Evan's 10

Last month Evan turned 10. He requested brownies for his birthday. 

 He had two friends over for his birthday dinner and dessert.

 He can't get enough of LEGO and Minecraft!

Cousins (NE PA)

Last week we went from Pinebrook to northeastern PA to visit grandparents. We especially wanted to visit Grandpa Jones. He was in rehab after a fall. (He is now home.)

We also saw some other grandparents and cousins.

But we didn't stay long. Well, some of us didn't. Last week while Meghan attended the jewelry camp (during the day), Evan and Esther hopped from grandparent to grandparent.

My mom sent this picture of Esther with her cousin, Evelyn.

My sister, Amy, didn't get to see much of Evan and Esther, but she did enjoy them when she wasn't working. These are fun photos from a walk in the creek.

"Thank You"

This morning Evan came down for breakfast and thanked me for washing his clothes.

Typically, the children put their full hampers in the hallway when they want me to wash their laundry. Yesterday I washed Evan's clothes before he had done that. And he recognized it and thanked me.

I really appreciated that. Most of what I do is pretty thankless. It felt great to be thanked.

The Children's Sewing Projects

Meghan has been hard at work making a quilt for her 4-H club. So one day Evan asked if he could learn to sew. I decided to borrow a book from the library that had really cute stuffed animal projects in it. All three children were interested in sewing. (I taught Meghan hand-sewing first when she was six. This time, I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity when asked.)

Before the children could begin sewing, I had to applique and stitch the faces. They are not perfect, but the children like them.

Evan sewed first. He did well controlling the speed and guiding the fabric through.

 Esther was next. I helped her guide the fabric. She enjoyed it, too.

 

 Esther also had to do a little hand-sewing for the bunny tail.

 I didn't photograph Meghan sewing, but she loved the finished product!

 I believe Mookie is "photobombing" the children here!

 Meghan uses her kitty log as a pillow.

 Esther loves her bunny.

 Evan's cat turned out perfectly! He loves him!

 But sometimes...

Christmas Eve

The children were all dressed up for our candlelight Christmas Eve service at church.

Somehow, they all have the same smile.

Happy 9th Birthday, Evan

Evan turned 9 today! It's hard to believe it's been nine whole years since he was born.

His giant cookie wasn't fancy, but he was pleased with it.

Flag Football 2017

Yesterday the Upward flag football season began. Esther and Evan are both playing and enjoying it.

The weather was rather warm for the first game day. Even I wore sandals and shorts!

First Day of School 2017-2018

We officially have a fifth grader, third grader, and kindergartener.

Meghan awoke to Derek's alarm at 4:30 today so she was up extra early. We took these pictures just after 6 a.m. Evan and Meghan's bus arrived 15 minutes early. We had just pulled up to the bus stop when we saw it. Thankfully I planned for some extra time. (The bus is supposed to arrive at 6:28.)

 Today is Esther's first day of kindergarten. She is so ready!

 Her bus arrived at 7:15, as expected.

Pinebrook 2017

It wasn't long after we arrived that a bit of rain began. Evan and Esther may have gotten a little wet and dirty riding bikes in the rain. 

 But the rain didn't last. Soon enough we were enjoying the pool.

And friends!

 Meghan spent a lot of time with these friends.

Derek and I relaxed a good bit this year with the children needing less attention.

 Meghan had to borrow Esther's bike to catch Derek when he took her bike for a spin.

 One night Esther and I went for a little walk to the pond. We didn't see frogs, but we caught some fireflies.

 Wednesday was a "hillbilly invasion." This is Pastor Bill in his finest.

 There had been a doughnut on that string. I took it off in one giant bite.

 Evan enjoyed this little cricket. He even took bunches and bunches of pictures of it since it didn't get away. Eventually, it was put in the grass...but unfortunately didn't overcome its injury.

 This is one of Evan's best buds at camp. We love C and his family.

 A fun ribbon...

 Before the banquet dinner.

 And all of us.

 We also had visitors on my birthday. Derek's mom and aunt came to share the day with us.