Ethan gets a big boy BIKE!!

Before Ethan could get his bike, he had to memorize Psalm 100.

Here we go!!!

Ok, so he's a little excited about the bike.
As you can see, he even EATS in anticipation!


INJURY REPORT THUS FAR:
These may seem trifle, but they are MAJOR injuries to Ethan!
This first little "nick" on his thumb looks little, but it bled like he cut off his finger!! When Ethan saw the blood pouring from his hand, he was sure he was done for!

It was a rainy day and Ethan just could not keep off that bike, so he rode circles around the ping-pong table. Apparently, he ran right into it. Neither Ben nor I saw it, but from Ethan's reenactment, we figured that's what happened. Ben and I had to conceal our chuckles as we brushed off the bunches of eye lashes from Ethan's cheek and shirt.

The first of many scratches! A basic wipe-out!

Ethan has surprised us! He keeps at it despite the wounds he has incurred! It will be a fun summer once he figures out that HE is the one driving!! Practice, practice, and patience as it took about 35 minutes to make it around the block today!!

We may have to pick up some pads...and a face mask! Hee Hee!!

Luke's SUPER Birthday!!

3 YEARS OLD!! The Cake:

Luke requested SUPERMAN for his cake this year. I was ready with a simple design that I could COPY exactly from a picture (like always - I have NO artistic ability!), but Ben insisted that it be "the man". SO, as you see here BEN did the artistic outline of "the man" while...

Yours truly filled it in - easy cake!! Hee Hee!!

... with a little pesky help from KATE - of course!!!

The FINISHED cake

Now for the PARTY!!

A little photo shoot with the happy 3 year old!

It took 3 tries, but he got them all out!

Ethan told Luke: "Lukie, you know how you blew out my candles on my birthday? Well I'm NOT going to do that!"

Happy Boy!

Luke wanted Superman's head of course!!

Ever run out of tape on a birthday??? Painter's tape to the rescue!

Time for presents!

The Doodle Pro from Grandma and Grandpa Hatch

and "The Joker" (thanks mom for encouraging their obsession with bad guys!)

Bath toys!

and the Smith family PLAYMOBILE EMPIRE grows!!

Putting the castle together

After opening a few birthday cards with a gift card for more goodies from Grandpa and Grandma Smith and some cash from the great grandparents, we played for a short while, took a quick scrub in the tub, and headed for bed. A full, fun, and LONG day!!

Happy Birthday my little LUKE!!

This is Luke this morning at 5:30 AM diving right back in where he left off!

Another LONG day ahead!

I think someone little got a hold of the camera!

cock-eyed hallway

an up close of a pillow...
and I'll spare you the other 18 or so random shots.

The photographer caught a glimpse of himself:

LUKE, there's no mistaking those chubby toes!!

The Frog and it's Captor

Date of capture: Sunday afternoon

Completion of slow and painful death: Tuesday afternoon

ATTENTION ALL FROGS: HOP AWAY!!

Worm Hunting Season Has

Officially Begun!

Easter

HE HAS RISEN!! The "Easter Bird" delivered quite the basket!

I was trying to get the boys to look the other way so I could set out their Easter basket. I randomly said, "Boys look out the window and look for the Easter bird!" They were looking diligently while I planted the goods. Then I announced to them that the Easter bird just flew in the house and left them a present! They were so excited. A new Smith family tradition: throw the Easter BUNNY out the window, we've got the EASTER BIRD!!

Good morning Kate!

What's Easter Sunday without a photo shoot?

Bunny Cake for dessert!!

And you can't forget dying eggs!

Luke's teacher in Awana gave out this recipe this last Wednesday night. I had never seen it and thought it was wonderful!!

RESURRECTION SUNDAY STORY COOKIES

1 c. whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 c. sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 F. (this in important - don't wait till you are half way done with the recipe!) Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read

John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us He wants us to know and belong to Him.Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the

cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!!!!!