Birdhouse Builders

Daniel has been asking for while now to do some "real building." We have some wood scraps, nails and hammers, but I'm not really too keen on the idea of just giving him a hammer and telling him to go for it. So, we asked Papa if he might plan a birdhouse building activity for us (the boys are also very interested in the birds and squirrels in the yard). Having spent yesterday morning at the zoo with Nana and Papa, that afternoon seemed the perfect time for this fun activity.

 Measuring. (When asked "what do you think we need to do next?" Matthew would always answer "Measure!")

 Sawing the wood.

 Drilling holes for the hinge screws. Working in the garage had the added bonus of bikes nearby to ride when the building action was slow, hence Matthew's helmet.

 Matthew takes a break to measure the cozy coupe.

 When this guy isn't giving us trouble, he sure is cute. :)

 Screwing in the hinges.

 Time to paint the roof! 

So impressed with Daniel's ability to use the saw by himself. He's growing up...*sniff.

 Uh-oh. This guy is up from his nap and ready to help.

 Using the tiny saw.

 The big saw and the drill were "too loud!"

 Nailing the pieces together.

 Adding some glue.

 Aaron starts working on his own project.

Everyone got to take turns hammering.

 Finally ready to paint the main part of the house.

 While the paint dried, we went to Spuds for some fish n' chips. Aaron really needed to wear his crown from his Burger King outing with Daddy.

 Home again and ready to nail the roof on!

 Matthew and Aaron decided to build a house out of the leftover scraps...

 ...and Daniel built a crossbow.   :/

All done! Thanks, Papa, for helping us build a house for the birds!

 PS. We were all sufficiently worn out after such a busy day--Matthew even fell asleep on the couch as we read bedtime stories.

Zoo trip with Nana and Papa

Today we went to the zoo with Nana and Papa. We had a lot of fun seeing a few of our favorite exhibits and some brand new ones, too!

 Brand new cheetah exhibit! [Though there's no way to get a good picture of her...]

 Aaron was trying to get to some ducks.

 Daniel and Matthew got to feed the ducks.

 Bird scout.

 In the bug house. We've never gone in before, it was pretty neat!

 Papa gives Aaron a lift.

 While the big boys and Nana decided to take one more peak at the bugs, Aaron practiced jumping on rocks outside.

 Quick photo op while watching the zebras.

 Everyone got to pick out a treat after lunch.

 The reptile house was a huge hit. We had also never been in there before!

 Wolf cubs in a hole.

 Practicing their howling.

 Matthew is howling, I'm not sure what Aaron is doing, but it was cute.

Hibernating like bears. It was pretty close to nap time.

Thanks for coming with us to the zoo, Nana and Papa!

Hitchin' a Ride

Papa came to visit. He has a cool car that the boys love to look at and play in...

Boat Day!

On what was sure to be one of the last good days to boat, Papa took the family out for a trip around Lake Washington and through the Ballard Locks.  The boys loved it. 

Matthew staked out a special spot on the boat and wouldn't budge, while Daniel learned to drive all by himself.  And Aaron, well, he got to crawl a little but mostly just wanted to eat all ride long.

The day starts!

Aaron and Papa relax.

Daniel and Matthew's favorite spot at the front of the boat - complete with a bar to hang on (see below).

The new Husky Stadium grand stands begin to rise.  Go Dawgs!

Daniel gets his first driving lesson.

Gas Works Park!

Daniel steers us towards the Ballard Locks.

The boat was a mixed bag for Aaron, but Mommy makes everything better.

Heading to the locks with the Aurora and Freemon bridges behind us.

WHAT?!  Are we in Mississippi?!

Into the Ballard Locks!  Salmon were jumping everywhere!

The doors close and down we go, out to the Ocean.

The Hanzelis at the Locks:)

Aaron was a great deck hand.

Matthew just can't miss that afternoon nap:)

Daniel and Daddy navigate us to our dinner spot.

Fish and Chips at Ivars!

The hungry crew eats.

Before we could launch Daniel and Matthew just had to see the top on the boat.

Diaper change in a boat, check.

This bar was probably Matthew's favorite part.

The sun is setting, time to head home.

Bye bye, Montlake Bridge.

Daniel on watch as we head home.

The sun and Husky Stadium in all their glory.