Camping Out in the Backyard with Dad

We borrowed a tent from Uncle Scott and the boys have been delirious with excitement waiting for tonight... the campout with Dad! (in the backyard)
Sam and Tate worked together to drive in the stakes. They all put up the tent as a team and tucked in all the "pets" right away (Penny and Sneakers were tired). They left the top fly off the tent and plan to look at stars all night.
Then they made the campfire and got everything ready for marshmallows, chocolate, whatever Dad will let them burn! Later they have frog hunting planned. They are looking for a certain type of tree frog for the new terrarium. (And sadly, its boys only! I have the whole house to myself! Yippie!) I plan to.... grab a book, paint my nails, catch up on sleep, and sneak out later to take pictures of the cutest little boys in Oklahoma NOT sleeping (but I bet Dad passes out!). I love this time of year!

Baseball games, storms, snails, frogs... Spring!

Here is our spring:
Chris took the very excited boys to the professional baseball game. He said they made it about one inning and were ready to leave. Too slow for them. I asked why he didn't get a fun picture, and he said this was the fun picture. Maybe we aren't baseball people.

We are, however, nature people. This is us enjoying a storm approaching, which seems to happen four or five times a week this season. We get our lawn chairs and count seconds between lightning and thunder, that sort of thing.

Flowers and sunsets...

These snails are unwelcome guests in our back yard. The kids were supposed to be disposing of them but they were taking pictures instead.

Now for some frogs. Tate and his "best girl-chasing buddy in the world" found a few and talking Sam into putting them on his head.
Sam and Penny had a hard time hanging on to one most of the afternoon, but finally.....
He got one. Poor frog probably didn't make it much longer after Sam finished squeezing it for his very serious big-boy portrait. Notice his gun in holster. He was "huntin' frogs."
Yes, the best frog gets to make the blog page. He was big, its hard to tell.
We are enjoying being outside this spring, allergies and all!

Bedtime Prayers

After I prayed a good five mintutes with the boys tonight (I don't know why I went on so long, I guess I should probably stop and do that BEFORE 8:30pm), it was Sam's turn.

Me: "Okay, Sam. Your turn."

Sam: "Dear God, thank you for..... I never wemember the words to say!"

Me: "Just say whatever you want. You don't have to try and say all the stuff I said."

Sam: "Dear God," ....... looking at me

Me: "Sam, just say things you are thankful for. We do this every night. Say you are thankful for Penny, Blankie, Bubba...."

Sam: rolling eyes "I already said it yesterday."

Me: "Its just like talking to Mamma. Just talk to God and let him know how happy you are for all the blessing you have. And you can ask him for things you need."

Sam: "Dear God" ....... long silence

Me: ..... "Sam..."

Sam: "PLEASE do not interupt!! I am talking to God." ..... More silence. Tate snickering.

Sam: "Okay. I'm done. I asked God for some of His animals. He says I can have some...... Now."

Tate: "You're getting animals?"

Me: "Well that is very nice, son. Is there anything else?"

Sam: "Yes," closing eyes tightly, "Thank you for all of the gods."

Tate: "WHAT???!"

Me: "Tate, Sam can pray however he wants. He's three. Now its your turn."

Tate: "Dear God, thank you for CHRISTIANITY. Amen."