Zeke is growing up fast. His molars have finally grown in (well, two of the four), and he also grew enough hair to merit his first real, true haircut! (He's only had a trim or two around the edges before. He's been climbing out of his crib for months, so we finally moved him to a real big-kid bed. After one napless week, he's gotten used to it and still takes naps several times a week. Also, his obsession with all things "Little Mermaid" seems to be waning (but not completely), helped along this week when he inherited Riley's old Superman pajamas. When he's not Superman, he's usually Harry Potter, complete with a dangerous 12-inch magic wand. There is no shortage of excitement when Zeke is awake.
Riley's biggest news is that he has started reading! He often surprises me by asking what various words mean while I read the newspaper. He's getting better, but could still use more time practicing if we could remember to slow down long enough. He's very excited that he got into a school with part-time Spanish immersion for kindergarten next year. (He often tells me he wishes he had some homework to do, "right now.") He has also started t-ball, and looks extra cute in his shirt that is 3 sizes too big. (Pictures coming soon, after his first game.)
Sammy thinks he's all grown up, now that he has turned 7 and is almost done with 1st grade. He finished reading the first three Harry Potter books, and we had to hide them to keep him from rereading those and nothing else. Lately we find him with his nose buried in books like "The Lightning Thief," "Treasure Island," and the occasional non-fiction science book. He has started running track, and so far his favorite event is the softball throw. He likes running, but tends to get distracted by watching his shadow or other exciting things around him.
Christy is excited that a few of her plants survived last fall's transplant, especially ALL 34 of her raspberry canes!! One gardening success is worth a wheelbarrow full of failures (we have plenty of those!), especially if the success lands us with few buckets full of raspberries. She's been making (and eating) too many yummy cakes: raspberry walnut torte, raspberry trifle, gooey Almond Joy cake. Her belly and Bruce's are paying the price of all that fabulousness. She also got a new sparkly dress for an event for Bruce's work, and just might have to throw a fancy party so she can wear it again. Her biggest thrill lately comes from the new locking pantry doorknob, to keep Zeke from climbing the pantry shelves and eating loads of chips, crackers, and other treats. (Zeke is NOT happy.)
Bruce has been busy at work, taking on the responsibilities for the United Way campaign as well as the one he already directs. This is kind of a huge change, with a lot more work involved. He's excited to do more strategizing, and to get some extra help too. He has traveled a lot lately, to exciting places like Fort Worth and Casper, Wyoming. Yet all of this is easy compared to the gargantuan task he's gearing up for--replacing our non-functioning, ugly, muddy pond with a new pondless waterfall system (much more kid-friendly!). He has yet to do the work, but he has set a date for it. We invite you all to come see it on Memorial Day, when it will be up and running beautifully (or else!).
