Easter!

Everyone in their Easter best!

March 28 - Sunrise

I woke up earlier than the kids and was blessed by this gorgeous sunrise.

March 27th - Work and Play

On March 27th I loaded up the kids and went to town to sit in with Erik's high school band. It was pretty surreal to be in my high school band room, with my ten year younger brother being the teacher. But it was so much fun! The kids (mine and his) enjoyed it too.

The peanut gallery.

Mae got in on a little drum set action after class.

She was way more confident than Etta had been.

We have been working on potty training with Russell. Being in the country with only a t-shirt and rain boots is tons of fun for this kid.

And I think he was eating dirt too. Gotta build up that immune system!

I'm outta here mom!

On a side note with that .... Russell went all day yesterday with big boy underwear on and didn't have an accident! That included going to band and taking an extended walk in the evening. I think I may see the light at the end of the tunnel!

March 26th - Story time

We love it when we can make it to story time at the Chouteau County library!

I can't believe Russell is now a "big kid" and will sit (at least momentarily) for story time.

They got to play a game in the front. Mae was being her usual silly/shy/crazy self.

I think that Mae took this picture when I was in the other room. Can't you just hear him saying, "Cheese!"?

March 23rd - Travel Day

I loaded up all of the kids - and Flat Bob - and we headed to Fort Benton for spring break. I hadn't been home since last June. Pre Ethan 

Lent Cont...Day ????

When we went to Montana for spring break I left my computer at home. No regular posts.

But ...

I did take some pics.

Here is one from our Passover dinner at church on March 22nd.

We only took Ethan & Etta and sent Mae & Russell up to Grandma's house for dinner. It was the first Passover dinner for us and very interesting.

Day 29 - Brainy!

Russell likes the addition of Brainy Smurf to our family. Unfortunately for him Brainy will be going to McGhee very soon.

Day 28 - Culture on Campus

On one evening walk we discovered teepees on the LC campus. The kids love to run in and out and pretend that they live in them.

Most-of-the-group shot.

Ethan likes riding.

Tried two different settings on the camera. He had two good grins so I decided to use them both.

Day 27 - Silence

In a house with kids you can have quiet play time and ... silence. Silence is usually a bad sign. You are going along, minding your own business thinking about how nice silence sounds and then ....

BAM!

You realize that it is silent. No good can come of this.

Usually it involves writing on walls, poop on the floor, somebody tied up somewhere....

So last night when I was giving Mae a bath (Bob was at work) I suddenly realized that there was silence. Complete silence. I went rushing out of the bathroom to see what Russell was up to.

When I rounded into the living room I saw this:

Two siblings, reading books. Nicely. Together. On the couch.
Of course Mr. Poser heard the camera and had to give his cheesy grin.

I wanted him to go back to "reading" but he just wouldn't comply.

Sister, isn't it so funny when mommy wants us to just act natural?

Day 26 - St. Patrick's 8 Month Annibirthery

Let's line 'em up!

This has to be one of my favorite things to do. All of the kids enjoy it.

Who? Me?

Who's that?

Ethan is really becoming a stronger sitter. He still likes to throw himself back with some force,
so he needs a little padding.

Brothers being goofy.

It just wouldn't have been a holiday with a couple of beaters of green frosting.
He had a sink bath after this.

Not too much new to report at 8 months. Ethan's hair is really starting to grow in. Except for his "giant bald spot" that Mae points out to every. one. we. see. He is starting to sit more but can't yet get himself into a sitting position. No rolling, but he does this incredible ... inch worm .... move to get situated when he wants a better view. At the daycare at the gym they put him in a jumpy chair one day. He loves it. He loves to bounce in general. Even when you are holding him. Takes a tight grip to keep this kid on your lap. Ethan loves his family. Lights up for mom, dad, sisters and brother. But if you don't live with us it may take a bit more to get a smile. He could win any staring contest out there I think. Seriously, the kid does not blink. (If he's staring at you.) But if you are rewarded with a smile - watch out! Put on your shades because they are a doozy. There are still days when I can't believe we are the ... Wicks 6!

Russell at 8 months. 

Good to see that Mae is still so much the same as a year and a half ago. Silly girl.

Mae at 8 months.

Etta at 8 months.

She still likes to drink the bath water. Yuck!

Day 24 - Sunset

We made it outside for our walk last night just in time to see last few rays of a beautiful sunset. 

Day 23 - Date Night

Last night Steve & Cathy watched the boys so that we could take the girls to the high school production of "Guys & Dolls". The cast did a wonderful job, as always, and I think the girls enjoyed it. Etta leaned over at one point and whispered, "When are the dolls going to show up?" And about half way through the first half Mae & Etta switched laps. As Mae leaned in to me she said, "I'm just mostly tired." Love that they can still cuddle on our laps.

Bob's first selfie maybe.

Photo by Mae.

Earlier in the day ... 

Hey man, what are you doing in my walker?!

Hi!

Day 22 - Sibs

Who could resist a photo shoot with this guy?

Another by Photographer Mae.

But she likes to be in front of the camera too.

This is just about my favorite picture of the kids yet. Crazy Mae & Suspicious Ethan.

Day 21 - Inside-Outside

One thing I hear a lot every day from Mae is, "Mom, can I play the Kindle?" Over and over and over and over. And sometimes I just can't deny her cuteness.

She had to be plugged in, hence why she is sitting on the floor next to the wall.

But after screen time I have her play outside. Super easy and fun when Etta gets home and there is a big pile of dirt next door.

Mae is being the king in this shot. That's normally how their play works. For some reason
she always gets to be the one in charge.

 And then of course there is reading in the evenings. Well, most evenings. I had to put both of these pics on because in the top one everyone is looking at Bob. But in the bottom only Ethan is - and smiling.

We are reading book II in The Doll People series. It is called, "The Meanest Doll in the
World". The girls love that series.

Hi dad!

Day 19 - Happy

Ethan is happy (most) of the time. He is aware when people stop paying attention to him though. But it usually doesn't take much to get a smile back on his face.

Mae wanted to take the picture today. I love digital cameras!

Then she wanted to be in the picture. This is her "twinsies" pose as she likes to call it.

And this? This is my new reality. Russell so desperately wants to be "outside". But I so desperately want him to be diaper free. So he is relegated to watch from inside. I figure it's a nice show for anyone outside who happens to be peeking in our windows.

Day 18 - Evening Stroll

While other parts of the country are still mired in winter the Lewiston valley is in full bloom spring. After dinner last night I took the boys out for an evening stroll.

Ready to go.

Spring blooms from Russell's point of view.

I wanted to get a shot of Ethan's mohawk hood. Russell wanted to be silly.

Big eyes.

The "big smoke stack" against the deepening twilight.

Trinity Lutheran. Always lit.

A long walk wears a kid out!