Saturday Snapshots

John came home from Basketball this morning to find all four kids awake, sitting on my bed, asking to climb Mount Saint Helen's today. Spoiler: we didn't climb it this time, but I think John coming home to that conversation was a dream come true. He's raising little adventurers. 

John made one of his infamous breakfast veggie smoothie. (They're disgusting.) Usually he just throws whatever vegetables he can find into a blender with water and tells us we're so lucky that we have him to make us such yummy, healthy breakfasts. He monitored to make sure we drank them all gone, and we did. And we were very proud of ourselves. 

I came back from my run and saw the kids outside playing. Such a beautiful morning!

Johnny and William playing frisbee and Caity roller blading.

Not pictured: Matthew clinging to my leg asking me to make him toast. :)

Per the kids' request, we headed to the elementary school for a family wall ball competition. Wall Ball is the only sport that the kids are currently allowed to play at recess, so it's kind of a big deal.  They have improved so much since we've moved here! They gave us a run for our money. While we played William and Matthew ran full speed to the play ground and seemed to just climb up the slide and go down over and over again.

Johnny is such a good big brother. He is extremely conscientious and tender towards his little brothers! It  really makes me so proud. After wall ball, he ran over and shouted, "Who wants me to push them on the swing!? Then I'll spin you on the merry-go-round!" 

William shouted to Matthew, "Yes! Matthew let's go swing!"  (Matthew didn't take much convincing.)

While Johnny entertained William and Matthew, we worked on Basketball techniques with Caity. It was a lot fun.

Then, we all got into the car and ran some errands for the raft/boat John is fixing. Our first stop was the Discount Store- it is about as sketchy as it sounds, but John claims you really can't beat a thirty cent candy bar (even if it's crushed in a couple places.) It's always interesting the treasures we find there. Ha! Next it was off to Lowe's. While John waited for some material, the kids and I planned out a possible renovation for the house we have never owned. It was kind of fun seeing what all their tastes were. 

In between a couple stores, we stopped by a high school track.  John and I timed each other running 300 meters. It wasn't pretty- haha! Much improvement needed! Matthew was so discouraged that he couldn't keep up with every one. Caity ran with him at a slow pace around the entire track. His smile was priceless: he felt so accomplished. Gah! What a sweet girl.

I know, little moments aren't unique per say. It just brings me so much happiness seeing the kids treat each other kindly, and look out for one another.

We made a pit stop at home to fry some eggs for lunch, and we were off again. It was a busy day.

Also note: Saturday before superbowl is not an ideal time to grocery shop at Winco.

And one last picture before I get ready for my date: 

Sometimes it really doesn't pay to be the youngest brother. Caity seems to be enjoying herself though. :)