Happy Memorial Day!

We had a busy Memorial day doing yard work, laundry, installing the rain barrel, swimming in the pool (which we learned has a hole in it - it did make it 3 summers which is pretty good, but still, I love that pool and am sad to see a hole in it), and a bbq at Rockne's. 

I managed to make Gerrit a shirt that he is wearing in the picture above. It is his hand print that looks like a flag. {Normally, I'm not that patriotic, but I thought the idea was cute and figured he can wear it for forth of July too.}

You may ask where Emmit's shirt is??? 

Well, when I had just finished painting his hand he decided to make fist and mush all the colors together so we decided he was too little for this project!

Feine Family Farm

Adam, Dave, and Paul rode the gravel roads in Rushford (southern MN) today. Anne grew up in that area and her family still has the farm there so the rest of us hung out at the farm.

Gerrit's favorite part of the farm:

It was funny watching him walk around the farm wearing the helmet. He rarely took it off!

It took a while, but we finally got Gerrit on the 4 wheeler. He posed for a picture with me and then I took off. I was a bit nervous myself driving it, but I got the hang of it. Luke posing for the camera, pretending to hot dog, Emmit wasn't so sure about the 4 wheeler but at least he didn't cry.

The animals: goats, horses, chicken, cows, calfs (1 and 3 weeks), and Bella the dog - I know understand why Bella is not allowed in the house.

Posing on the John Deere (Emmit did not like it even though it was not running):

Luke's favorite part of the farm:

(he doesn't have a helmet on because Gerrit was wearing it)

Emmit, the little farmer...

Alice, the great horned owl we met in the parking lot where we met the cyclists. (She's been captive since she was 3 weeks old due to falling out of her nest and dislocating her wing.)

Stud Muffins

I couldn't help but make these t-shirts for the boys. I made my own stencil from freezer paper. Its my new addiction...

When Adam was home with the boys this week, he took them on their 1st tandem burley ride. They both fell asleep for half of it and the other half they were giggling about something. I think this will become a regular past time for them.

Alike but Different

Gerrit doing a 'wheelie' on his scooter. I was pretty proud of this photo because I took it with my i pod touch which doesn't have the best camera:

Emmit tried out the trike for the first time today. He can't quite reach the pedals but he likes to use his feet to push himself along (or when I bend over and push him):

There are definite signs the boys are brothers and then there are signs that the have their own personality. Gerrit did not play a lot with the little people toys whereas Emmit will for hours. It is nice to see the toys Gerrit was not too interested in be used by the little brother!

Bike Rodeo

Monday there was a bike rodeo in town that taught the kids some basic bike safety. Gerrit was all set to go until we got to the school, then he was shy. This is so typical of him - he loves the idea of stuff but takes a while to warm up to actually doing it! He was the youngest one but one of the more skilled riders too. Paul helped out as part of his responsibility for his cycling club he is a part of (hence the jacket). He tried to get Gerrit to ride his bike at his station:

Paul had to pull him along as he did the 'weave'.

Finally, when Paul said he'd ride his bike through each station, Gerrit agreed to ride his bike too:

Tuesday night what did Gerrit do at home in the driveway?

Yep, make his own bike rodeo station!

Stake Out

Gerrit gave Luke his birthday present early - a new gun (which Gerrit liked more than Luke and I learned my lesson - don't take Gerrit with to pick out a gift for someone ELSE). When Luke asked if they could make a fort and use the sticks outside, I said sure not realizing what 'sticks' he was referring to!

The patiently waited for Anne to come by and see Luke's birthday gift! Unfortunately, Anne took the car so the boys couldn't surprise her when she walked by!

Typical Afternoon

When we come home from Julie's the boys love to play outside. Usually it is basketball or bike riding, but now that they have a sand box, that is thrown in the mix and keeps them busy. Emmit tries real hard to shoot at the big hoop even when it is lowered and can't quite get the ball - yes, a whiffle ball this time, in the hoop. I direct him to the little hoop and he seems to be happy as that seems attainable!

It is fun watching them play (and together at times too) to see what they come up with next.