Randomness

It has been a looooong time since we've updated our blog (and the three people that check it regularly are well aware of that). So, here are some random pictures from the past month. Enjoy!

Birthday gift for Dad. Happy 34th Jeffy!

Our big boy sitting in his favorite wagon. Little did he
know we were just strapping him down so we could cut his hair....

No longer a happy camper--we had to move the hair cutting session to the bathtub.

Much better, but don't examine the cut too closely.

Visiting the Arboretum with Uncle Sam.

What a great uncle.

We found a ton of this on the ground--it was coming off one of the trees.

This is how soft it was.

Playing in the water at Vicki G's. This is the before picture.

And, after. He was a little surprised, but came back for more.

Making funny faces with Grandma Ne.

Playing dress up at bedtime.

Is it prideful to say that your kid is the cutest little boy you've ever seen?

Celebrating at Jeff's Pinning Ceremony. Congratulations Nurse Jeff!

Happy Mama's Day at the Yard House. It was soooo delish!

Of course Courtney got her the best card.

Picking out his own outfit. And, yes, I did take him to the store and the library in these clothes. One little boy at the library looked at him and said, "He plays baseball."

He really likes this dustpan. I mean loves it.

Say Cheese!

When I hear the word "invitational" what immediately comes to mind is a cold bus seat, an upset stomach, dry skin, chapped lips and Mr. Ede's fanny pack. Today, however, the word "invitational" was redeemed. Jeff, Sam, Zeke and I had the privilege of attending the 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational. Let's just say it was cheesetastic!

Check out the line to get in...it got much worse.
They started feeding us while we waited in line.
Look at all those fresh, cheesey sandwiches.

Once we got inside there were more sandwiches (all you can eat!!)

and lots of delicious Izze (all you can drink!!).

Let's just say, it was a darn good day for a Bixby girl.

The Mayor of Cheese kicks off the event with his blessing and a call to all competitors to "Grill!"

Immediately the competitors jumped into action as the

theme from the Olympics filled the venue.

As the hot sandwiches come off the grill, they are passed out to the judges.

This was Sam's favorite because it had the most cheese.

My favorite was The Inside Out (cheese on the outside, bread on the inside).

Filling out the ballot.

The line when we left...

Invitational Stats

Number of sammiches consumed:

Zeke - 2

Tiff - 7

Sam - 8

Jeff - lost count

Favorite Izze:

Tiff - Grapefruit

Sam - Apple

Jeff - Pomegranate

Favorite Sammich:

Jeff - The Admiral (good bread, awesome and tasty cheese)

Sam - The Giraffe (cheesey, cheesey, cheesey)

Tiff - The Inside Out (crispy, delicious, cheese)

Easter Fun!

Early Saturday morning, while Zeke napped, Papa and Grandma scouted out the perfect spot to begin the Finkbiner Easter Eggstravaganza.

Zeke arrived refreshed from his 15 minute nap and ready to compete in the 0-2 age group.

He had his game face on.

The hunt begins...

Two fisting was a good strategy.

Mom and Dad were very proud of their little egg hunter.

Checking out his loot with Dad.

After the Easter Eggstravaganza, Zeke found an Easter basket waiting for him at home.

The Easter eggs were filled with Trader Joe's Raisin Bran Cereal. Yum!

The day wouldn't be complete without dyeing Easter eggs!

The apron protected him from the dye.

Uncle Sam shared his expertise on dyeing the perfect Easter egg!

Orange is good.

Yellow is even better!

Zeke ended up with multi-colored hands. His Aunt Kari would have been impressed!

Green Thumbs

Spring is here and today was such a beautiful day! The sun was shining and the air was clean and crisp. It was the perfect day to start our tomato garden. So, after googling "How to Plant Tomatoes", we headed to Lowe's with a shopping list and a ten dollar off coupon.

Zeke studied the many different species of tomato plants and we settled on four different types. We also picked up a little sweet basil so we can make some delicious basil, tomato and mozzarella sandwiches for our favorite vegetarian.

Preparing the soil.

Doing a little taste testing.

Watching Grandma Ne and Mom fill the pots with soil.

Searching for the perfect home for our pots.

Aren't they beautiful?

Happy Spring!