Grease Monkeys

Layne got this Power Wheels truck two years ago for his birthday from my mom. I would say he averages 10 hours a week in it. Driving has become one of his most time consuming hobbies. He has worn holes in the tires and is on his second battery. He has been asking for a real car that runs on gas for almost a year, but for now he blows off steam in his electric vehicle.

Layne has convinced Brik that he is completely incapable of driving. Brik gets all nervous when we ask him to park it or even drive it across the yard. He pushes the pedal in 2 second intervals to make sure he is never going too fast or about to hit something. He is a great passenger and always makes sure to buckle up with the Velcro seat belt. Some days they just pull out in the middle of the yard, crank the radio on the Spanish station, fill the cup holders with their Diego sippy cups, flip down the tailgate and chill.

Saturday while I was running around to meetings, Jarom got some yard work done and the boys gave the truck a tune up. Layne was enthralled with the jack and Brik was tickled to be assistant mechanic.


It won't be long before this little guy is squeezing in beside his brothers. Already perfecting the sounds and actions of cars, Roxwell has proven to have a boy's heart. Notice the gurgling from the back of his throat. This sound is reserved for playing with cars.

And those are misquito bites all over his arm, he was completely attacked!

Herbivore

Roxwell is nearly 11 months, still working on the crawling thing, but he rolls all over. Still a happy boy, content, sleeps 11 hours a night and puts up with Layne's rough handling. He still loves his baby swing as the motor can barley sway his 21 pounds. Only two teeth have made their way into his gummy grin.

Although he is my third boy which is old hat by now, he has a few quirks that are totally original to himself. Roxwell has a very developed palate and much prefers whole food over pureed. Often times he will refuse his own food if you are eating real food in front of him. I am most amazed at his ability to enjoy leafy vegetables and strong flavors from herbs, spices and garlic! How I love to see bits of myself in my child, finally.

Remembering Bugles

The boy's raspberry eating strategy reminded me of when my brother and I used to put Bugles on our fingers. We were limited to man-made finger foods because we lived in Podunk, where raspberries didn't even exist in real life. I mean, Bugles are clearly better in every way; they last for months without going bad, they don't stain your clothes, they don't have to be washed before eaten and they are cheaper. Remind of why we even eat raspberries at all.

I got these big, honking, delicious raspberries at our favorite produce market where prices are amazing. At the typical grocery store they will go on sale for $2.50 for a 6 oz. package, a warehouse store will have them for $9.99 for 6-6 oz. containers. These were 50 cents per 6 oz. container. I am recording these exciting facts for posterity...I wonder what raspberries went for in 1985.

When did nutrition get thrown out the window? I am looking forward to the day when the snacks and refreshments dished out at school, church, meetings, parties, ect. are a little less Bugle-ish (goldfish, Graham crackers, cookies, "fruit snacks, Little Debbie's, wheat thins, Gatorade...) and a lot more like plain old, God-made raspberries.

Looks Older Than 6

It seems like Layne has been 6 for awhile, but technically he just turned yesterday. He is so dang tall! He had a fun day.

Since he was born at 9:19, we used it as an excuse to not start 'the birthday until after breakfast. This saved us from getting up extra early and having candy for breakfast. We had planned on going to the pool, but the weather was too rainy.

Layne started out by opening presents, his favorite being the one Brik chose...a truck with a trailer and jet ski ($10 no batteries!) Next, we took him to Toys R Us so he could spend his birthday coupon and money. He bought some cars and a gum ball. We stopped by Cold Stone where he chose banana pudding and sweet cream ice cream with a pound cake mix-in.

On our way home from the toy store we were stopped at a light and a bird flew into our window. A few seconds later the electric window went down, after trying to put it back up we realized there was no bird and the window just gave out. Lucky for Layne because while his brothers took naps and I made birthday cake, Layne and Dad got to go to the car dealership. Sulking about the $300 bill, Jarom let Layne climb in and out, push all the buttons, check out the trunk, under the hood and the driver seat of the shiniest cars (Shiny cars are Layne's favorite.)

We ate cake before dinner and let the kids run around in the fountain after eating at Liberty Market. He loved his day, it was so simple. Happy Birthday giant six year-old.