four years old

"Now you can love me for four years, mama" said Ephraim. And of course I said and forever and forever. He is so sweet. He had a great birthday and definitely felt very loved. For some reason his mama was feeling a little nostalgic for how fast time had gone by. We had a really nice time with lots of family at Ryan's Dad's house on Sunday after camping. For Ephraim the star of the show was probably London, whom he loves so much. He also got a scooter which he woke up the next morning wanting to practice in his jammies because he is so excited about.

His party with friends was Tuesday night with his friends. It is really neat how much he and his friends really are starting to gel together. Nobody got hurt, nobody fought, nobody threw up, and everybody had fun. So we are calling it a success. Truly it was complete fun with robot cake, robot mask making, robot antennas and glow in the dark bracelets. Every time Ephraim would open a present all of the kids would cheer. Here is the link to the party pictures if you want to see:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lloydphotos/sets/72157602104030629/

camping trip

Last weekend was so full of wonderful things I can't keep up with this blog for it. But we did have a really nice camping trip. We went to Rainbow Falls, about half way between P-town and Seattle. The kids loved it and and got thoroughly dirty. Ephraim has been asking to go camping for his birthday pretty much all year so this trip was pretty necessary. It was good to get outdoors before it starts to rain and is too cold. The weather is starting to turn into a crisp fall. Leaves are just starting to change. Time to pull out some sweaters (especially since Ryan has the furnace disconnected). Warm drinks and thick socks here we come. If you want to see all of our camping pictures here is a link to see them: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lloydphotos/sets/72157602064895481

Mister Architect, if you please.

Ryan is officially an architect now. After many years of hard work, numerous test, grad school, hours after hours he can finally write architect after his name if he so desires. Seriously I am very proud of him and so glad that we can check that goal off. Stay tuned for amazing designs to follow :)

its almost birthday time

So Ephraim is going to have a little party with his friends and I thought I would show you the invite. Robot theme here we come!

Also I read a quote that gave me goosebumps, so I thought I would write it here:

For over the margins of life comes a whisper, a faint call, a premonition of richer living...
Thomas Kelly

I guess it just means a lot to me right now because it seems like it is time to dream. I love my life right now, but there is even more that could be. In this contentment there is more, and I definitely don't mean in the form of material goods, but a richer and fuller life. Hmmm... just thought I would share.

its our new commode

We have a second toilet!!! woo hoo!! The floor is done and the base cabinets are here and Ryan is beginning to build and install them. They look white but you won't see any of that except from the inside. They are from Ikea, but the doors, drawers, and shelves will be built out of bamboo. We finally figured out the exact configuration for them, so I can't wait to see them actually existing. It is good to feel like things are progressing again. Ryan says I should mention that the toilet is dual flush. That's right push the little button for #1 and the big'n for #2.

first day of school (preschool that is)

So Ephraim had his big day today. He did great. He woke up so excited (once he figured out what day it was). He told us he was excited and a little nervous. He was exactly that. The excitement won out though and the nervousness disappeared quickly though as he told me, "Okay goodbye mama, have a fun day!" So I left a little sad but so glad that he was happy to be there. His teacher is wonderful and the other families seem so nice. So our baby boy is an official school boy now!

Salome is walking, sort of

So our little crawler is thinking about walking, and I thought what a great first blog picture and starter. The purpose of this blog is to keep in touch with our dear family and friends who we wish were a little closer and more in our everyday lives. I promise not to write too much and try not to bore you but enjoy this picture of our proud almost walker. She walks five steps every once in a while and thinks it is a great game. If only she would see it as a useful endeavor, it won't be long until she figures it out and starts cruising.