Happy Birthday Ephraim!

Ephraim just turned 10! We celebrated his birthday at home with cake, family, and friends. 

Some things that make Ephraim special: he loves people and he is deeply empathetic. If another child cries, he immediately stops everything to respond and help them be happy. I have heard him spend long periods of time trying to help a crying child laugh. He is deeply worried when somebody is ill or has a big problem they're dealing with. He loves to organize games and play with any children he can find. He is attracted to other children (even ones he has never met) like a magnet. He has a good heart and we are blessed to have his example of love and kindness in our lives. We love you Ephraim buddy!

Ephraim shares a birthday with little Ethan, a childcare friend. 

Summer Fun

Some recent summer fun:

A super fun family reunion

 Making a volcano with friends:

 Running through the sprinkler

Vote for Your Favorite Video!

We wanted to make a video for Azael for his 12th birthday but couldn't decide on the music. 

Which version do you like:

Version A?

Or Version B?

Leave your comments below. Thanks!

Four Square

Our kids are obsessed with Four Square right now. I snapped a few photos:

Fancy Artwork

Some of Lorelai's artwork. I love the colors:

Rain Gutter Regatta

The kids had fun making boats and participating in the Raingutter Regatta last week. Ephraim cut a plastic peanut butter jar in half and won the entire competition. Yay Ephraim! Smart thinking. :)

REAL Tree Trimming

We had some large trees removed recently. Our arborist doesn't use any trucks; instead, he climbes the trees with ropes. It's fun to watch. Here he is 30 feet up in an old, nearly dead oak tree. He has lots of ropes & carabiners hanging from his waste, a water bottle, and even a chainsaw. He has giant boots with spikes in them so he can climb all over the tree. He has a pruning saw strapped to his shin. Pretty fancy. Several neighbors came by to watch him work. If you ever need a great arborist...