Seventeen and Science Smart

When Derek was in first grade he hit his eyebrow bone on the playground at school.
 

He ended up with a concussion and an MRI.  The doctor who did the MRI was in our ward so was very chatty with our timid six year old Derek.  He kept commenting on how big Derek’s brain was and how smart he was going to be.  

It turns out that doctor was right.  Derek is the smartest seventeen year old I’ve ever met.  His understanding of science and math blows me away.  In his spare time he reads Science Digest and during lunch one day he was found reading a medical dictionary for fun.  He came home that day and told me in great detail all about arteriosclerosis.  Later in the trimester, during English class, he was learning how to do research for a paper.  The teacher initially thought he was joking when she saw his topic but Derek followed through and surprised her with an in-depth, well researched and very informative paper on arteriosclerosis.  As he plans ahead for college and a future career he wavers between biomedical engineering, nuclear engineering and civil engineering.  That little picture of a big brain, his love for learning, and his ability to work hard leave us no doubt that Derek  will succeed in any of these.

When it came to planning a birthday party for Derek, science was the obvious choice.

Food:

I really had to stretch my mind back to elementary school science to come up with the menu and in the end Google did most of it.  Derek's favorites were the Periodic Table of {Sandwich} Elements and the Fruit Molecules.   

Experiments for all ages:

First, we poured the magic growing solution into cups and then we applied the gooey blue stuff. Insta Worms....just as advertised.  The kids figured out that if you squeezed the bottle really hard it would make a big fat worm and if you let it trickle into the solution you had scrawny thin worms.  

  I didn't want to stop the fun to get on to the rest of the party so I just let the kids play in it.  They spent about 45 minutes stretching, squishing, wondering, and reading up on the how and why of these scientific creatures.  The only reason they stopped was because they ran out of blue goo.  While we did our outdoor experiment they left some worms on the plates to see if they would dry and some in the solution.  The ones on the plates did not dry out until the next afternoon and the ones in the solution grew even fatter and they looked and felt like real worms with thicker ridge parts and pointy ends.

Our next experiment was similar to an episode of Myth-Busters.  Do Mentos dropped in Coke really create an Old Faithful sized fountain of carbonated goodness?  Yes, yes they do.

Well, not quite Old Faithful size but taller than Derek and that's a tall fountain!  We took the time after each fountain to taste and examine the Mentos holey, bumpy layers and some even drank some of them even tasted the Coke.   

Bret had the great idea of putting Mentos in his mouth and then drinking Coke.  

We couldn't stop laughing as he foamed at the mouth.   The rest of us didn't dare try it but asked him all kinds of detailed questions so we could share in the experience without gagging ourselves.

Gifts:

Nathan and Hyrum had fun picking gifts that they knew Derek would like.  A nail through his finger, a mini Rubik's cube and a mini claw made it to the checkout stand.  They were spot on!  He played with and loved them all.  Add the silly string that Bret and Erika gave to him and the party was complete.

Cake:

With Hyrum's help he proudly proved that he doesn't have any girlfriends.  

We all thought Sierra was his girlfriend but the candles never lie. 

Orange radioactive Sixlets came pouring out of the inside of the cake proving the caution warning on the outside to be valid.  With no protective gear on, Derek, Sierra and Daymia fought over the inner poison, declaring it their favorite.  The rest of us settled for the moist chocolate cake smothered in layers of orange flavored frosting.

The post party experiment:

Erika taught Levi how to braid Daymia's hair.  The hardest part for him was getting the tiny rubber band to wrap around the hair with his big manly hands. 

Not bad.  

His future daughters will appreciate his fingernail painting and hair braiding skills.

ur.gen.cy (n)

1. The quality or condition of being urgent; pressing importance

2. A pressing necessity

ne.ces.si.ty (n)

1. Pressing or urgent need

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August 15, 2013

I have been known to be a worrier.  Some have even told me I border paranoid or OCD.  I am not in denial of this and at times I can step back and see that I might be a little irrational and that there is no indication that most of my fears and worries will actually happen.  Still, my mind has an elaborate way of taking a little tiny speck of wonder or concern and turning it into a full blown production of real live drama with graphic images flashing across my mind and horrible nightmares robbing me of sleep.  

