Flying a Kite

(credit: most of these pictures were taken by Elijah and Eva)

Eva got a kite from Sunday school that she has been wanting to build and take over to the park. Today finally worked out to give it a try. 

Although she did a great job getting it up there but unfortunately it wouldn't stay up in the air. 

Peter even tried to help her out. 

Elijah gave it a try as well. 

Jamie and Joseph even got some time in skyping with dad and mom Otten. 

The $100 Pebble

I came in from the garage to Joseph crying and saying rock. At first we thought he was saying that he fell in the rocks, but then realized he was saying that he had a rock in his nose. After getting a flashlight sure enough we saw it buried up in there. We tried getting it out with tweezers, but were afraid of pushing it deeper. So Joseph and I made a trip down to the ER.

After waiting for an hour the doctor came in and explained the best way to remove an object in the nose is for a parent to plug the opposite nostril and blow strongly into the child's mouth. Sure enough on the second time the rock shot out of his nose. Joe thought it was funny that daddy was giving him a kiss.

1st Trailer Trip!

We took our first trailer camping trip with some good friends of ours to the beautiful mountains of northern New Mexico. 

The kids had an awesome time playing in the dirt, climbing the mountain with their friends and exploring. 

We had a great time roasting hot dogs and making smores around a crackling fire.  

Our friends brought a telescope along and we looked at the moon and the Jupiter. 

Overall it was a great first trip with good friends in a beautiful location and we can't wait to go back! 

Peter and Joseph turn 3!!

Our sweet boys turned 3!

Playful

Laughing

Well-meaning "helping"

Wrestling

Water-loving

Fast running

In sync

Energetic

Car racing

Toy bus driving

Mess making

Hugs and kisses giving

Happy little three year olds

Portraits

Snapshots from February and March 2017

Our little lady potty-training her brothers. She sat them down and read them "Princess of the Potty" book! As much as we dreaded potty training twins, it went remarkably well! They were so cute, cheering and high-fiving each other when they were successful. 

Two little heads peeking over the stairs moments after they were put to bed.

Eva dresses up as the brave Princess in Black, the best books for girls! 

Snow on tiled roof reminds me of Japan

Donuts!

Getting into the swing of things!

Pi day! Curry chicken pot pie and chocolate pecan.

Blossoms

St Patrick's Day celebrates at McDonald's (why not?)

Loving my journal

Spring in the desert

The library is one of the few places I can say "Yes, you can get as much as you want!"

The kids got their own library cards! It was thrilling! We love the library.

Tea party with little brothers. She even sat at the piano and played for us after pouring out the tea. The boys loved the unlimited tea and graham crackers. They were there til the end.

Reading The Count of Monte Cristo (for book club) with a character map. It's good and looong!

Drawing farmhouses after reading Charlotte's Web and Farmer Boy.

Peter: "I drinka Mommy foffee. All gone!" Uh oh. Better make some more. I'm going to need it! (Coffee moustache on a caffeinated three year old!)

He has risen! Easter 2017

He has risen... he has risen indeed! 

The kids had a great time dying Easter eggs and writing messages on the eggs. 

Our two little handsomely dressed excavators. 

After church we had a great time with an Easter egg hunt at some friends house. 

 Mommy and her little men.