Well rendered

So here's the boys showing off their new hats. They've both been enjoying the outdoors a lot lately, so we've been using them. Curran pulls at his to remove it (like all babies), but leaves it alone once he's outside and distracted. Avery likes to swordfight or chase the other kids and Curran likes to go down the slide - face first if given the chance.






Here's me and the babe. You can see my newest hair color. The box said plum, but between my natural color and the reddish color in it from before it came out more like dark aubergine or wine. I think I'd have to bleach my hair to get a real good purple, but I really don't want to do that to my poor already-thin hair.







To the left you can see my art project for the day. I was pretty happy with how well it came out for a casual sketching party with Avery. The lower picture is the one from the book. I also did a pretty nice cartoon cat and mad scientist, but I won't bore everyone with every little doodle :)

A Quick Update...

I'm a bit under the weather, but I've been lax at blogging so:
1. Curran's fifth tooth has broken the gum and is on the way out.
2. Avery is a "big boy now" according to him on many things. He wears underwear, no longer uses the extra small potty seat, doesn't need his stepstool to wash his hands, doesn't want to wear a bib, doesn't need a lid on his drinks anymore, can make his own mustard and cream cheese sandwiches (his idea, not mine), and doesn't want a nap. Mom agrees pretty much with all except that last thing. We tried to nap for one day, and had major meltdown by 7pm!
3. Aric's church hired an interim pastor, so his internship will end sometime in the first part of May.
4. Curran really likes to feed himself, and gets fussy if some part of his meal isn't hand-held. He can drink from his tippy cup all on his own too.
5. Avery like to wear ties. (Or 'scarves' as he often calls them.) He wore a bow tie for Easter.

Finally not sick!

Avery was quite sick for a while, as were we all with a nasty bone-aching flu. But luckily, he got better in time for Living History Day at Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. Rain was expected, but we got gorgeous spring instead! He was quite chatty (going back twice) with the guys at the covered wagon, and really loved the fire in the blacksmith's forge. We got to watch the smith make a mini horseshoe. Our wee mannie also got to dip candles which he thought was really neat. Avery is also writing: He wrote 'too' after I wrote 'too much' on the chalkboard, and he did it of his own volition! And it was legible!















Curran is cruising like a pro and going up steps (when he has good enough incentive like "oh look! someone left the baby gate open!). I tried to take a picture of the curls at the back of his head, which are usually much more properly curled than this photo shows. The other picture is him exploring during our picnic at the elementary school next door to us. Aric and Avery both nearly fell asleep in the warm lovely sun.

In other news, Aric is very busy applying for jobs/calls. Several have already contacted him back, wanting more info from him. He's also dead busy being unofficial minister of his intern church (since the actual minister left for another position). Holy week here as been crazy for him! And no, we don't know where we will end up. He is applying everywhere that sounds like it has a good position.

New Growth

Above are two pictures by Avery. He says, "Avery is the best boy colorist of all." About two weeks ago he started drawing people-like things and using many many colors of crayons for detailed rainbow drawings.

And here's Curran who just figured out how to stand up on his knees by himself, and a very energetic video from the same day :) Avery says, "Let's get ready for the video!"

The New 'Do

Here you go: To the left BEFORE, to the right AFTER! When it's not in the sun it almost looks mahogany instead of so red. I got a bunch of fun layers put in the bottom few inches, so I'm enjoying the new curls :)