Sid, meet Vince

We were so lucky to spend an afternoon with Uncle Vince and Auntie Adeline last weekend. Vince is turning 86 this month. He is Chris's mom's brother. Chris and I looked on with tears in our eyes at the beauty of this multi-generational tableau.

And Zeal, always perfectly posed with the adorable wet fingers.

Last week Avery looked over at Zeal, who was wet from finger slurping and said, "Zeal, why are you pouring with delight?" 

Zeal, you know him; he's that guy who's always pouring with delight.

Sidney Visits the Zoo

This was Sidney's very first zoo trip. He has lots of firsts these days. 

This was also our first time seeing the alligators MOVE. One actually crawled out of the water and dropped its body onto the grass. It made them seem...well, harmless. 

Looking like statues

concern....

relief

Sidney nursed in front of the squirrel monkey exhibit

first goaty moment

This barn smelled just like Zeal's head because he sleeps on a pure wool pillow. Sweet.

Diaper change by committee

Chris's Birthday

We made two apple pies to celebrate Chris's birthday last weekend!

We had a few families over for lunch, and then hosted even more friends for dinner and late-night jam session. The kids fell asleep in the den and living room to the sounds of their parents playing music. It was a perfect birthday. 

Sticky apple pie

The birthday boy overlooking his garden

Baby Maya and Baby Sid

Sid, Chris, and Uncle Zach

Adam and Almetria

Swinging and zip-lining

So this requires an explanation: when you plug your ears with fingers wrapped with dental floss which is attached to a cooling rack, the sounds are incredible. You have to have someone "play" the cooling rack by hitting it with a spoon (metal or wood)

It doesn't even have to be your own fingers (so you can do while nursing!):

The festivities went on into the night. New families joined us, kids played in the treehouse in the dark, and Avery dressed as a superhero contractor with whirligig hat.