Kieran Tackles the Monkey Bars

Kieran has finally tackled the elusive monkey bars. At least from underneath. I have a feeling it won't be long before he is climbing along the top of them with his brothers.

Robert of the Day

One of the very rare moments when Robert was sleeping without being held. I do believe he woke up a few minutes after this picture was taken which means he was only put down for, um, about 5 minutes or so.

Blast From the Past

Just a picture from the parish picnic last year.

Kieran's First Driving Lesson

Kieran got to try mowing the lawn for the first time today. Yes, Alan walked right next to him the entire time for safety. Big huge grins from Kieran. Seems amazing that he is this big already.

Granola Bars

In my ever constant search for healthy yet inexpensive snacks for the crew, I came upon a simple recipe last night for chewy granola bars. This recipe uses all normal, easy to find ingredients. Chances are fairly good that you will have everything in your pantry already which is a huge plus to me.
I made the initial batch with chocolate chips since that's what we have in the house at the moment but I plan on making a second batch with dried fruit and some nuts after grocery shopping this weekend. I'm also planning on teaching a few of the kids how to make the granola bars so they can take over. Give them a try yourself and let me know if they are a hit at your house. Chewy Granola Bars

Gabe Drives the Tractor

Ok, this is just a small lawn tractor but couldn't you just picture him behind the wheel of a big tractor?

Spring in the Yard

Ok, I will admit that our yard is actually rather pretty in the spring. Just thought I would take a few pictures to share today. I did avoid the heaping pile of scrap metal that used to be a shed and the junk pile left behind by the previous owners that we have yet to remove. Yes, we are behind on yard maintenance around here. Only so many hours in the day and there is a lot to do.
Just some trees and bushes.
One of the fruit trees. I think this was one of the peach trees but don't quote me on that one. I'm never good at remembering which is which until the fruit is recognizable.
Love that color on the tree.
Here is the first sign that it is time to start tending to the garden. I walked back there today and found quite a bit of asparagus already growing and sadly most of what has already grown is past the point where it should be harvested. Guess what I'll be working on tomorrow?
The start of the grapes for the year. Hopefully we will actually be able to harvest some fruit this year from the vines. Last year what little grew was eaten by birds. We've learned grapes are rather particular fruit.
The lilacs are in bloom. These bushes are very pretty and smell amazing when they are all covered.
Just another lilac bush.
Bird's nest in the tree outside our dining room window. You know it is rather hard to get a decent picture of something that is over your head but I did try.
Said tree that is housing the bird's nest.
And another colorful addition to the yard. The kids are simply fascinated with these "pretty yellow flowers" which are pretty much carpeting our front yard. They keep bringing me bouquets of the flowers to display in the kitchen. I don't have the heart to tell them that they are lovingly picking weeds. Ah, the simple joys of being a toddler.