Happy 6th Birthday Ephraim!

To celebrate Ephraim's birthday on the 15th, we took him to Long John Silvers for supper. He had chicken, fish crackers and a granola bar. They know that eating out is a special treat.

Ephraim had his first birthday party with friends on Saturday, May 16. Here is a family photo. Isn't it nice that the younger siblings cooperated for a photo!

Check out this group (from left): Allie, Mark, John, Gideon, Cody, Ethan, Ephraim, Micah, Emmet, Hunter & Levi. Yes, 2 hours of partying was a long time with this crew!

Ephraim with a couple of his Lego presents from mommy & daddy.

Ephraim's Lego cake. I made a large cake and then cut it into blocks and frosted each block a different color. Frosting it took FOREVER!

This is a photo of Ephraim showing off the new space in his mouth. He lost his 3rd baby tooth on the 14th. It fell out while he was eating his breakfast cereal.

Tulip Time

We made it to Tulip Time on Friday, just in time for the torrential downpour at 5:45pm. We stood under a tree for a little bit then moved under an awning. The rain didn't last long, but it was long enough for four kids, me and Grandma & Grandpa. Then it was off to find some corn dogs for supper. We did find some tulips for the customary picture. Despite, the drenched hair and muddy clothes, they turned out okay.

It did prove a little difficult to get a good group shot.

Hugs for everyone!

Emmet & Ephraim

Eliza with purple tulips. . .

And Eden with pink tulips.

Grandpa bought the boys cotton candy.

Ephraim and I snuggled up for the parade.

This past week . . .

Last Saturday we went to Grandma Donna's to plant more garden. Who knew that planting tomoatoes could be such a process! We first laid down 6, yes six, layers of paper. Then someone measured the distance between each plant and marked made an "X" slit on the paper. Another person dug the holes and planted the tomatoes. Seth then came and put up the tomato cages. Then it was time to wrap the cages in plastic. Whew! We were exhausted after doing that for 20+ tomato plants. Then it was time to plant peppers, rhubarb, black raspberries and more onions.

Eliza helping with the digging process.

Eden in front of a finished tomato cage.

Eliza helping put milk jugs around the peppers.

Eden with the rhubarb bucket on her head. I tried to get a closer picture but the moment was over.

Grandpa and Ephraim (and Emmet and Eliza and Eden) enjoying a game of Battleship before going home after a big afternoon in the garden. I can't be for sure, but I think there was some cheating going on. Notice Eliza "helping" Grandpa by moving the ships. And it seemed like Grandpa said "hit" quite a few times.

Sunday pictures

Eden checking out the pigs at Great-Grandpa's house.

Daddy put a pretty dandilion in Eliza's hair.