From the Freezer

These kids are seriously lucky to have a gal like Gabby in their lives. She made them popsicles to eat today, and were they ever a hit. I have a feeling I'm going to be getting requests for these all the time now.

With the Boys

These guys have so much fun! Zeke was proud to show off his Bloomsday fauxhawk to Gabby.

Lil' Soap Maker

Cheris and Susan were sharing their favorite Pinterest finds, and one of them was homemade laundry detergent. After trying it with a few loads last week, I stopped off in the laundry isle at Walmart and picked up the supplies. Of course, Zeke pulled up a chair to help. It was so easy, the hardest part is grating two bars of soap, which is not that difficult.

1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax
1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean
2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap
1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1-2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener

It makes a huge amount of detergent, and you only need two Tablespoons per load. Amazing. And the laundry smells so good.

Bloomsday

Bloomsday was quite the event. In the past I've only cheered from the sides, so everything was pretty new. We put Zeke in the stroller and Lincoln in the pack. Even though it wasn't really nap time, they both snoozed on and off through most of the two and a half hours. It was incredibly surreal to be in the midst of over 50,000 participants. We were so near the back of the pack, but if you turned around there were still probably 10,000 people behind us.

Zeke and Pepper at the starting line. (Thanks to Sherisa for sharing her photos!)

It was great to have Nilmini with us. Especially when she was pushing the stroller uphill.

Lincoln had a messy diaper along the way.

Robb wouldn't stop for anything!

Cats!

We got into Spokane yesterday for Bloomsday weekend. Taylor and Nilmini have been taking care of us and it has been a lot of fun. After church, we checked out Cat Tales.

Pretty much every kind of cat you can imagine lives here. There were lions and tigers and even a bear. I especially loved the Siberian White Tigers. These guys were huge and it was sort of scary to be that close.

Zeke found all of the little statues, and even convinced his dad to ride on the monkeys with him.

The Sitters

Our night out was facilitated by Nana and Papa stepping in to sit. Zeke got to do plenty of play dough art with Papa. Talk about a hit! Also, it looks like Abigail takes her sitting duties very seriously. She somehow believes that she is in charge of Lincoln, and doesn't let him out of her sight. Good dog.

When play dough is played out, it is time for some iPad exploring.

Zeke's sandwich and kitty cat sculpture. He got no help with this.

The Sweetness

Today we celebrate our seventh year together. We're going to go out to eat at the Marc, but first, our bees. They arrived a few days ago in a little wire box. We had a hive all ready for them, and we've been pretty excited to do our first hive check. Tonight was the night. They look to be doing well so far. They've downed a fair amount of sugar water and are setting up their new home. We even got to see the queen. This is going to be so much fun.

Bath Time Fun

Bath time is a rip-roaring good time, especially now that both boys are big enough for the tub. Robb endures so much splashing, but also contributes to some.

Zeke puts his foot in his mouth.

Classic. Cars.

Riding the vintage tractors.

Since it is alumni weekend in Walla Walla (and somebody's tenth reunion) we decided to stop by the classic car show. Zeke was pretty enamored of all the cars, trucks and tractors. He was particularly fond of the little Road Runner stickers that graced many a bumper.

A wolf mascot and some popcorn!

Playing with his bud, Oliver.

Those Eyes

I can't get enough.