Little Drummer Boy

We found this drum set on CraigsList, and Bumpa was nice enough to bring it up for us.

Nate is beside himself with joy. He plays these drums every single day, in amazing rhythm. Sometimes he plays them in front of the TV, along with a televised concert. Sometimes he plays them in the hallway to the sound of Bumpa's band on cd. If the drums are stored in the garage, first thing in the morning, Nate asks if the neighbors are awake yet, so he can play these drums. And he talks about Jess, his drumming idol, ALL THE TIME!

"We call Jess today?"

"Jess play my drums?"

"I sit on Jess lap and play his drums?"
"Jess get a little chair for me so I can play his drums?"

"Jess at work today?"

When I sing to Nate at bedtime, he sits up in his bed and plays the drums on his lap. He does the same in the car when we listen to the radio. Whenever possible, he wears his drum shirt (pictured here).

The drums make him really, really happy.

His future is musical, I just know it.

Luke Turns Six!

We celebrated Luke's birthday with our annual Benihana dinner, but more importantly, we had a big birthday party, with a special guest of honor: Darth Vader!!! Instead of cake, we had lightsaber-sicles (Popsicles), and Darth Vader made lightsabers out of balloons!Several guests were in costumes, with our guest of honor dressed as Boba Fett, and Jamie and Luke's "girlfriend" Kameron both came as Princess Laea. We had a blast with Shyla, Riley, Kade and Tyler, Kai, and all our friends!

Can't believe he's six!!!!

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is always a blast on Arvada St. The whole street closes down, so the kids can play in the jumpers and enjoy a neighborhood parade. Each year, Kiki and her kids join us, along with Nana and Grandpa Hal. This year, the Clarks came, too, with Ira. We were thrilled that the Masseys joined in the fun!

We set the pool up out front, and basically lazed around all day, enjoying good company and the spirit of the day! Luke leads the parade down Arvada St.

Nate, Quinn, and Surina play in the water on the sidewalk.

Salty, Ira, and Massey post up in the front yard for some BBQ and beverages!

Luke strikes a pose with the flag as he prepares to lead the March...