Memorial Day

We spent some time up at Marblehead on Memorial Day weekend.

We've never been there in the summer.  I don't think the kids were a fan of the summer bugs.

Ben wanted to go up the lightouse.  Its always closed when we're there in October so the kids were excited to check it out.

It was just a bit too much for Ben.  He was very happy when we came back down.

Tofts is always a must when we're there.

So is Cheesehaven.

We also did some bowling over the weekend.  Jon had his best game ever and would have been very upset if I didn't let everyone know.

While it rained we had a little dance/music party.

We had a cookout, lots of treats and outside time.  It was a great (unofficial) start to summer.

Newest reader

He was so excited to sit down and start reading. Ellie isn't too far behind Zach.  I'm excited for them to read, but it really stinks that Jon and I wont be able to spell things out when we don't want them to know what we're talking about!

Moving up and on

The kids finished school last month.  We now have a kid in middle school and third grade.  Ben as a 6th grader just doesn't seem real.  Ellie and Zach will both be moving on to 1st grade work in the fall. I'd like to see Ellie make a little more progress with reading over the summer, but we'll see where shes at when we get there.
The boys jumped right into swim team.  Our city is the only one done so far so we get an extra week of practice, which our team needs!
We're adjusting to our new summer routine and looking forward to the next few months.

Day 2

Unfortunately, we're at that time again when Corrie heads to Boise.  She was able to move her departure date to yesterday so she got some time with Aaron and family.  It will be a long summer with out her.

We headed to Cross Point for church and then had some friends over for lunch and to catch up with everyone.

Lani spent most of the day naming the bugs.

The rain held out until everyone left.  We ended the day with a rainbow.

West coast Purdums

The "other Purdums" came to town last Friday. Even though some of them couldn't remember each others names, it was like they were best buddies.

We spent some time on the solstice steps at Lakewood Park.

We went to Happy Dog for Gibsons b-day.

Lani absolutely adores Ben.  I think he would be ok if we traded Lani for Ellie.

We headed to Sweet Moses for some dessert.

They all went to bed early and were sound asleep in minutes!

2 wheels

As soon as Sam got rid of training wheels, Ellie wanted to lose hers too.  She practiced for several hours, but didn't quite get it.  She put her training wheels back on for a couple weeks, but last night was the night.  She asked Jon to take them off and our neighbor walked up and down the street with her until she got it.  She needs a little more practice to master the balance but I think we can safely call her a "real" bike rider.

Landscaping

My annual Mothers Day landscaping is complete.

Play time

War

Zach and Charlie played an intense game of war this morning.  Sadly, Charlie won.

Sleepy boy

I can't remember the last time Ben took a nap.  Its rough having to get up early for church!

Wordless Wednesday: Flannels

Wordless Wednesday: Take your child to work day

Just like the big boys

We were happy to take advantage of the almost 80 degree weather in April and play outside while the bog boys were away.

I love it when they follow in their brothers footsteps!

The day isn't complete without Zach showing his butt!

1 down

Ellie lost her first tooth last night.  She was terrified to let Jon pull it, but it was barely hanging on. One good yank and it was out.

Stupid human tricks

Brothers

Silly

Happy Easter!

We had a great day visiting a new church, having lunch with family and relaxing on this windy, but warm day.

Eggs

We colored Easter eggs yesterday.

They always love coloring eggs.

Most of them!

They turned out great and we only had 1 casualty. 

Just the 4 of us

Now that Zach is officially potty trained he was able to go to his first ever Corrie camp.  He chose Sam to go with him which left the four of us.  The bowling alley had moonrock bowling this morning where they turn on the black lights and crank up the music.  Ellie and I only played 2 games (actually Jon played the last half of Ellies second game for her).  The boys played 4 games.

Its hard to see, but this was game #2 where I beat Jon by 11 points.  It was a slow start for me, but I stepped up my game at the end and kicked his butt!

Jon was definitely losing his mo jo by game #3.  Ben was on fire and kicked Jons butt.  Game 1 and 4 aren't really important!

4 inches

We were surprised with 4 inches of snow Thursday night. No worries though.  It will be 80 on Monday!