I'm not talking about the little things like sticky food spots on the kitchen floor or wearing the same clothes for a couple of days because the laundry maid didn't show up, though those things still make it to my OCD list.  I'm talking about the overwhelming fear of one or all of my children being in some horrible accident that leaves them dead or, worse yet, stuck in a life of pain or regret.  Or the recurring nightmare of my husband soaring over the edge of Jackson Pass to his death, leaving me to face all my insecurities of closing up all the jobs he is on, selling all his electrical equipment, making phone calls and arrangements, informing his family, and most worrisome of all, telling our kids.  

See?  

This goes beyond basic worry right into insanity.  

This is the kind of imagined drama that dominates far to many of my daily thoughts.

Until recently. 

In January something started to change.  Actually, I realized that during the previous months those fear-filled images were less frequent and when they came up I was learning how to push them aside.  In January a new "worry" showed up but it didn't really fall into my normal (haha) worry patterns.  Only recently have I been able to put a realistic label on it.... Urgency.  

It doesn't involve panic or fear. 

Just an urgency.  A Need.  A Necessity.

I feel an urgency to be with my kids. An urgency to laugh with them, to listen better, to comfort more, to really see them, to love them with a greater love.  I feel an urgency to spend as much time as I can making memories with them and to record it.  It's not to fill over-the-top cutesy scrapbooks or to write up humorous descriptive blog posts or even to fill a multi-paged Christmas letter with all the amazing things we've done during the year.  It doesn't nag at me, I'm completely enjoying it.

I've set aside some of my hobbies now and I haven't seen my own friends in a while. Am I losing myself?  Perhaps a little of who I used to think I was but the person that I am finding is closer to who I want to be.  I can pick up my hobbies again later; true friends will still be friends. The housework isn't always done and some days we wear pajamas until the early afternoon but as long as I'm with my kids it's okay.  For the first time in 11 years I actually dread having a job (even though my office is at home).  Sure, there have always been parts of my job that I would put off until the last minute (quarterly taxes) but this is the first time that I don't seem to find satisfaction in doing it.  I just get the job done and out of the way so that I can have my own play time with my offspring playmates.  It may seem that I have tunnel vision but I know that eventually I will learn how to balance family, work, hobbies, friends, and responsibilities again.  When the urgency calms a little.

Sometimes I take a few minutes to wonder.  Is this a prompting?  A warning?  Is there something ahead that will require looking back on this amazing time to simply make it through?  It could be.  It might not be.  It's most likely just a time and season thing with such varying age ranges and needs under the same roof. Whatever it is, I feel complete peace and I don't "what if" away my time now for what may come in the future. I am grateful for this calm season in our lives to recover from the strain of the last few years and pray that we can hold onto these happy memories and strengthened relationships forever, come what may.  

Our family structure has changed a little with Levi moving out and back in (and out and in again), Vivien coming, Vivien leaving, Bret joining us, and Erika moving out but we have always had each other close (and in Vivien's case we e-mail almost daily and we knew she would be coming back).  In the near future that structure will change again. In ten days Vivien will fly back to Slovakia and this time we don't know when we will see her again. In twelve days my baby Hyrum starts school and Justin starts High School. Bret and Erika are moving to Denver for an internship in April.  Derek is making plans for a mission next summer.  Levi is still unsure of his future but change is sure to come. Surprisingly, I feel rather calm about all of this instead of my worry meter spiking out of control.

I love seeing my children (including Vivien and Bret) grow up, making adult sized choices and succeeding in their endeavors.  I love the relationships that I have with each of them.  The random texts, e-mails, and phone calls just to say "hi" or "I love you" completely make my day. When they invite me to hang out with them and their friends or I get texts from their friends, I can't help but smile and have fun with this extended "family".  The daily hugs, conversations, laughs, silliness, embarrassing moments, growing pains and cuddles make this a wonderful life.  Being their mother is an honor.  I have fallen completely in love with this quirky, lovable, wonderful family that is mine.  Eternity is going to be so much fun!

June is bustin’ out all over

~Oscar Hammerstein II

Summer seems to go by faster each year so this year we started right after school got out and we have been cramming in as much fun and family time as possible.  Some of our greatest moments have come in the unscheduled, in-between hours of daily living.

