As Cute as a Pumpkin

The Girl is holding a Seminole pumpkin that was given to us by a desperate friend. Desperate? Yes, because ONE of these pumpkin plants produced 183 small pumpkins. Our friend is seeking good homes for this abundance. Meanwhile, Paul is out back faithfully planting seeds from another one of these little cuties. (I wonder how many pumpkins we'll get if he keeps on planting?...Hmmm...)

Baby King

Isn't life sweet when you have a big brother to haul you around? The boys made this royal carriage out of an old chair and set of wheels. ChubChub seems to enjoy this lifestyle just a little too much...

The Bird Boys

The boys are wearing the t-shirts for this year's bird competition. They are about to go sing at the local nursing home, which we do every month in addition to our other performances. The t-shirts were given to every participant, but the boys were especially blessed this year. They had a personal goal of identifying 100 species during the 24-hour competition; they passed their goal at 105 ! They each received a Sibley guide for Eastern Birds (Josiah is holding one) for raising the most money in the high school age group. The money will be donated to a bird refuge an hour away (one of the boys' favorite places to be - BirdSong in Thomasville). Why are the boys in the high school age group? The rules state that the OLDEST member of the group determines the group's classification. This is Caleb's last year with us, though, and we will certainly miss him in the group. Also, the boys each received a very, very nice pair of binoculars (in the picture) for the Most Improved Group. We were absolutely thrilled ! These boys work long, long hours (with Teresa as their mentor). They will start next month studying for the upcoming state competition in Wildlife Management and Forestry Judging. It's going to be a busy summer !

Wrestling Boys

Branch is winning, but Anders has the weight advantage. Hold on, Branch!

Who's going to be the Big Boss now?

Stennes and Josiah are pretty equal in weight and height. This is a fight to the finish .

Hey , watch those ticklish spots, okay?

An older photo, but still sweet

Where are the boys?

It sure is quiet around here. The older four boys are gone until Sunday morning. They are with Teresa for the annual bird count competition in which they participate eagerly. Eagerly? Yes, because they're away for the weekend, they get to eat junk food, and they really enjoy identifying birds. What could be better?

Meanwhile, I'd like to share a poem submitted by Branch for the River of Words competition. He was a state winner! We received a letter just yesterday informing us that he won and that his poem will travel for the next year in different exhibits nationwide. What an honor!

Water to Me

Water is flowing
Where is it going?
Water is flowing
Drip by drip

I like to swim in it
I like to splash in it
I like to drink it
Sip by sip

I like to fish in it
I like to squish in it
I have my net in it
Dip by dip

We should love it
We should care for it
We should clean it
Bit by bit

Watch out!

The boys probably look more vicious than they actually are. They've been working diligently all week during their spare time perfecting rubber band guns. Ouch! Those rubber bands really sting!

Here's The Girl doing her version of a silly soldier.

And here's ChubChub, just trying to fit in with the big boys. We dare not give him a rubber band gun. He's a non-discriminatory shooter, folks...

Here's the Super Duper Model perfected by a friend and given to the boys last evening. We were having dinner (a true Southern fish fry) at a friend's house, and their guest presented this rubber band monstrosity as a token of friendship and good, clean competition. Watch your back!