Cape extravaganza

Yesterday I sewed! Something I have not done since December. I miss sewing. I have been too sick to do much of anything. I am still not feeling great, but I needed to make 2 capes for a fundraiser at Everest's school.
In the morning it was nice and Everest collected some rocks from outside. Leaf had a great time exploring them.

Here is the first cape I made. It will be part of a silent auction in April.
Everest showing off his moves in the cape.

Here is the second cape. I have had my eye on this material since October. I was thinking a Dr. Seuss, Cat in the Hat style cape. Everest took one look at it and said "American Flag Cape". He wants to keep it, but I told him, I would have to make another one for him.
As I was making this it reminded me of Captain America or Rocky (in one of the Rocky films -Rocky or Apallo wears boxing shorts that look like this.) What ever it is, Everest was pleased with it. I hope someone else likes it too. All the money raised in the silent auction goes to his school.
Nathan is contributing to the auction fund by donating a case of custom brewed beer. They have all kinds of cool things to bid on like: gourmet Indian dinner for 8, mulch delivered and spread, gift certificates to restaurants and stores, murder mystery dinner party, etc. We are supposed to get a list of all the things at the beginning of April. I will let you know more details then.

A weekend of sunshine

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. We had SUNSHINE! (at least on Saturday). Here are a few things we did this weekend to celebrate the beginning of Spring. We know it will probably snow again, but it will not last. Warmer weather and sunshine is on its way!


This is right outside our front door.


Trampoline Fun. Everest and Doug (our neighbor) jumped most of the day Saturday.I cleaned the house and did about 10 loads of laundry. We washed everything because we could hang it outside!!!!! We went on a long bike ride and soaked up as much sun as we could.

Getting ready for a party

Growing up, Nathan's mom would make him a cookie cake for his birthday. I have been trying to keep the tradition going. This year, both boys helped me make the cake. Leaf REALLY wanted to run the mixer, but in typical "Leaf fashion" the minute I touched the mixer he let go and screamed. (He is so determined, independent and stubborn, all qualities that will be wonderful in his life, but sometimes make me crazy!) I found that I could hold on to the underside of the back without him realizing this. He was so proud of himself. All Everest wanted to do was play in the flour.
Adding the chocolate chips, so much fun to stir them in!


We ran out of time to decorate the cake, but no one seemed to mind. We invited our neighbors over to celebrate with us. We had Nathan's favorite food, a Costa Rican meal (Gallo pinto, hearts of palm salad, and fried plantains).

Yeah daddy. Both boys helped him blow out the candles. As is typical these days, Everest did not want his picture taken.

Nathan's birthday gift

Every year I try to have Everest (and now Leaf too) make something for Nathan's birthday. This way he is directly involved in the gift and not just picking something out. We usually paint some type of picture. This year, I decided to make it a little more than just a picture. We sanded and painted a frame too. We have had so much fun making it. Everest loves to go to daddy's office and see his paintings on the wall.

Ready to work. My parents got the leaf apron for Leaf for Christmas and Teresa got the little apron for Leaf from Etsy. Isn't it adorable on him?
Nathan had found an old picture frame in his mom's attic over Christmas. He brought them home for us to use, so we did. The frame was shiny, gold with black specs. I wanted the boys to paint it and I wasn't sure if the paint would stick to the smooth surface. We decided to sand it first.

Leaf even got into the sanding.....as long as he can keep his fingers in his mouth, he is up for anything.

Starting to paint.
Leaf painted 90% of the time with his fingers in his mouth. At least this hand stayed clean of paint.

Everest wanted to make flowers for Nathan's birthday. We started with some tissue paper, scissors and pipe cleaners.
Assembling the flowers. He was very focused on this task. (He has been into wearing his Purdue hats lately.)
Proud of the flowers we made.Leaf drew while we were working on other things. I traced his hand print on the paper and then cut them out. I glued down the middle and ring finger (the sign for "I love you") and put a heart on the palm with "Leaf 2010". I also punched 2 holes in the palm and put a pipe cleaner through it.
Here are our flowers and painting for Nathan.

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Today is Nathan's birthday, and we have some wonderful surprises in store for him when he gets home. The boys and I have had a wonderful week getting ready for Nathan's birthday.
I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of Nathan doing some of the things we love. The best times of my life have been spent with you and the boys. I love you so much and look forward to all the adventures we have yet to embark upon.

I hope you have a wonderful day, (despite being swamped at work).

Nathan rode his bike over 800 miles in 3 weeks along the Continental Divide trail. He started at the Canadian border and ended at the Idaho border. Someday we will all take a long bike trip!
Backpack camping. One of our favorite things to do (at least before kids). Can't wait to go again in a few years.....when the kids can carry their own stuff.


Nathan at the Gold Bug Hot Springs. We LOVE hot springs (undeveloped ones are our favorite).

Riding the zip line in Costa Rica.Taking a break while working on the roof of our Montana cabin.


Cross Country skiing in Green Canyon (Logan, UT) with Everest in a front pack.
Building with the boys.
When we first met. I love you more everyday. Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am one lucky girl.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!