The warming weather enticed us to leave behind our walls of winter security, trade our boots and coats for shorts and bare feet to show our pale white selves to the sun.

Well, at least that was the idea. Hyrum had a hard time letting go of his favorite jacket and winter boots.  When I told him he would want his garden gloves to plant the flowers he though it would require a full winter ensemble.

   Our daily reward for surviving the management of an acre of land is to kick back with a fruity smoothie while resting our hot sweaty bodies on the swing.

The little boys are always begging Justin to play 1-2-3 with them.  On "three" they land on their bum Indian style while Justin bounces them high in the air.  The higher the better.  The less I watch the better.  

Having windows and doors open to the blowing fields around us provides plenty of dust for afternoon artwork.  

The 90+ afternoons find us hiding in the basement. We are hardly ever watching TV during the summer but it is nice to hide out in the cool basement once in a while, chillin' away with our favorite snacks and movies.

One of Nathan's favorites is The Karate Kid with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.

  

Derek hangs out with concrete, oil, dust and mud no matter what the weather brings.  He is working for Edelmeyer Concrete this summer as well as working temp jobs through Gem State Staffing and occasionally he is a substitute pipe mover.  With the mission age changed from 19 to 18 he loses a year that he thought he would have to work after high school so he is cramming in the hours trying to stuff his bank account. Just like last year, this gritty hard labor has him planning ahead for college and career not quite so full of dirt.

The dental appointments were part of the schedule but Hyrum on his first dose of  laughing gas was completely unexpected.  He was giddy silly.  The dental assistant couldn't stop giggling at him.  He kept going cross-eyed trying to look into the big red rubber "nose" on his face and holding his hand up in front of him grasping at air like he was catching bugs. 

Laughing gas is not necessary at our house!  We have enough goofiness going on without it.

Hyrum loves to sneak off with phones and cameras and leave the photo galleries full of close up shots of himself.

  

The rest of us get a kick out of it as well.

Sierra asked Derek to the Spring Fling Dance in April:

Derek responded:

Erika helped Derek come up with most of the poster and as they were brainstorming through all the possible candy choices his only required treat was the cheese curds.  They are Sierra's favorite treat.

I asked Sierra for pictures from the dance and she only had a couple on her iPod but she sent me some others that she also had.  I laughed and laughed.

These two are pure facial entertainment.  And, they are not afraid to entertain.  With Derek and Sierra in the house the happy level rises and the laughter gets a little louder and more out of control.

With all their silliness they can seem a so young and carefree but then they transform into young adults as they discuss and sign up for college credit courses that will require so much study time and work during senior year. Conversations cover Sierra going to Utah State, Derek going on a mission, Derek going into engineering and neither one of them are afraid to ask advice or take suggestions.  They have both been working multiple jobs this summer and are saving money.  Their ability to laugh through life seems to balance out the stress of making such big decisions.  I hope they both maintain this gift on whatever path they take during and after this coming year.  They are both really great people!

Father's Day at Mesa Falls

After church we piled into the van for a scenic drive to one of LeRoy's favorite places.
We love walking in the calm mist of the falls.

These boys are some of my best friends.  LeRoy and I are very blessed.


A visit to the petting zoo (aka museum) is always entertaining with my brood.

Derek didn't actually touch the bear, he fit nicely into the hug without breaking the posted rules.  Nathan asked if we could make Harrison look like the raccoon after he dies.  Creepy.  Hyrum suggested that the bear died because he never brushed his teeth.  They were quite yellowish brown.  The fox pelt was by far the softest; the porcupine pelt, with it's quills still attached, was rough, mean looking and sharp.

To compliment our outdoor adventure I made a dutch oven caramel apple dessert. There were many satisfied tummies, no left overs, and many requests to do a dutch oven dessert every Sunday.

LeRoy collected shells and rocks from the beaches in Cancun and Maui and has stored them in bags on his desk for the last year.  He kept saying that he needed a way to display them so for his Father's Day gift I  filled shadow boxes using the shells and a couple of pictures from each trip.  

