Happy Birthday

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ctzixczruy155b/File%20Apr%2019%2C%209%2055%2019%20PM.mov?dl=0

Celebration x 2

We had an amazing celebration with family and friends.  I had an awful camera drop on our way out the door that killed my regular lens so we were left with cell phones and my telephoto lens for pictures.  Needless to say, I did not get all the pictures that I wanted.  But I got some and the kids had a blast, so it's a win regardless.

The Guests of Honor in their special shirts

The most amazing cake, ever.

Cousins!

Friends....ha!

If looks could kill.....I put the camera down after this one

Signing "Happy Birthday".  Nathan sand and Maura cried.

It looked so good Nathan ate it before I could cut it.  Twice.

First Day of Spring

It's been a brutal winter and we broke out!  Judging from today's adventure, it's going to be an action packed summer!

Shy Maura

Nathan exploring the toddler play equipment

Go big or go home!

Nathan took a few minutes to cross the bridge.  Maura wasn't nearly as fearful and her little steps shook the bridge.   He was so afraid and would not let go, but the look on his face when he got to the other side was pure joy and pride.

He also made it to the tip top and went down the biggest slide.  Once.

He also discovered that he could crawl across faster than he could walk.

He giggled like he was a little baby the entire time he was on the swing.

Maura was also delighted.

My giggling duo.

On our way out we walked past this representation of a fire truck.  It's seen better days and Nathan had no idea what it was.  He climbed all the way up and over on his own.  

Trick or Tree

What a fun night!  My 2 pirates had a blast and quickly caught on to the routine.  The first houses were tough with 2 toddlers and stairs in the dark with plastic pumpkins but they figured it out.  Some times all the explaining in the world doesn't teach you as well as a little practical application.

Last night we painted pumpkins

the gourd type and child variety

cutest pirates ever

together with their pirate pumpkin

love them

the Haul

weary walker

more candy

My favorite moment of the night, Nathan ran up and said "Trick or Tree"

Mrs.

What a day.  We had to say "goodbye" to our Mrs today.  She had what the vet thought was a cold a couple weeks ago, but after 3 different antibiotics, nasal steroids, a surgical sedation and scope and attempted appetite boosters, we had to make the final call.  She lost 1.5 lbs in 2 weeks, hadn't eaten in 5 days or drank any water in 2.  I was the one who brought her in tonight and held her the entire time.  My feet are going to miss her tonight.

The bright spot in the day was when the mail arrived, Nathan sure does love getting a package and this was no different.  The bunnies and bears from Aunt Josie could not have come at a better time.  Both kids latched on immediately, Nathan is snuggled into bed with his bear and Maura has hers in the crib.  It is such a blessing to have such a loving family.  Thank you Aunt Josie.

Tonight

Nathan broke into our room while I was trying to get Maura down for her nap.  She has been living in there for the last few days and he knows she has been sick.  He was just laying on her like he always has done, and she was purring so loud.  He loved that kitty.

Earlier this year

Just a couple months ago

Pirate Walk to Dungeon Rock

Today was our first ever Pirate Walk in Lynn Woods.  We weren't sure what to expect, there was talk of a very short hike (maybe a mile) to a rock led by a Pirate.  We ended up with a very long walk (took over an hour and a half) and we never even made it to the actual spot where the treasure is rumored to be,  We heard the legend of a pirate leaving his treasure (you can read the full version HERE).

The first pirate we came across, he was very convincing,

Scott trying to get Nathan to acknowledge there was a pirate in front of him

We missed a lot of the story because we couldn't keep up with the group due to 2 year old legs so there was a Gorilla laying on a treasure chest for an unknown reason.  

These Pirates needed help getting the treasure out from under the heavy primate.

Nathan was happy to help

Maura was happy to bounce

This was a heckling Pirate.  We were late to the party and he delighted in our tardiness.  Then he taught us to walk and talk like a Pirate :Argggg" (Walk like you're stuck in mud)

The only thing slower than 2 year old legs is 1 year old legs

We eventually found a singing Pirate

Daddy had to step in and run up a very rocky and steep hill carrying 60 lbs of children.  

Yet another Pirate

We were looking for a golden hook (?) and we had to pull a rope again.  

Yay, another rope to pull!

Just too peaceful, shhhh

My little hiker

and down we go

The scenery was amazing

And there was some talk about glaciers and rocks that Spock might like to see.

We don't know the full story line but everyone had a nice hike through the woods.  Word is they have 4 stories they rotate through.  We plan on returning next year for the walk and will be trying to make a few more visits on our own to take advantage of the nature trails.  We ARRRRR going to return!