This isn't embarrassing at all...

Both boys are completely humiliated by me.  :)  I didn't REALLY think Stephen was trying to kill me with a frisbee.  It just sounds that way.   :D

IMG_1516 a video by mljmann on Flickr.

The Sidekick

The 'marvelous and wonderful Stephen' agreed to come up and help us out with a project that has been the bane of our existence for many months now.   I don't think Stephen knew what he was getting himself into, but he was gracious and kind and invaluable.  We truly appreciate his willingness to come and help Jonathan put together the Sidekick.  He certainly made one boy very, very happy.

Here are photos of the weeklong building adventure!!

Building began in the mud room

Of course Stephen had a lot of 'help'

more help

even more help!  :)

He made a lot of progress that first day!  We were impressed!

taking it to the back patio for the next stage of building...  Jonathan and Zack checking it out

Jonathan and Stephen

More help??

it's getting there!

Stephen and Jonathan

Jonathan putting together the pedals

Stephens devoted fans

still going...

Looking really good!

putting the gears together

getting ready to take it on the first test run!!

Success!!  Jonathan and Stephen on the Sidekick.

Jonathan's first solo ride

Taking Susanna for a ride

Susanna, Jackson and Jonathan

Visitors

The weeks following Guys Weekend were filled with wonderful visits with family.  Candace and Susanna accompanied Kerry up here for the horse weekend and then they all stayed a couple days after that.  The weather, which had been cool and rainy over the weekend, turned sunny and warm for the rest of their visit - providing the perfect setting for Susanna to ride in the backyard arena.

Susanna with Dick

Jackson with Shadow

Jackson (the bard) with Shadow and Susanna with Dick

Susanna riding Dick (the Haflinger)

Susanna

hanging out at the arena

Mom bought a huge bag of corn at Farmers Market which we all enjoyed greatly.  (I managed to only take photos of the shucking - missing out on the work completely... imagine that!)    :)  

Marvin, Jackson and Candace working hard

Jonathan is in there, too!

Yum!!

Rachel and Stephen arrived the night before Kerry and Candace left - so for one evening we had everyone together for dinner.  I'll get to the main reason for Rachel and Stephens visit in the next post, but while they were here there were nightly rounds of playing RISK - serious business, I am telling you!   :)

Jonathan, Stephen, Jackson and Susanna  (note the 2 different RISK gameboards in the photo!  Yes, they played both.)   :)

battling it out for world domination

Rachel wisely reading on the sofa

Jackson and Stephen had an 'adventure walk' at 1000 Hills where they took some remarkable photos.  You can see some of Jacksons photos at this link.

a preview of the breathtaking scenery at 1000 Hills 

Susanna even 'changed living rooms' and joined us for science class via webcam with her Daddy and friends in her living room back home.  :)  I am sure it felt funny to her to be with us on this end - but we surely enjoyed her company.