September

We decided we didn't have nearly enough boardgames and such that we could play as a family. (We have Chutes & Ladders, Candyland, Ladybug Picnic, Sorry, and a few others, but are outgrowing some of these.) So during the holiday weekend, we went to the toy store and browsed the game section. Ephraim picked out this fishing game. We quickly modified the rules and "level 2" is putting the fish back in while it's spinning.

Gabriel was drawn to Catan Junior. Since I've played Settlers of Catan, I recognized the name and it was added to our new collection. It is a new favorite, I highly recommend it for kids. 

 We also created our own version of Twister using an old video game pad we have. Gabriel is all twisted up.

 Ephraim is so flexible.

I needed to capture his cheeks before he grows up too much! September was Ephraim's half-birthday. 5 1/2 years old now!

Ephraim's faithful kitty helps watch over the crazy track being built.

Soon after Gabriel turned eight, he started cub scouts. One of the things he had to do to earn a belt loop was plan and cook dinner for his family. He decided on grilled cheese, peas, and sliced apples. He was incredibly proud of himself (and mom was too!!!).

 

Cub scouts then had a field trip to the local firehouse. Do you know the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine?

Gabriel's talent amazes me sometimes when he tries. He drew this from memory of the Lord of the Rings. So much detail, I love it!

Ninjas with Laser Beams

Gabriel and Ephraim put on their full ninjas costumes (on a hot day?!). Gabriel thought to make laser beams so I got out the painter's tape. Gabriel provided the adventure music.

New School Year

Monday, August 24 was the first day of school. 3rd grade and Kindergarten!! They are in the same school now (different pick up times, sorry mom).

 

Me with my handsome boys!

 

Gabriel prefers making goofy faces and you can see Ephraim's missing tooth very well here.

First day of kindergarten, giving his teachers high-5s as he left. His first words were "Wow, that was awesome!"

Ephraim's cool one eyebrow down expression. He's so good at controlling his face. 

Now that he's eight, Gabriel has started cub scouts! His second meeting was flying homemade kites.

The kites weren't as fun for Gabriel as the three-wheel hand-level-steering bikes that someone brought. Lots of boys running around and having fun! 

At Gabriel's third scout meeting, Ephraim decided to pull out his other top tooth! The Tooth Fairy was not prepared for that. He got a kick out of the note from her saying that his tooth was "too big and sharp" for just her and she'd come back the next time with help. 

August Baptism

On Saturday, August 1, Gabriel was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm so proud of him. He is so mature.

Our Bishop baptized him.

We had so many people attend and come to our house for the party afterward. I am so grateful for all they did and for their support!

I love my mommy!

Serious chess game 

The three ladies who met in San Jose and are now all spread out (but each very close to their parents!)

Best friends forever. (Yes, that's his "cool" smile now. *sigh*)

Grandpa Cook and Grandpa Gunn (and Grandpa McMillan took the picture!)

Swimming Videos

Thanks to my mom for taking these awesome videos of the boys at swimming lessons.

My little fish:

Gunns from Colorado

For Gabriel's baptism, Grandma and Grandpa Gunn and Uncle Tony drove from Colorado. We had so much fun for four and a half days!! We miss them.

Ephraim helps grandma make pancakes.

We had fun together at the park. Gabriel hits the ball with the bat, Tony gets the ball and pitches it back to Gabriel. Both had so much fun.

Grandpa coaches Ephraim who shows off his skills.

After demonstrating his new scooter, Ephraim gets pushed by grandma on the swing.

Tony and Ephraim chill out together. 

Happy (BIG!) kids sharing the rope swing.

On Monday we all went to the new Exploratorium together.

 

 

 

 Breakfast at IHOP before we head to Great America on Tuesday.

Ephraim flies the airplane that he shares with grandma.

Ephraim and mommy going for a cruise down the roadway.

Look out, Gabriel can drive by himself! :)

 

Thanks for the cotton candy, grandma!

Mommy and Gabriel ride the new scary roller coaster before we leave for the day! I can't believe this guy is old enough to go on the big rides with me.

June/July - catching up

I have a lot of catching up to do! First, some necessary cute photos!

I signed up the boys for a few weeks of camp. The first week was Science Camp where they built robotic dinosaurs. The second week got canceled on us, so they spent it with grandma and grandpa instead. The third week was Chess Camp for Gabriel (he LOVED it, see his trophey?) and Gymnastics Camp for Ephraim (he loved it too and was super good at it).

I took some time off here and there. One day we went to Point Pinole. We got Ephraim a scooter just like his brother's. They had so much fun.

 

 

4th of July weekend we went to John and Megahn's house for baby Charlie's 1st birthday. The boys got to play in the pool with their cousin Everett and eat s'mores and play with fireworks.

 

 

We played in the pool at Heather's house. Ephraim is being the shark and chasing Gabriel! 

A marble run is the best toy ever!!

Swimming lessons!! Ephraim is super good at it. He loves to put his face in the water.

 Loose tooth! It didn't last long--he pulled it out himself shortly after I took this picture!

Three snuggle buddies (see the tooth gone?).