Darby finally trying out his big boy bike!

Bang for your bucks

The prize for the best five dollars I've spent this week goes to the Old Navy balloon and pump set. On an otherwise dull afternoon Zada and the neighborhood kids spent the better part of two hours blowing up ballons, making "shields" and then racing with them on.

Zada, Ashlee, Peanut and Birdy - we ran out of balloons for Bird's shield so he got to be line judge/flagman.

The neighborhood gang

Taken before the summer haircuts: (from left) Peanut, Darby, Zada and Bird. Yes, those are their family nicknames. 

A cure for congestion?

While I was blogging Darby was taking matters into his own hands, with the help of his AA-powered socket wrench.

Face time

Last Friday we were at the Minnesota Children's Museum and the kids enjoyed some face painting. Darby was digging the dog look and Zada was rocking it as a warrior fairy. The face painting booth was a departure from our regular museum agenda and supplanted a visit to the habitot area, which is now off-limits to our almost school-age children. I love the museum but maintain that it should have at least a half-dozen bathroom stalls on every floor instead of just two! Yikes!

A zombie breakfast and a little extra screen time are a small price to pay for us all watching the Mavs win last night. Darby also has a bonafide cold now, but it was still worth it! Congratulations Mavs!

Darby's summer haircut

Zada's summer haircut

Time well spent

During our recent trip to Dallas we visited friends, family and the NBA finals. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures of the friends part, adult beverages may have been enjoyed, but here is some photo documentation of the rest.

I can't say enough how much I love my nieces and nephew. They are such fun, playful kids. I hope we can all get together this summer and apparently they hope so too, as Eme asked for Darby more than once. I refrained from the obvious response to be careful what you wish for...

My favorite Martians

A post-swimming, pre-nap snap (yes, I'm only saying that to justify my goofy bangs!)

I had her smiling right up to the flash! Here I have captured her skeptical look, along with her "I dig veggies" look. 

Chillin' in the backseat, well, not really chilling since it was kinda hot in Texas. Who knew?

We agreed the arena facade reminded us a little of Laguardia Airport.

The time is now! Go Mavs!

Tball practice

Troy took out the whiffle and T-ball gear last night and showed the kids a thing or two about slugging the ball and running the bases. Here is each one getting her or his turn.