First of Many

Phin fell and got his first skinned elbow which is yet another sign that he is true toddler and not a baby.

Poultry Need Vehicles Too

Jonas is Seven, Really?

Dear Jonas: What you are into you are really into and what you're not into, well we better be prepared every 30 seconds to tell you how many minutes are left.  Beyblade, thrilled about.  You probably have 10 strong blades and you know all their names of course.  You love the show even though you admit you don't understand it all.  Pokemon, Skylander, also your passion.  Riding your new bike, doing your reading, ugh.  And let's discuss your pants.  Goodness knows what you're looking for.  We have been to stores, you have picked them out yourself yet every day it's a new battle with your pants which need to be tight-loose-tight rolled up to expose about 5 inches of ankle.

Somehow your dad and I looked over and suddenly you were a real boy.  Saying things (for better and worse) that are 100% from your friends at school and not from us.  You're making inside jokes that sound vaguely like potty talk but we can't quite tell what you're talking about.  Thankfully you're still excited to tell us what you're thinking or a latest invention you're working on.  I hear in a few years boys stop talking to their parents all together.  For now though it's turn off the radio because I need to tell you about this epic battle I have planned.

We just can't believe you're seven.  It's both been a long time, you are after all on your third school, home and city, and a short few years.  You have seen the addition of two little brothers and have gone through countless "phases."  Remember Thomas?  That seems like so long ago, it literally was a different boy who obsessed over trains.  So suddenly and not so suddenly we have this full boy who likes to collect, investigate, "pack-rat" which I've made into a verb for you and share.  Thank you for being such a wonderful son and most of the time fabulous big brother.  We are so very excited to see what the next year brings.

Peas please!

Phin hasn't met a protein or vegetable that he doesn't like.  I know it won't last long so I'm going to enjoy every bite now.

Who Doesn't Look Better in a Fedora?

 Jonas asked as he charmed the man at a local garage sale into lowering his price from $25 to $10.  He wore it as both an "everyday" hat and as part of his secret agent look.

Helping Dad Out in the Yard

Michael isn't actually hosing Phin down, though he might has well have he got so wet.  Note also the Seahawks sweatshirt, definitely the only one on the block, maybe in all of Boston and the new chicken wire to keep out the bunnies now that they have left and new seeds have been planted.

Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail

While looking for worms in our dormant raised beds Jonas discovered a warren of rabbits.  They are tiny!  So small it's hard to tell what they are.  Their ears are flat down on their head and eyes completely closed; maybe 3 inches in length total.  Of course I'm now totally obsessed.  Unfortunately the only way to see them is to disturb their nest in the straw and dirt so I can't check on them daily, I mean hourly, like I'd want to.