Happy Father's Day

Hellbusch Happenings

Nathan and Hyrum love to go to the skate park and nature park with Bret and Erika.  During the spring, before the ponds were all full, they could walk out onto the sandbar and find turtles.  At one point they counted fourteen turtles on the sand or peeking their heads out of the water.  The boys were so excited to bring a turtle and a crawdad home for the afternoon.

Ah, the turtle looks like he is about to give Erika Jo a kiss.
Or, maybe he is telepathically begging her to take him back to the nature park.

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Erika worked for Opinionology until January when they closed.  While job hunting, she enjoyed a couple of months playing house, making meals, helping Bret with homework and doing name extraction for church records.  In April she was hired at Melalueca in Rexburg.  She really loves it as well as the monthly product bonus that she gets for soaps, lotions, and other products.  They also have an incentive program that lets them purchase products from a catalog using points earned based on performance.  She and Bret looked through the items and decided to get an iPod Classic since neither one of them have iPods.  They figured it would take a few months but she earned it much sooner than they expected (which is evidence of how much she enjoys her job and how good she is at it).  However, she didn't tell Bret.  She just ordered it without him knowing and surprised him.

Put that boy in front of a camera and he gets a little crazy.

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Bret, Erika, Derek and Justin went camping at the Fullmer Family homestead for the Memorial Holiday.  Uncle Dean was willing to let them camp on one condition: Erika had to wear shoes.  Of course, he was kidding.  He knows better.  The only real rule is that they can't catch or eat any of the fish out of Uncle Dean's stock pond, only out of the river.  There is no rule against hunting down your own flying dinner.  Derek, along with his friends Chris, Jordan and Cameron, have studied and practiced how to hunt, clean, and cook a bird so he used and taught his skills while they were camping.

Erika hunted her own dinner. Derek was so proud of her.  It's good to know my kids won't starve if lost in the woods with a pellet gun, knife and matches.  Bird flu might get to them but they won't starve.

MAYhem

May was so loaded with must-do's and have-to's to finish up the school year that the month seemed over before we recognized that it started.  We had brief thoughts of celebrating Star Wars Day (May 4th), and Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), and Memorial Day (May 27th) but we were to worn out from running to field day, two orchestra concerts, Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, three field trips, class projects, and finals. Among all that we did find time for some minor breaks in the hectic routine.

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Vivien sent us a goodie box from Slovakia!

Traveling by truck, and plane, and whatever else it took to get it from there to here, our box looked a little beat up but all of it's contents were safe.  Erika was thrilled with her European Skittles, which really do taste different than those in America, and the boys quickly divided out their favorites of Bon Pari, Sport, and oodles of European chocolate, which also tastes better than what we have here.

She had bundled up a bag of socks, dark chocolate bars, Fit bars and almond lip balm for a Mother's Day gift for me.  I had a hard time deciding if I was more excited about the European socks or dark chocolates but I relished in the comfort of both. There are some things that Europe is just better for. Her mom also sent me hand towels with hearts on them with a note that said, "you have a big heart".  I have never met Vivien's mom but I really like her.  She helped my heart grow bigger by sharing, and continuing to share, Vivien with me.  I hope to meet her someday.

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May seemed to be particularly hard on Hyrum.  He would occasionally lapse into baby talk, cry about going to preschool, refuse to eat, show attitude that could put the teens to shame, and naptimes were a definite must.  Among all the emotional turmoil that can torture a five year old he did manage to keep his sense of humor.

He decided he wanted a pigtail one morning.  Then, he wanted two and three and four.  When he asked me to shave his head bald I decided that maybe we should hold off reading Stephanie's Ponytail for a while.

His comfort food for the month was smoothies.   After a couple of weeks I realized that if he had a smoothie and some one-on-one time with me, his days would go much better.

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For our usual post-concert treat we went to Kiwi Loco with Derek, Justin, Sierra, Bret, Erika and Grandma Fullmer.  We had some good laughs (especially watching Sierra's big smile turn into a Grumpy Cat frown), plenty of brain freezes and Grandma got to see some of the teen craziness that forms my everyday life.

Justin did a fabulous job cleaning up for us.

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As the month came to a close we were finally having warmer weather.  To celebrate finishing their junior year,
Derek and Sierra enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the roof.

