Quiet Mother's Day breakfast

With me, myself, and I in the patio. 

Happy early Mother's Day to me!

The family gave me my Mother's Day gift early since it wasn't something that could easily travel to Florida. I am ecstatic about this art pole for the garden.

Benjamin is officially 8

Benji's 8th bday

The weather wasn't quite what we had hoped for for Benji's 8th birthday celebration with his friends, but they persevered! He still has a lot of birthday fun to look forward to this weekend before turning 8 on Tuesday!

(That's what I get for asking 12 boys to be silly.)

Spring has sprung

Tree swallows have claimed this box

A little prescribed burning on the other side of the pond

Harlem Globetrotters

Turns out, if you buy a Groupon voucher to see the Harlem Globetrotters, you will absolutely be in the top most row in the arena. Even so, they were fun to see.

Silpat

After a few yrs of having this mat on my wishlist, I finally bought it for myself. Now dough can be rolled out as far as I need without sticking to the counter. Sometimes the littlest conveniences bring the most joy.  

It's Bluebird Monitoring season again!

Quality time

Mike and I went out for some quality time together last night, and took a locavore cooking class at the Des Moines Social Club. This was a partnership between the social club and Iowa Food Cooperative. The farmers that provided the heritage breed pork were there to cook with us and talk about the philosophy of their farm. It was great food and conversation and such a great night spend together!

Mike's working that stromboli dough

My sillies

Leo's answer to the cats & cucumbers phenomena all over the internet. He is not afraid.

Sometimes I look at Gavin and am amazed at how much he's grown. He's still my best little helper.

The older boys have the kindergartener reading bedtime stories to them.

For his half birthday, Gavin chose sushi for dinner. 

Jack takes his first selfie.