Here’s to Our Moms

For the first time in many years, we are near our moms for Mother’s Day. We took the kids to visit their grandmas over the weekend.

We’re doing some rearranging of furniture in the front room to convert it into a tidier room/classroom. We traded out a couple of pieces of furniture were better suited elsewhere and added an armoire instead. The kids still tear the room apart, but it’s a start.

Speaking of torn up rooms, Eliza has taken to taking the cushions off the couches to pile up into thrones of her own.

On Cinco de Mayo, she dressed in her folklórico skirt.

Te ves hermosa, mi amor!

The little rock star sure has a sense of rhythm.

For Hallie’s 40th birthday, we’re going to Disneyland! The girls are getting ready with manicures.

On Friday, Landon had a twins day at school. On Wednesday, he and some school friends (with moms) went to the store to get some matching clothes. Who knew a shopping trip had so much to offer? 

We went to Granny O.’s house on Saturday for a picnic in the backyard and cake. 

Hi! Keepin' warm?

Grandma and Grandpa O.’s backyard is perfect for our rough-and-tumble rowdies. With some of the trees and undergrowth cleared, the kids found they could climb up and down the hill to their hearts’ content. 

Lots of nature to explore. 

Bird nests, for instance! Two birds nests connected were found.

The rope swing is always the big draw.

Heads up, Shep!

And there’s the view of the valley from the top of the ridge for Mike.

(Click for the bigger pano.)

(And here's another, even bigger.)

Back at home, we looked after the garden, which is coming along. 

Hallie came across some friendly ducks when she ran some errands. 

Mother’s Day Sunday brought fun times, first with orange rolls for breakfast and handmade cards at home, then with handmade presents at church. 

LEGO diamond ring. Puts the one she has from Dad to shame. 

Out of the mouths of babes. . . .

Mom overindulged on so many goodies that she had to go lie down and take a breather.

Later in the day, we went to Grandma M.’s for dinner and cake. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful women in our lives! You rock!