Dad and boys camping trip

Waaay back in June Mike took the boys on a camping trip in the Pocono's.  They did a little fishing, hiking, and swimming.  Back at the camp Mike built a fire and then tried to get the boy's to roast marshmallows and eat s'mores.  In an ideal world they would roast the marshmallows, put them with the chocolate in a graham cracker and enjoy the gooey yumminess.  This is not an ideal world.  Instead the boys turn the marshmallows into burning infernos and then they gorge themselves on chocolate.  For the boys, any stick that is lying on the ground becomes a torch and Mike tried to keep the boys from branding eachother, or burning down the campsite.  Always an adventure.

Fishing with Grandpa Featherstone

Gabe, waiting patiently for a fish.  He didn't have to wait to long.  He caught a fish with his first cast - a nice big catfish.  With a little help from Grandpa (a lot of help) the catfish was reeled in and Gabe ran off.  Catfish are scary fish.

Ben waiting for the perfect fish.  It took him quite a while to hook one, but he did it.

Ben, already schooled and an experienced fisherman, practices his technique.

Grandpa instructing Gabe on fishing technique.

Silly photos of B & G

Gabe showing off the groovy wig and what looks like a hairy armpit.  Our boys are mature for their age.

Ben, always the coolest dude.

Our three sons.  Sam is the orange popsicle in the middle.  He got a good case of jaudice that is fading slowly.

This is Gabe imitating Mike and his TV watching face.  Gabe said to Mike, "Dad, why do you make this face when you watch TV?"  Mike had no idea what he was talking about.  As soon as I saw it I recognized it right away!  That is the face Mike makes when he is trying to tune everything else out and focus on some WWII show.  Funny thing is, Mike can't even consciously make the face himself.

Gabe showing us his big mouth - lots of noise comes from that place.

Ben and his bug bite or spider bite in the shaped of a "P" - just showing that he is a true Phillies Fan.

Most recent photos of Sam

Babies are so cute while they are sleeping - all smushy and soft and perfect looking. Here are the photos I took of Sam yesterday. I must admit that he is pretty darn cute.  Look at that face - it is irresistable.  Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks!

Baby Sam

Most of you know that Sam was born on May 3, 2010 - about 4 weeks early, but he was a healthy boy weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz. and 20.5 inches. I am glad he was born early because if he had gone full term he would have been HUGE!

Other Going's On

First of all, thanks for voting for your favorite name for our baby boy.  Samual was the leader, followed closely by Elias, then Levi.  Once he's born we'll make the final decision based on what he looks like and how we're feeling.  Knick Knack still has a chance!!

Ben and Gabe recently participated in a ward primary talent show.  Gabe was the tamborine man in a three piece band lip syncing to Dorothy Do You Want To Dance With Me by the Wiggles.  The dinosaur? cow? was just a prop.

Ben demonstrated some of his newly developed karate skills.  He also agreed to help his buddy Jake, who wanted to show off his skills with a lightsaber by dueling it out onstage.  Ben's good friend Jake is a very mild mannered, quiet kid who really doesn't like to get up in front of people.  Before getting up on stage they planned out what they would do and the cool moves Jake would demonstrate.  However, when the boys were introduced and the Star Wars music began, things immediately took a turn for the worse.  Jake, apparently nervous about being in front of the entire ward, bolted out from behind the curtain, lightsaber flailing wildy, coming down on Ben like a bat out of ....  Since this was in the church I won't say it, but you know what I mean.  Amazingly though, Ben truly demonstrated his own lightsaber skills by blocking every attempt to lop off head and limb until a hit on the finger caused him to drop his lightsaber and cower in the corner.  At this point, Jake picks up Ben's lightsaber, makes an X with both, and jumps up and down in victory.  You'll notice I only have two pictures of this because when not taking pictures I was busy arguing in my mind whether or not I should rush up on stage and stop the madness.  Thankfully, Jakes mom turned off the music and the battle came to an end.  Ben took it all very well and they were the talk of the talent show.  As for Jake, he will forever be known in our household now as Crazy Jake.

We had our 4th major snowstorm of the winter.  All four occurred within about 3 weeks.  With this storm we decided that the little hill near our home wasn't big enough for sledding, so we decided to head over to Valley Forge National Park to get some in and take some photos. 

Happy Birthday Ben!!

In celebration of Ben's 7th birthday, I thought I'd list out some of the many things we love about him.

1. His enthusiasm (SO much energy)
2. He's a great big brother
3. He's a good activity organizer when other kids are over
4. He loves to laugh and be goofy
5. He tries his best to do the right thing

We love you Ben!!