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After one of our many rain storms I was heading into town.  As I was leaving the subdivision I noticed a rainbow.  When I looked a little closer I felt an overwhelming love accompanied by the blue sky, green of spring, and fresh rain scent surrounding me.

The family that lives in that home really is the treasure at the end of my life's rainbow.

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The VERY BEST PART of May came on the 23rd.  Vivien got her plane tickets!!  We are so excited to have her here again, and for the summer this time.  She will be here from June 25th to August 21st. Since her good news came on the last day of school we immediately transitioned from school thinking to summer thinking.  When we had family home evening four days later we set the dates for our family trip (so everyone can get work schedules arranged) and, with her input, had our calendar full of all the other things we want to do while she is here.

This is going to be a GREAT summer!

What Happens in Vegas

Starts in Utah
April 19-21

Our cousins weekend was held in Las Vegas at Robyn's house but before we could party with the cousins we needed a night to party at Kellie's.  She was unable to come to Vegas with us so she hosted a sisters party while we were all together.

Kellie - Kate - Lucia - Kara - Cami - Mom

Kellie had a full snack buffet set up with all of our favorite, and some soon-to-be new favorite, treats.  The night couldn't have been better with a chic flick, blankets and pillows, munchies, and each other.

The next morning we went to the Women's Expo in Orem where we wandered with the flow of human traffic, bought a couple of items, and treated ourselves to Rumbi salads.

With only one stop to fill up the van and change Brooklyn, our trip to Vegas seemed to go quite fast.  When we got to Robyn's house Fawn and Sandra had a delicious lasagna with an Olive Garden type salad all ready for us.  It was just what we needed after the junk we had been eating for the last twenty-four hours.

The first thing we noticed when we walked into Robyn's house (besides the welcoming smells wafting from the kitchen) was the tall, Alice-in-Wonderland type chairs.  Evidently, Kody thought he couldn't live without them.  Sitting on them made us all feel like little kids and really made for some funny pictures.

Mom - Tara - Kara

We stayed up late visiting and reading up on what our birthdays say about us.

We laughed at the truths in it and rolled our eyes at some of it but mostly, it was a good starting point for conversations.  There's always that awkward moment of "hey, we like you but we haven't seen you in a year so we aren't really sure what to talk about" and then we quickly get to "wow, we are all so much alike and really like hanging out together!".

The next morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast of waffles, eggs, and bacon provided by Mom, Kara and Cami.

The first shopping stop was at Charming Charlie's.  Jewelry and bags, scarfs galore and hats enough for all of us.

 They've always been the cute cousins!

Even the next generation had fun spending time together though I'm not sure Brooklyn enjoyed it as much as Kyson did.

Lunch!

We then spent the afternoon wandering home decor stores and when our energy was spent we headed back to Robyn's for dinner.  It's now sounding like all we did was eat on this trip but it's nearly impossible to put in writing all the hours filled with conversations and girl time.

Dinner provided by Kate, Kimberly and Cami

Look at all that color!  I love cutting up food and doing it with my sisters was even more rewarding.  Everyone was so happy with their panini that they were considering getting a panini press for themselves (Fawn actually got one for Mother's Day from Ruth).

A quick change to our jammies, bedtime for the kids, and silly time began.

This is the part that stays in Vegas.  No pictures will be revealed here because they are not at all flattering, downright embarrassing and for our eyes only but man, do they bring back memories and a big smile to my face!  We played a couple of games that had us making complete fools of ourselves and laughing hysterically.

Game #1 - A paper lunch bag was on the floor and with hands behind our back we had to bend down and pick the bag up with our mouth.  Those who didn't fall through round one went on to round two where about 2 inches was cut off the bag.  Repeat until there is only one person left (winner) which in this case meant that there was only the flat bottom of the bag on the ground. Some of these girls have major flexibility! The pictures show very strange positions with heads down to the floor, lips stretched out trying to get the bag and booties high in the air.  

Game #2 - We each wrote down three animals on separate pieces of paper and put them in a bowl.  We  divided into two teams and took turns trying to get our team to guess as many animals as they could before the time ran out.  Round one we could use any actions and verbally explain as much as we needed.  Round two we could act it out and say one word.  Round three we could only act it out.  Imagine the creativity used for dragonfly, cheetah, manta ray, monkey and our all time favorite, thanks to Sara, the seahorse.  There were moments during this game that we all sounded like we were gasping for air while tears were running down our faces.

