Bows and Arrows and Grilling Out

January and February are those rare months where the weather is cool and pleasant. We took advantage of this by getting a few sets of bows and arrows (Zing brand, if you're curious) for some fun in the sun. They were so much fun that Josh and I later bought additional sets so the four of us could have an all-out bow-and-arrow war. So fun!

We also picked up a $20 grill and now we have little weekend cook-outs. Not bad for a cheap grill!

And some other pictures of what we've been up to:

The boys create their own games all the time. This one involves an ant colony. This was inspired by our real ant farm, which arrived at Christmas.

The boys made presents for Daddy's birthday - an elephant pillow (by Misha) and an ipad case (by Sebby). I made the cake!

Somewhere in there was the 100th day of school, which is a pretty big deal in kindergarten. Below he's wearing the 100 Froot Loop necklace, although he doesn't like Froot Loops. (Hence the expression.)

They won rain hats at their school fun-run, and soon enough they got a chance to use them.

New glasses for Misha!

Off to school, with Harry Potter tucked safely in his arms.

Sebby ready for pajama day.

Misha's Stonehenge project for school turned out really great! I attended their presentation day and listened to his PowerPoint.

Valentines... so fun when you're in school. Less so when you're a parent sending tons of sugar to school!

Six-State Road Trip to the Dakotas

Last August, I took two weeks off work to do a Dakotas road trip. (I know what you're going to say. That is soooo last summer. And it is!) 

We packed up our trusty Toyota and headed north through Texas, Oklahoma (stopping to see Kent and Connie), Kansas, Nebraska and - at long last on the second day of driving - South Dakota. Before the vacation was over, we also made it to North Dakota, completing the border-to-border experience. Unfortunately, Josh was unable to take time off, so we had to text him photos for his vicarious vacation.

The kids are always thrilled to see Grandma and Grandpa. They were very excited the next morning when they woke up in the trusty, cozy house with its puzzles and books in the living room and tubs of old treasures in the basement. The first treat we got was the classic waffle breakfast. Then it was out to the garage to grab wheeled transports and helmets for a spin around the block. And of course, one can't forget grill-outs, yard chores (the fun kind), nature walks, and fishing lessons from Grandpa.

Misha matches the cattails!

Misha and Sebby were more enthralled with the push mower than Grandma.

Bedtime stories with Grandma

My favorite Tiger Lilies

A visit to the SDSU bookstore

Whenever one's head gets too big, it always helps to play chess with Grandpa.

Gone fishin'

Classic Grandpa

A Bluegill!

Feeling sad about a lack of bites...

Grandpa helps Sebby reel in a fish

With Paul and Adam

...and Susan!

After several days, we popped back in the car and zipped up to Grand Forks, where Nara lost no time in teaching the boys how to have a proper tea party. I love this picture. And then, of course, we grabbed various wheeled items and went around the block!

And had a pizza picnic in the backyard under the beloved willow.

Shortly after, once the weekend arrived, Grandma and Grandpa joined us in Grand Forks for a lively reunion with all four grandkids.

Husking corn in the dappled backyard

Mm, fresh corn on the cob.

S'mores

Harry plays a tune for us on the marshmallow skewer.

To Be Continued