April-May 2014

On the train early to Chicago.  Between Sam and Caleb's birthdays we went to the Museum of Science and Industry with Nana and Papa.  We enjoyed the U boat and coal mine.

Outside the museum waiting for a taxi back to the train station after a very full day.

Caleb's 6th birthday, complete with #6 crown and dinosaur coconut cream pie.

Opening the much-anticipated Hobbit Lego set.

All three older children received dress-up capes.

In May we had Mosers, Hartters, and Steffens over for a lamb roast.  Grace fell asleep right before everyone arrived.

The children are on top of our spring mulch pile.  Sam told me to take a picture with the wind blowing his cape.

Caleb playing his first real Suzuki song at the spring concert (French Folk Song).

Anna had a strawberry-themed first birthday party.

Face painting was very popular for a few weeks in May.

Grammy and Poppa made the trip from Champaign for Anna's birthday.

At age 1, Anna had no teeth.  She scooted on her bottom instead of crawling.  She could say ba-bee for  baby, which she used to speak of any doll or play figure, and also cats.  She did not sleep through the night (and slept in our bed).  She napped for two hours twice a day.  She weighed a little over 16 pounds.

Grace planted some beans of her own under the backyard maple tree.

Front row: basil and borage, lettuce, cabbage, garlic
Second row: beans
Third row: squash and sweet potatoes
Fourth row: Tomatoes