Happy Birthday to Nicholas!

My special 6 year old! I know sometimes that I can become frustrated with your stubborn willfulness, but it is that strong personality that makes you who you are. I know that it will serve you well in life!

You are such a great helper in the kitchen - you love to cook and you are very attentive to the details.

It is a joy to watch you ride your bike - it brings you such obvious pleasure to whiz down the street.

You are reading now...No book is too big for you to tackle.

You are so careful with Jonathan, and he looks up to you so much for it!

I am also so proud that you do your chores (most of the time) without being reminded - you have come such a long way this year!

We love you very much Nicholas! Our family would not be complete without you!

A Perfect Hiding Place

We took advantage of our gorgeous weather this morning and made a trip to the zoo. In doing so, we discovered the perfect environment for Jonathan - the bird cages!

Lately, Jonathan has developed this high pitched scream that really is quite something. Seriously, the neighbors probably believe that we are torturing something over here. In all honesty, it is merely the result of life not going the way in which my 23 month old wishes it would.

But with all of the squawking birds, his screeches merely blend into the melee. It is actually pleasant. I also think that Jonathan was a bit unnerved that his own vocal contributions weren't quite as noticeable.

We need to visit again soon.

Rainy day Karaoke

While we have a flash flood in our midst, we are busy inside. The oldest three are trying to have a karaoke hour, singing songs from their "Kids Favorites" CD. Such rousing tunes as "Five Little Monkeys" and "My Little Red Wagon". Except that karaoke turns to competition, and taking turns morphs into trying to shout out the other two. My head!

The amazing thing is that Jonathan is still sleeping through this.

On other notes, I tried my best to ruin my strawberry plants. I saw standing water in one bin with my best plant. I decided to drain it by tipping it slightly. Except that I got a little greedy, and out came my plants. The good news is that they came out in one piece, so I made an attempt to replant them. They look sloppy, but seem to be well rooted. I guess only time will tell...

See, not everything is the boys fault!

First Things First

Me to Brennan: You're becoming such a handsome young man (Moms can indulge in these comments, right?)

Brennan: No I'm not. I'm still a boy

Me: But you'll be a man some day.

Brennan: Yes, but I have to get a lot more teeth out first!