It's a human.

Noah and Sam spend hours, literally, playing with Legos. From the time they were little and got their first set of Duplo Legos, it's been their favorite toy. As they've gotten older they've been given various sets of the small themed Legos, which they also love, but once they've built the thing that it's supposed to be, i.e. Batmobile, Star Wars Starfighters, Spongebob's pineapple, etc., they're pretty much done with them. They always go back to the Duplo blocks, and they've come up with some of the most creative things. Animals, buildings, football fields, Mayan cities, berry stands, lemonade stands, restaurants, tanks and robots, to name a few. This morning they came downstairs to reveal their latest: a human. They said it had to be a girl or they might have gotten in trouble for creating the "boy parts". (I thought this was kind of funny, but Chris thought it was a little crass. Interesting coming from him...)

This is how Wii do it.

In our family, we're no strangers to turning to electronics and technology for entertainment. Chris has always liked to relax by playing a video game or two, I personally prefer the computer and Internet, and we introduced Noah at an early age to computer learning games. So it's no surprise that each of the kids would follow that example and enjoy playing them, also. I just never would have imagined quite how much - we have a kitchen timer that gets used quite frequently to set limits on how much the kids get to play. With all the new gadgets and games that come out every year, and all the promoting and advertising that goes along with them, it's also no surprise that there's always something more to add to the collection of consoles, games and other paraphernalia. Nicolas is now going through a severe Mario infatuation, in particular, Mario Kart. He LOVES this game! He first learned to play it on the Nintendo Game Cube, then he started playing Mario Kart on one of his brother's Gameboys. Then for Christmas the kids' grandparents gave the kids a Nintendo DS, along with some games, including Mario Kart and he quickly became proficient at that version, as well. Our family Christmas present was a Nintendo Wii (awesome, by the way - Chris and I like bowling, it's so fun), and of course now Mario Kart for the Wii is Nick's new obsession. He's even gotten to the point where he comes close to beating his older brothers sometimes! As I've mentioned before, this is a 3 year old child that doesn't even speak, but he sure knows his Mario Kart.
I've always tried to keep perspective on the whole video game thing. I'm acutely aware of the fine line between enjoying what the technologically advanced 21st century has to offer, and maintaining balance in life. I've always felt that if the kids don't get too obsessive and I set time limits, so they will become well rounded individuals, then it's probably harmless. With the 3 older kids, there have been times throughout the years that I've had to put all things video away for a month or two, but for the most part they all like to do other things enough, like reading, playing outside, playing with their other toys, that it hasn't been much of an issue. I may be coming to a point with Nick, though, that I'm starting to wonder a little...Here he is branching out, playing a little Wii Boxing!

Fruit smoothie run amuck!

This morning when Nick got towards the end of his morning smoothie, I guess he decided the straw wasn't doing it for him, and he tipped the cup up and it all fell into his face. I think he was just pleased with himself that it didn't spill on the floor, because he knew that would be his demise! (I seem to have a lot of messy-face pictures...hmmm...)

Noah "Kareem" Bake's first game!

There's nothing more entertaining than watching 3rd graders play a serious game of basketball! Those of you who know him well, know how serious he can be...it's a good thing his team won. Good job, Noah!

Nick's Birthday Choices

I had Nick with me the other day when I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things, so I decided to let him use his birthday money to buy a toy. I took him into the toy department, where he gravitated towards the trucks and cars. He picked out a dump truck that has lights and makes sounds, of course. I tried to guide him to choose a sound-less version, but it was a no go, it had to have the sounds. Anyway, he had some money left, so as we were passing by the clothing department on our way to get some groceries, he saw a Spongebob sweatshirt with bubbles and lights on it, and he just had to have it. As we continued on, I saw this darling shirt, I showed it to him and read out loud what it said on the front. He immediately threw down the Spongebob sweatshirt on the nearest display table, and grabbed this shirt from me. He has wanted to wear it ever since. It's funny to me how a kid who doesn't speak more than about 5 words can be so opinionated about things! Anyway, we all know he's a big-time daddy's boy. Here he is getting ready to wear it to bed, over his jammies.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe my baby is 3! I wish I could have some time back... Happy Birthday, my sweet Nicolas! You're a precious boy with a loving and affectionate nature. Our family wouldn't be the same without out you. Maybe this will be the year you learn to talk?? :)

And we're off!

This week Chris started his final semester at ISU,and we couldn't be more relieved about it!! He has worked long and hard, and spent many hours reading and studying when he would have rather been doing something with the rest of the family. We will all be so glad to have that time with him back again. I also realize what an accomplishment it will be to have spent the past few years going to school and working, both full-time. I know that his efforts will benefit and bless our whole family in many ways. So here's to 4 more months of sacrifices, and the unknown and exciting adventures that are to come for our family in the years following his graduation!

To Elizabeth, with love from Zipper!

Elizabeth: Thanks for thinking of me! I've been keeping busy, you know, gnawing and chewing on walls, chairs and stuff. Christmas was awesome - I got some wrapping paper and boxes to play with! I could do without the snow, though. It makes my life a little tricky, when it comes to,... well, you know. Anyway, come visit me! Love, Zipper.

Messy faces and snowy places...

Sophia proudly enjoying her first solo batch of chocolate chip cookies. I love this girl!Our winter friends are back again. These are just a few of the dozen or so that have been visiting our back yard daily since around Christmas. The more snow we get, the more deer that come. Nicolas and Sammy LOVE to sit and watch them.

Toast with jam, Pancho Villa style...