Spider Boy

Jo has been perfecting his face painting skills. Today Zeke got to be Spiderman. It was so funny to see his little personality change when he realized what he looked like.

Beat the Heat

It was SO hot today that Robb and Ezekiel took a little break to get some shave ice. Being the awesome guys that they are, they even brought some home for me!

Zeke is Three

Ezekiel contemplates the vast intricacies of selecting a fruit loop turning three.

I don't know how three years have already gone by. It is such an honor to watch him grow and learn. He is becoming such a sweet little guy. He even seems to like his little brother now. Most of the time. He is creative and silly. But also serious sometimes and has incredible focus for a boy his age.

For his party, Robb was a hero. He bought out the doughnut inventory at a couple of bakeries first thing this morning. And to top it off, he agreed to dress up as the Man in the Yellow Hat.

The boys resting in the aftermath.

Queen Marking and Such

What a treat to watch these two at work with the bees! Robb was just soaking in the wisdom of experience. And! They were able to identify, capture and mark the queen of the Buzzy colony. Hopefully we can find Antoinette's queen eventually as well.

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Nothing. Is. Better. Than. Fresh. Raspberries.

Grandpa and Lincoln

These two are pretty cute together. Zeke was napping so they took the opportunity to get acquainted. Lincoln kept trying for grandpa's cell phone and glasses.

He's Just a Skater Boy

Robb got this hat, thinking it would fit Zeke, but I guess our boys have enormous noggins (thanks to their father). Lincoln wouldn't leave it on for longer than a second, so a cellphone picture will just have to do.

Gabby Snap

That tongue.

Shady

So much silly fun around the campsite today. The little ones were very busy. There was a version of hide and seek and attempts to run off to look at the river. Searching for treasures in the dirt and bark, playing with the dog and enjoying Uncle Jo's camping chair swing setup.

Couple all that with good food, great company and we had a winning weekend. There was this little hiccup at the end where we locked all of our gear inside our running vehicle, but fortunately we were able to solve it. Zeke sang a little "Em-a-wee, Em-a-wee..." song nearly all the way back.

Lincoln attacks yet another amicable doggie. Em all bundled up for breakfast.

Happy despite teething.

Campsite Fun

The kids were not at a loss for things to do. It is so rewarding to watch their creativity in nature.




Grouchy baby cuddles.

Around the Campfire

The campfire was a VERY important part of this camping trip. There was a fine, light drizzle as we pulled up to the site, so Robb started by putting up the tent and getting the fire going.

When the Finkbiners and Fackenthalls showed up, we also got a nice tarp awning, but the fire was definitely the focal point.

Jo and Pepper roast a marshmallow.

Sleepy Time

Because sometimes sleep just overtakes you. And at times like that, your mommy is very happy to be your pillow.

Gabby Snap

Mr. Diaper strikes a pose.

Date Night

DATE NIGHT!!! You must excuse my use of all caps and exclamation marks, but date nights have been few and far between around here. So tonight we headed out for a night on the town (or at least dinner at Pho Sho and magazine browsing at Hastings) and the boys got to spend some time with Gabby.

Almost ready for the king to have his bath.

Gabby Snaps

Loves his bling.

Gabby made this incredible peanut butter edible play dough. I may or may not have eaten some.

Peyton

Proud, beautiful mama Melissa.

We got to meet Peyton today. What a little treasure. She is all sweet and pink and delicate and girl. Robb couldn't get enough. He is such a baby thief. The boys were interested, but I think Lincoln was jealous. We hope to be seeing a lot more of this little cutie!

Peyton still in the hospital.

Afternoon Activities

Baby splashfest.

Of course, no afternoon at the Fackenthalls would be complete without the requisite activities. Lincoln and the twins battled it out in the wading pool, the older boys took turns swinging into the pond and everyone took turns on the trampoline. In short, a perfect afternoon.

Liam and Max discuss the vast intricacies of life.

Alina and Zeke test out the trampoline.

Daddy and his boys.

(Not Quite) The Whole Gang

My, what a lot of boys.

And that was before Mackenzie and Emily showed up with their four. So much fun. Since Malcolm and his family were in town for the weekend too, we decided that it only made sense to congregate at the Fackenthalls. (Thanks for going along with our plan, Aunt Pat!)

Grandpa entertains one of the twins.

A Hardy, a Craik, a Coffee—these three were born just weeks apart.

Robb loves calling Sullivan: "Mini-Gene".

Butterfly!

At McKenna's last visit, she gifted Zeke with a tiny, fuzzy, very hungry caterpillar. According to McKenna's instructions, we put him in a jar with some twigs and fed him copious amounts of leafy greens. He ate like a little monster, then eventually climbed to the top of the twig and built a cocoon.

And then, today! No longer a little caterpillar, he hatched out into a wonderfully beautiful butterfly. We watched him all day and I told Ezekiel that we would be letting him go this evening. (Which clearly was NOT Zeke's plan.)

Lincoln enjoys the beautiful, sunny day.