can't wait until she can walk and enjoy them properly!





Asher and Anna Elliott (Austen again?!?!) checking out the peacocks

Funny Girl 5/25/2010

Marin was hanging her head over the arm of the couch and cracking herself up. I thought it was adorable, so here it is.

Yard Work 5/24/2010

Yard work is usually a family affair, complete, of course, with toads.





Early driving lessons



Miles found a big one!





And Jason found a tiny one!

Going, Going, GONE! 5/22/2010

I still can't believe I did it. I thought I would NEVER cut off his hair. It was so beautiful! He was my golden boy! He's been asking to have his hair cut off for a while, and actually tried to do it him self once. He only cut a little piece, so it wasn't very noticeable. Asher is also a very tasty little boy and attracts way too many ticks. So, I finally gave in to cutting of his lovely locks. Just before I started, I asked him if we could just NOT cut it off. He replied "we can just cut it off." "But Asher, I will miss your beautiful hair!" "I will not miss it, Mommy. I can see it in the camera."



The BEFORE shot. Notice the piece of bangs he cut himself.



He originally wanted it shaved down the middle with the sides long, but I talked him out of it.





The mullet



Done!



I think he likes it







My two bald boys



Asher's hair, and Dallin's hair

Happy 11th Birthday Dallin! 5/20/2010

I can't believe my baby is 11! Dallin is always trying to take care of his brothers and sisters. He always wants everyone to be following the rules! Dallin is very musical, and loves playing trumpet and singing in the chorus at Mansfield Middle School. I was worried about Dallin starting middle school in 5th grade, but it has been the best thing for him. He was totally ready for the added responsibilities of middle school, even if he doesn't enjoy all of the homework. Dallin is especially excited to be moving on to the 11 year-old Scouts. We have a wonderful Scouting leader who does an amazing job with all 2 of his scouts (gotta love New England). Just like his Dad, Dallin loves trifle for his birthday. No more little kid cakes for him!

Laundry 5/17/2010

I am a bit of a laundry enthusiast. This year, I started hanging laundry out to dry in March. I had to wear my warm coat to do it, but the clothes actually dried! I don't know if it is the money saved (probably not), the environmental friendliness (also probably not), or the peaceful time spend outdoors (the most likely reason), but I adore hanging laundry out to dry. The kids often ask to "help" me. They are seldom very "helpful", but they love it.

Critters 5/17/2010

The kids always want me to take pictures of the critters they find around the yard. So, here is Jason's inch worm. He was so proud of his little friend.

Dallin's Band Concert 5/12/2010

We're so proud of our little trumpet player! He's hard to see, but he's over on the left near the back

The Biggest Strawberry EVER (in Asher's life)

Asher is our fruit kid, and I'm a softy when it comes to buying him fruit. He frequently asks for random fruit when we're shopping, and I always give in. He saw this berry at the store and HAD to have it.