The Crazy Busy Life

So much to do, so little time.  It is a common complaint among most families.  The Vescapades family has been quite successful at balancing family time and extracurricular activity time, but with four kids even a few activities can make for busy weeks. 

Last week, we had Girl Scouts, band concerts, football practice, soccer, football (game got rained out, but not before we drove all the way there), lodge meetings, Zoo Crew, school, and work.  Thankfully, it was the last weekend for Spring sports which has made this weekend more manageable.

This week...well, I taught nine yoga classes, which means I actually had to buy a loaf of bread instead of baking one.  I got my hair colored, breaking my no-chemical rule, in anticipation of my 15th anniversary party.  Thursday was the last day of school.  I threw the kids a party complete with cake and presents (because I felt guilty that I had to teach nine yoga classes and couldn't make it to any of their field trips).  We've been hard at work on the garden, and Colby is almost done planting.  We had friends over for an early Memorial Day gathering.  Tomorrow is actually Memorial Day, but Dade is working at the zoo, and I am teaching yoga which makes partying a little more difficult.

So, I want to keep family and friends updated with photos of my beautiful family.  I'll sneak in just a few photos now, just to brag a little bit.  I don't have a photo, but Brody scored a perfect 100% on the state reading test and earned a special award.  The elementary-aged kids all received excellent grades, and hopefully when Dade's report card comes in the mail he won't be grounded.  So, without further ado, here's a quick visual catch up with the Vescapades kiddos:

Last day of school!!! Dade never wants his photo taken, so I don't have one from his last day.

Evelyn with the bug catcher she picked out at our Welcome to Summer Break party.  She has a caterpillar in it right now.

Brody with his party swag.

We've already been to the zoo a few times since Dade is working there again.

Evelyn got to feed Louise.

The kids are pretending to be eagles in the eagle's nest.

He's my Zoo Crew boy.  Love him!

We can't forget about the chickens!

Evelyn is all about sharing the chicken love with her friends.

Lindsey Lohan checking out the nests.

Mo really dislikes that half-bald chicken.

Despite the look on her face, Evelyn loves her little hen.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is such a great holiday.  Why? Because I don't have to do dishes. Yay!

Every year on Mother's day we make the kids dress up and head out for brunch.  We always have to pose for a family photo first.  Cheese!

Colby's parents joined us this year, and we had a lovely time eating until we were sick.

Soren told the waiter, and I quote, "I HATE what my mom cooks. It is so gross." Happy Mother's Day, indeed.

We took the opportunity to stroll around the Haymarket.  There are so many changes afoot: new hotels, new shopping, and a new arena.

The kids played on the train-shaped jungle gym:

And Mom got Dad to pose for a photo while we were all dressed up:

For Kitty's Sake

I must admit that we spoil our pets a little.  The chickens get meal worms and all the hen-friendly table scraps for which they could ask.  Colby cooks extra waffles just for the dogs.  And the cats?  Well, anyone who has house cats knows they are pretty much good for nothing, you know? House cats lead a life of leisure and lap sits. 

I even planted a flat of cat grass for them because I felt bad that they can't go outside.  I think they like it.  Sheldon kept a close eye on me from his cat grass as I ironed.

Just one more place for the cats to sleep.  As if they didn't have enough of those.

The Hens are Here!

After weeks and weeks of working on the chicken coop, it was finally ready for our hens.

I drove to Palmer to pick up our hens.  Here are a few photos of the place where they were raised, a cozy little farm where they were fed table scraps and chased by children.  In other words, a pretty good chicken life.

They weren't exactly excited about the trip home in our old minivan, and neither was I.  Frankly, chickens don't smell very good, and it made for a pretty long two hour trip.

And here they are in their new home, a home lovingly planned and built with great contemplation and precision by my handsome hubby:

The dogs were quite interested in our new friends:

We ended up with 4 hens...and one rooster.  Roosters are not welcome in the city, and we didn't want him anyway.  He was accidentally given to us after a slight (yet later obvious) mix-up and my friend's farm.  About a week later, she came to pick up the rooster to take him back to the farm, and she left us another hen.  So, the Vescapades family now welcomes Henrietta, Lindsey, Lorraine, Cheep Cheep, and Change. 

We are officially Urban Farmers.  Next project: garden.