Parties and such

Last weekend Sam had his friend Sam over for a sleepover. Susan let all three boys make and top their own pizzas (though Sam declined, happy to let Mommy do it). Josh and Sam really got into it. 

An overnight is a chance for them to have a lot of joint screen time, which they certainly dad. And Susan kindly allowed that when they woke up they could sneak down to the family room and play together. 

Unexpectedly, Sam's friend woke at 4 AM and woke our Sam and they went down together to play! Susan woke and discovered what was up, suggested guest Sam go back to bed, and then had to convince our Sam of the same, despite his assurances had he'd really had enough sleep.

Sadly, his lack of sleep was probably behind the virus he succumbed to Monday. He's all better now. 

This is just Josh being an alien

I thought Josh might enjoy tasting how tart a lemon is. I was very surprised when he wanted to eat the whole thing!

Got out from the basement a Playmobil castle which both boys were delighted to play with

Even now, Sam is at a "minecraft birthday party" which is just that--a young woman, serving as part coordinator, takes them through a bunch of challenges and teaches them new things. The party's for Ayden, who is in Sam's class at school. Susan, who is with them now, says Sam is in heaven. :-)

Easter and other recent events

Easter!

Andy and Juli Elliot joined us for Easter dinner. Juli outdid herself by making two cakes, one of them in the shape of a bunny. The boys flipped when the saw the bunny cake.

Coincidentally on Easter some friends from church gave Josh a doll "house" they are done with. Josh really enjoyed it. And he used it just like a boy would--by invading it with flesh-eating dinosaurs.

Juli and Andy. 

The second cake.

The T-rex is looking hungrily through the living-room window

Susan made a delicious ham which lasted many days, finally finding its end in this pizza.

Miscellany

Okay, some random photos. This is from this week. Josh likes cold baths, and Sam likes them very hot.

Before J's birthday I took the boys to a local party supply store, where Sam found these.

One of the boys' babysitters did this activity with Sam: you make an ink blot and blow through a straw to form monsters.

This is Sam W., a friend of Sam's. In this picture our Sam is under the pile on his bed. (Don't ask why.)

This is Sam and his teacher Howard doing a duet at Sam's recent recital. Sam does great at these--doesn't seem to have the concept of stage fright yet. Lately Sam's been enjoying playing, too.

So much has come and gone! Recently Sam's class had "Colonial Trade Days", wherein they chose a trade, wrote a report on it, did a presentation with props, made a trade sign (wood--Sam used the jigsaw, with supervision) and wore clothes which make you think of colonial days. Oh, and there was a presentation for the parents, complete with authentic dancing and singing. Sam did quite well.

Recently took J to the zoo while Sam was off sing a movie with his friend Ian. It was a cold day, but sunny and it was fun to get out with J alone. Here J's interacting with a volunteer who's teaching him about camouflage. 

This sea lions were glad to see Josh.

Yet another outing, back before the snow'd gone: On a Sunday afternoon Sam had a playdate with his friend Zoe, and it culminated in a hike at the nearby Corbett's Glen. 

All the news that's fit to print. Hopefully it won't be so long until the next update...

Josh's birfday

Better late than never? Below are some photos from Josh's birthday almost a month ago. Josh had a great time. Highlights included the Thomas-the-Tank-Engine cake and decorations, and the visit from Aunt Amy. He also had a friend over from school, Carter. It was fun to see how well they play together and how similar their dispositions are. 

Susan's creation--wow! (Josh helped a little with it; he put the stones next to the pond.)

Josh and Carter. Susan was originally going to let J invite a group of friends, but once J realized what was up he nixed it RIGHT AWAY. One friend is plenty.

I don't recall how their ended up being a second cake, but here it is. This one was shared with his Sunday-school class. 

The aforementioned Aunt Aunt.

Josh got some great gifts, including not a few trains and tracks.