Life with Boys

One of Lukas' favorite things during the Holiday is our Christmas village.  He always plays with the figurines and a few days ago I came across this scene.  

I am wondering what was going through his mind as he placed the horses that way.  And it would be pretty dangerous for that man on the gazebo roof!

The boys are also both into Legos, at the moment Star Wars especially.  I also came across this arrangement that Lukas created.  I wonder what mission the Storm Troopers are on?

Christmas Tree

 We got our tree up last week and I was able to snag a quick picture of my helpers.  I know it won't be long before they are no longer interested so I am trying to soak it all up while it lasts.

First Snow

We got our first snow yesterday as night was falling - and it was sticking!  The boys played outside building a fort in the dark.  They were excited this morning to see that their fort made it through the night!

All I Want For Christmas

 Guess what Lukas wants...!?

Thanksgiving Gratefulness

We couldn't travel to visit family for Thanksgiving, so what better way to remain socially distant during the holiday than to visit our cabin on Marrowstone Island?  What a reminder of gratefulness that we have this serene getaway!

We did lots of exploring in the forest...

And, some football of course.

The weather was chilly, but the sun was out almost every day!

And we can never visit the island without going to Fort Flaggler.

Jack-O-Lantern

 We have our very own Jack-O-Lantern in the making.

Halloween 2020

The year wasn't the same without the annual downtown trick-or-treat festivities, but we did get in our annual pumpkin carving done, just in the nick of time.  This year, I left the kids totally to their own devices.  I only helped cut the top off so they could scoop out the seeds (and I helped Charlie tape on his pattern).  They did great!

First Day of School 2020

 Well, just like that Summer has come and gone like the blink of an eye.  It has been easier to post on Facebook and Instagram, so I apologize for not getting any of our summer memories here.  I'll try to get a few up - we had a lot of fun times this summer.

Today was the first day of school for the boys.  Horizon is doing a hybrid model until their emergency child care license comes through, after which the kids will be on site full time. 

Lukas is entering First grade and has a brand new teacher to Horizon this year, Mrs. Hallenbeck. We are excited to see Lukas grow and learn a lot of new things with her.  Lukas has decided he wants to become a firefighter, and my guess is a wild-land firefighter, although he didn't specify exactly.  All summer he has been pretending to be flying the helicopter dropping water and retardant on fires, and has been watching them fly over our house daily for several weeks throughout this summer.  It's been a busy fire season this year and smoke filled the sky as we headed to school!  

Charlie will have Mr. Nagreen again this year, which we are thrilled about.  Charlie really enjoyed Mr. Nagreen last year, and his teaching style compliments Charlie well.  He teaches the kids responsibility and organization in planning their homework, which we love that he emphasizes.  And he's a goofy guy which goes a long way with silly kids!

I also wanted to grab a quick photo before getting into the car, since parents are not dropping kids off in their classrooms this year because of the COVID precautions they are taking to limit visitors to the school.  Kids are dropped off outside the building for temperature checks as they enter, and then off they go to their classes.  

And, notice the hazy skies?  No outdoor recess today, which is a big bummer because Charlie has been missing gaga ball and this year will be Lukas' first chance to be able to play on the "big" kids section of the play yard.  I can't wait to see what adventures await this year!

Tamanawas Falls

We hiked at a popular local trail to beat the heat, and we luckily beat the crowds too.   

Every turn had a beautiful photo op.

Summer Days

We've been missing Lukas, but have also been enjoying the sun and having some fun!

U-Pick farm

The farm is open for business - it has been fun seeing all of the families visit and picking berries.  

 We love all of the fresh berries!  

Charlie has been a huge help at the farm - he has been in charge of collecting the money and keeping the daily legder.  

Puzzles and Forts

We started this 1,000 piece puzzle when quarantine started, and we finally finished!  Each piece has tiny mosaic pictures on them - it was hard but well worth it to see the final puzzle.  

Summer also kicked off with lots of fort making.  The boys created their own space where they can be their smelly selves.  Thank goodness!  

Last Day of School

Phew - we made it to the end of school!  We are so thankful for Horizon school and how they attempted to make the best of the circumstances with their distance learning and end of school activities.

Charlie's 3rd/4th grade class had a social distancing party with games, ice cream and class awards.  They played a social distance game of Sharks & Minnows (the pool noodles were sea weed that caught the minnows instead of sharks).

Class Awards:  Charlie earned the Character award of "Courage" and was voted most likely to come up with a cure for a disease, due to his persistence and tenacity.  He also earned his Black Belt from the Recorder Karate series and also was awarded the class Music Award (the music teacher gives one student  this award from each grade).  

 Lukas also was able to have a modified Kindergarten Promotion.  

Lukas won the "Inventive" award because of his creativity in building structures.  

His teachers also commented on what a helper he was to them and to his friends.  They shared that every day after recess he began helping one of the students with his wheel chair wheel without even being asked.  

Woo Hoo - First Grade here he comes!

Recess

Tree climbing at recess

Zoom Zoom

I forgot to post pics from a few weeks ago when the boys had their spring Piano recital via Zoom.  They did a great job and it was a good excuse to get dressed up!

Future Business Owner

Lukas' yard is open for business.  He's got the best selection of kindling, rocks, and mulch on the street.  Free delivery for customers within a five minute walk. 

Fort Madness

The boys have been sleeping in a blanket fort in one of their rooms the past several days.  We have been getting silly and enjoying some nightly reading too.

Weekend Walking

Our morning walk along the Columbia River was beautiful.

 We took a detour and went up the notorious stairs.

What an awesome Sunday Funday.