This was our last day out on the Donzi, and it turned out to be the best time we ever had on it. Go figure, right? The boys had a great time and looked so precious.

Riley's beloved Mario hat is a makeshift diving had from Travis. So the DUI is really for underwater diving, not actually promoting driving under the influence. He just loves that hat. I know I took a picture of their little flip-flops, too. Will post that. We have flip-flopped (heh heh) rooms in this house, Tal is having to use my graphics computer for homework until we get things sorted out, and I am ready to cry for my old desk/computer setup.

1. Love this picture of Reagan. It is so very Reagan.

2. The cousins gave horseback rides to the Rs on Easter and won points for life.

3. I wonder what Riley is asking Travis, but it made for a funny little vignette.

4. Camden was SO tired that he grabbed some milk, picked up the rug, laid down, and used the rug for a blanket. Once he got a laugh out of it, he didn't look so tired anymore.

See? I told you it was random.

I guess these pictures got out of order because they were on Travis' iPhone, which, by the way, takes incredible pictures. That extra megapixle makes a big difference (it is 4, most phones are 3, I think).

Anyway, Cam had a well-baby visit and didn't end up needing shots (YAY), and we were in a time crunch anyway, so we had a Mommy-Cam outing to go do the sea trial on the Formula with Daddy and Poppa. Fun. We also had lunch at Gators, a great little place where you can dock and eat. And if you are buying a boat at a certain marina, you can also take a golf cart and ride to Gator's to use the facilities. Glamorous, I tell you. It is fun, and we have gone back since--the kids love to play video games while we eat. Score.

Love how Camden didn't seem too sure about the big gator out front. And that reminded me of an old picture...

This big boy was in our pool. He was about two feet long. I didn't think he could get out on his own, so we almost broke the net trying to help him out. Now, I was very busy with the camera as Travis was scooping him out, trying to get a good shot for the Critter Page. Important, right? Well, he FREAKED OUT when he hit the deck. I hadn't focused yet, so all I could see was a horrible blur of brown and white, and I could hear this yucky scraping sound RIGHT by my feet. He was moving so fast and I was in the way, but I couldn't tell, because I was staring blindly into my un-focused camera. Oops. So you can't really tell how enormous he was here, but I will tell you that he ran so fast we couldn't even get the gate open in time for him, and those nasty feet make a disgusting scratch sound on the concrete. Poor guy. Anyway, the pond, I mean pool, is critter-free. For now.

Let me add that this is our alligator mating season, that I have a 7.5 footer in my backyard, and I am scared beyond belief. We can hear him snapping when we are in the pool, and growling from the house. YUCK.

We traded the Donzi in for a 38' Formula. The Donzi was a bit too small and bouncy. It is purple, right? We're going to get it switched to blue and platinum (silver), but we're pretty excited about it. We've been stuck inside with babies and software for a LONG time, and we're all having a blast getting out. Here are some pictures, and a placeholder for a cute picture of Cam, who came along for the sea trial.

UPDATES:
- Click the collage to see Travis' picture really big :)
- Kids love the boat. Tal bounced around and got the wind knocked out of him on the first ride--oops! We took her out to 62 MPH in 4.5' waves...and Cam fell asleep sitting up. Is that what happens when you have three older brothers? Actually, he was exhausted, and it was the first time he sat still all day, and at that point it was so windy no one was talking or running around. But still quite funny.
- I got a driving lesson while we were in a No Wake zone. Doing fine, minding my own business. Then Travis tells me I can go a bit faster and jacks up the speed a bit. Next thing you know, I get pulled over (or whatever you call it when the water police get you). Seriously! Thank goodness Travis thought of everything, because we were inspected for life preservers, fire extinguishers, paperwork, and a few things I don't remember. Phew.
- When we got back to the dock, the marina guys literally lined up and started raving about the boat. AD NAUSEUM. As if I had been planned in advance. It was perfect--no more buyer remorse. Until we get the bill!
- So glad to be at Home Crap Home today. Even took down some of the plastic for some reason. I just needed to get some organization here before Monday hits again. But grateful for a fun weekend. Hope yours is great, too!

Our contribution to Earth Day? We copied our friend Courtney and made a dirt cake. Actually, Travis bought some of those horrid mercury tree-hugger light bulbs. He put one in his closet and the light made it all yellow, so he calls it the Smoking Room now. We did manage the ultimate green project with the paperless software, and we'll continue to hold onto that.

Reagan was terrified to eat it.

Same crazy day...
- Tal lost a tooth, then lost the lost tooth. I went through the trash looking for it. No luck. Tooth fairy came anyway, but Tal lost the loot.
- Tal made his bed with hospital corners. ??? Oh yeah, bribed him with Zombie Fluxx. Fluxx is the best card game ever.
- Camden got into the Jacuzzi fully dressed. Shoes and all.
- Camden now says Amen after anyone prays. SO cute.

There is more, but I will spare you. For now.

Okay so it was not a big adventure day. SuperTarget, lunch (Riley ate a TACO!), and haircuts at the mall. But I always have a great time with my favorite people in the world.

We finally did the wind tunnel. Another kid jumped into the tunnel (he is behind Tal), and we ended up sharing three rounds with him, because his mom was appalled that he had jumped in. The Rs were brave enough to try it on Round 2 here.

Ran into Williams-Sonoma for a couple things (I caved and got the brownie pan that looks like little chocolate bars). While I was paying, Cam spied the self-help reigstry computer, slipped out of his stroller, and this second picture here was what I saw when I turned around. I'm sure the proper thing to do was remove him immediately, but it was just too cute to pass up.

Then the haircuts, then home to play outside. Love these random days with them.

Some friends were in town for Spring break, and we were happy to spend some time with them. Funny that a friend of mine from twenty years ago (is that possible?) and I once again have so much in common. We had a great day in the park with Heather, Elizabeth, William, Christopher, Matthew, and Susan. The weather was nice (for us--I think they would have preferred some heat!) and sand seems to keep kids occupied indefinitely.

Here are some shots of the kids. Christopher and William played with Cam the entire time and were so sweet! Elizabeth is a MASTER castle builder, but was surrounded by seven (SEVEN?) boys who had more fun deconstructing.

Resurrection Rolls

1 pkg crescent rolls
melted butter
large marshmallows
cinnamon & sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Give each child a crescent triangle. This represents the cloth Jesus was wrapped in. The marshmallow represents Jesus (purity). Let each child dip the marshmallow into the melted butter (embalming oils) and cinnamon & sugar (annointing spices). Wrap the coated marshmallow tightly into the triangle, not like a roll-up--make sure the marshmallow is sealed (wrapping of the body after death).

Bake in the oven (tomb) for 10-12 minutes (not 3 days & nights). After cooling slightly, let the kids open them to see they are empty!

This is how Cam sleeps, with his hands behind his head. How adorable is that??

So today was a good day, in spite of the fact that when I finally was able to leave the house, the garage door opener broke and I was stuck. It is always something. We are having an odd week with Travis on a pseudo-vacation, and I am glad to have him around in the midst of the chaos.