It's amazing how cooperative he can be when presents are involved. 
Here he is reading his birthday card from Memere and Grandpa while James looks on.
This year he opened his presents in order from smallest to biggest. 
He looks pleased with the Transformers.
Yep, definitely pleased!
And who wouldn't like a gift that promises "Slimy Fun"?!
Seth had just discovered this fountain hiding in a retail area in Englewood. As with all good discoveries, he couldn't wait to share it with the boys.
They had great time running in the water.
I really love this picture of Ryan running laps around the fountain.
These pictures are from our 2007 Christmas trip to California. Seth and I borrowed the van and took the kids to Venice Beach. It was kind of chilly, and although we'd packed the swim trunks, we did not put them on the kids before we walked down to the water.
Of course that was a big mistake. James pretty much ran right into the ocean. Ryan was a bit more cautious, but not much. 
Their clothes were soaked and they had to have been cold, but they did not care.
Eventually they came out of the water and got interested in building a sandcastle.
They worked on this for a while.
I think Ryan would have stayed right there in the sand all day,
but James couldn't resist the water.
When it was time to go have lunch, we dressed James in the only dry clothes we had left--his swim trunks and my hoodie. It's a good thing the kid has a well developed sense of humor!
I can't remember what we did to upset Ryan, but he was very crabby at the restaurant. James tried to be crabby, too, but you can tell he's faking it.
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a lot of fun. Even Ryan couldn't stay grumpy there for long.
Everyone loves a Freak Show!
You may find it helpful to recruit some helpers.
When your buckets are filled, take them to your fort.
Turn them upside down and tap the snow out.
While you are doing this, ask your helper to gather some loose snow and...
use it to fill in the spaces between the "bricks".
Repeat as necessary until your fort is done!
invite your neighbors to join in the fun, and
don't forget to enjoy your new home away from home!
April 2009.
It's snowing like crazy now, though. Here's the view from the front porch. Be sure to double click on the picture!
It always snows more in the backyard!
April 2009.
Now that I'm back in Colorado, I miss the river.
Debbie and I took these pictures on a walk along the river bank in 1993.
They insist it has nothing to do with the amount of sugar they've consumed.
I remain unconvinced. 
Poor rabbits!
April 2009.
Seth with an armful of trouble.
Of course we didn't know how much trouble, yet. They look pretty sweet and innocent here. 
Two year old + Easter grass = Big Mess. I was picking this stuff up for weeks after Nana and Papa's visit.
My turn to sit on the futon and pose for the camera.
I really like this brothers picture.
