Clearly this kid needs a drum set.

Dad is Home!

Dad is home--a month early!  And although we knew he was coming home this weekend, we were surprised to see him when we woke up this morning since he was originally scheduled to come home tonight.  Mom is good at keeping secrets.  Though it's helpful that she only had to keep this one for a few hours.  We made the most of our extra day with him and went to a dragon boat festival, playground, and farmer's market.

It wasn't all play.  After mowing the lawn, I helped Dad try to jump his car.  He's been gone so long the battery is dead.

Dad didn't get any alone-time today, but we think he's had enough of that the past couple months.

Mom pulled out the car and we used the garage for a wild basketball game this morning.  We were too quick for pictures until Coach Mom told us it was team picture day.  Then we stopped to pose.  Too cute!

Fort Fun

"Mom, let's play that you are the babysitter!"  Apparently, Mom is not as much fun as a babysitter.  So she got to work and we made this big rig fort.  There are even rooms behind the blankets, complete with pillows and blankets for anyone who wants to sleep.  We "drove" it to several playgrounds today.

Mariners Mania

What a celebration!  One of Mom's patients threw the first pitch at the Mariner's game today.  They've been working on this for a month.  (Mom thinks it's great that she got paid to play catch.)  Staff Sergeant Sekora, part of an Air Force Reserve EOD unit, responded to an unexploded IED last November.  That night, his carotid artery was partially severed, and he had a series of strokes the next morning.  He has made a remarkable recovery.  He has been selected to participate in the Warrior Games in Colorado next month, so they'll have a new goal on Monday!   (Disclaimer: Mom has permission to print this, and is not violating privacy laws.)

 Fan Club. The Mariner's lost, but the White Sox pitcher, Phil Humber, threw the 21st perfect game in modern major league history.

Elsa, Evan, and Nathan dancing between innings.  We're not sure if they made it on the diamond-vision or not because we were too busy watching these cuties.

Checking out the cargo ships and ferry traffic from Safeco Field.

How many kids get to hug the Mariner Moose?!

Grandma and Grandpa surprised us with an overnight visit on their way home from Arizona.  We are so happy to see them!!  Mom and Grandma had a hard time hearing each other talk while we wrestled and giggled with Grandpa.  Mom even had to check to make sure everything was okay when she heard, "Now you're a diving board, Grandpa!"  (Mom's sure all three of us will sleep well tonight.)  We will be sad to see them go tomorrow.

 Playing with the Hot Wheels track with Grandpa.

Resting after playing Jenga and building with the blocks with Grandma.

Drawing pictures in raincoats and pajamas right before bed.

Every once in a while I am reminded how different the experience and perspective of a child is from that of my own.  For example, tonight Evan and I were talking about how we will need to get him and Nathan their military IDs when Adam gets home.  This is similar to the experience of getting a driver's license (often with longer lines, if you can believe that).  Of course, Evan does not have the experience of sitting for this sort of picture since he was not yet two, and was too busy unplugging the clerk's computer the last time I had to get one.  So our conversation went like this.
E: Can I have my picture in the snow with my orange jacket and a snowman?
Me: No, you have to go to an office and sit for the picture.
E: Is there someone in a costume next to me when I get my picture taken?
Me: No, you have to get your picture taken all by yourself, but I will be sitting nearby.  Like when Nathan got his passport picture taken.
E: (Puzzled look, silent, but obviously thinking, "Why would I want to get my picture taken like that?")

Happy Easter, Daddy!

 An artist at work.  This takes a lot of concentration.



This is fun, but it would be a lot more fun if Mom would let me dip my hands in the dye!

Evan: We should go to the beach in only our bathing suits.
Nathan: Grandma and Grandpa's house!
Mom: (Looking out at the rain.)  Wouldn't it be cold?
Evan: We need to jump into the freezing water.  (Sound like his dad?)
Nathan: Hot tub!  (Ahh.. definitely mama's boy.)

Last Soccer Game

Evan (third from left) had his last soccer game of the season.  Evan was the second top goal scorer on his team and the fastest runner.  All the kids had a great time and are looking forward to next season.