Magic

As you probably read below, part of Ben's birthday party included a magic show. Part of that magic show included a trick in which the kids (each equipped with their own wand) helped Clark cut a banana into slices while it was still in the peel. Then of course Clark peeled the banana and behold, magically sliced.

Fast forward to the morning after the party, and Ben comes into our bedroom asking if he can have some leftover birthday cake for breakfast. I tell him sure, after he eats a banana, and then roll over to catch another 10 minutes of sleep. As I lay there, I become aware of someone talking in the kitchen. I strain to hear, thinking maybe Daniel has gotten up too, but no, it is Ben, "Abra Cadabra, Hocus Pocus, Alacazam!!!"

A few minutes pass and Ben comes back into our room, this time in tears. "Mom, my magic wand doesn't work! It won't cut up my banana!" Oh, to believe in Magic.

Family Adventure

Spring was in the air, so Saturday found us on a family hike/adventure of sorts. We followed a trail that is tucked up along the side of the mountain behind our house. The boys had a great time. First they noticed all the feces. Deer, Elk, Horse, and even a pile kindly left by Yukon were all carefully observed. The conclusion: "It's ok to step on deer poop or elk poop, but never step in dog poop, it sticks to your shoe and stinks REALLY bad!" I politely refrained from taking any pictures of this lesson.


Once they got over the abundance of the previous subject, the animal tracks were pored over, closely followed by the discovery of a deer carcass.

This provoked much excitement and speculation about the mountain lion that killed and ate the deer. Notes were taken on exactly what parts were eaten and which were rejected.
Then the obvious question of even greater significance and concern. "WHERE is that mountain lion right now?" Ben started peering anxiously around every bush. I quickly assured him he had nothing to worry about, "Yukon will protect us" (I think....maybe?) But it made Ben feel better.

Finally a little detour straight up the mountain, and the reward, a glimpse of a herd of live deer that the mountain lion hadn't eaten.... yet (so kind of him).


A great time was had by all.

Ben is FIVE

Ben had a great birthday! He had his first "friend" party, complete with eight crazy 4-7 year olds, a spiderman cake and a magic show put on by Clark.

New Shoes

It is so fun when kids start to have "favorite" things. With Ben, it was his yellow frog shirt. He could have worn it every day.

Last Thurday, I bought new shoes for the boys. Daniel has fallen in love with his new red Lightning McQueen crocs. He wears them every day. All day. Inside and out.

Yesterday was Sunday. On Sunday I wear a dress, Clark and the boys wear white shirts and ties, and we all have special Sunday shoes. I'm sure you can guess the rest of this story. Yes, Daniel went to church yesterday in a white shirt, blue dress pants, and you've got it, bright red Lightning McQueen Crocs.

Finding Nemo

We found him!!! - Nemo that is, and Dora, and the jellyfish, and even the shark! The aquarium was a great family adventure. It was high excitement for the boys. We also saw sharks, jelly fish, an octopus, sea horses, starfish and lots of other fun creatures.

Ben "petting" one of the fishes.


This was Daniel's favorite exhibit. He couldn't get over these little frogs. He found them all, counted them and loved the way they moved around. I stood there with him for as least 15 min.