Game #3 - Put a cookie on your forehead and without using your hands, only facial movement, get the cookie to your mouth.  Actually, Sara and Aurora were the only ones who did it and the rest of us just watched and took pictures.  By then, my face hurt to bad from laughing and smiling to try to get my facial muscles to work together enough to get a cookie to travel like that.

After a very fun, late night we zonked for a few hours and then.....ate again.  Sandra and Alice made a fantastic breakfast of stuffed french toast, eggs, juice and fruit.  Once we were all showered, dressed, and ready to head out the door for our long ride home Sandra surprised us with pineapple drinks in fancy glasses.  We got a few more pictures, settled down for our drinks and ended up talking for another two hours.  We left significantly later than we had planned but I had no regrets about that.  I love these girls!

Back: Cami, Alice, Trudy, Sandra, Kimberly, Kate, Robyn
Front: Kara, Fawn, Tara, Sara, Maya
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On the way home Brooklyn started to get fussy so Kate gave her a taste of fudge. (Duh.  If a girl is fussy give her chocolate!)  She grinned, smacked her lips and kept grabbing for Kate's hand.

Shortly after this Kate tried to give her baby food.  Brooklyn pushed the food out with her tongue, turned her head and puckered up her face in a big "no thank you".  She was so good through all the traveling, shopping, loud nights and was it was a complete joy to have her with us!

Because we left Robyn's house late and we had been up so late three nights in a row, I decided to spend the night at Kara's house rather than leaving at 10:00 p.m. trying to make myself stay awake for the additional four hours home.  I loved having this four day weekend break with my sisters and cousins.  They are some of my very best friends!

Nathan's 7th Birthday

When we had Hyrum's Cat in the Hat party Nathan begged me to do a Lorax party for his birthday. He was excited to help with the planning and waiting the two weeks from Hyrum's birthday to his birthday was almost more than he could stand. When I told him that his cousins, Andie, Brendan, Jeremy and Hailey, would be here for the party he was even more excited and the wait seemed a little more worth it.


The Food

Breakfast for dinner?  Absolutely!  Marshmallows and Chocolate Teddy Grahams?  Yum!

The kids raved about the strawberry pancakes, the boys were thrilled to see such a full platter of bacon truffula trunks  and you can't go wrong in this house with fruit.


We moved out to the garage for Thneedville Bowling and the Truffula Ring Toss. 

I was explaining how to play each game when LeRoy, Kellie and Erika naturally gravitated where help was needed. LeRoy was the official hula hoop retriever and cheered on those doing the tossing.  Kellie set up the Thneedville characters for bowling each time they were knocked down.  Erika handed out Tootie-Frooties truffula treats after each person had their turn.  I particularly enjoyed being an observer and participant instead of being the one directing everything. Watching all the laughs, smiles and encouraging interactions felt like I was getting a glimpse of our eternal happily ever after.

The day before the party, after LeRoy, Derek and I finished the truffula trees, Nathan walked by, backed up and exclaimed, "those truffula trees are awesome!"  I hadn't told him what we were making so we were all thrilled that he knew exactly what they were.  When I explained that they would be tossing a hula hoop over the truffula trees Nathan interrupted me and said, "I get it!  Who-la-hoop!"  Oh, my clever boy!  All these themed, play on word parties are paying off.

For Thneedville Bowling I printed these pictures and taped them to varied sizes of containers from our recycling bin and added rocks to weigh the containers down (so the wind wouldn't blow them over) and make the game a little more challenging. The object of the game was to see if you could knock over Mr. O'Hare on the first try.


 The Cake

I have no idea where this look came from but we saw it numerous times during the night and found it quite entertaining.

This picture is one of my favorite from the party.  It sums up his excitement, is a clue to the silliness that went on, and is a pictorial description of the high we were all suffering from due to the sugar loaded dinner and cake that we pumped into our bloodstream.


If I had to pick one word to describe Nathan's last year it would be "reading".  He LOVES reading.

He reads until his eyes can't read another word.