Caption Contest

Post a comment with your best caption for this photo. Using a rigorous scientific process^* we will pick the best one and the submitter will receive a fabulous prize^**.

* Flipping a coin is scientific, right? How about flipping a Nobel Prize medallion?
** Fabulous prize may include cash, real estate, a festive tin of official Crumb Crunchers crunched crumbs, our second-born son (pictured above), or recognition in a future post!

BEATA Baby Bird

The kitties caught a baby bird for us! We saw it all occur, and were able to make a successful rescue (much to the kitties' disappointment.) Grant was especially touched by it all, and so he will be awarded the BEATA (Boys for the Ethical & Affectionate Treatment of Animals) award for the month. (The chapter has been inactive due to the abundance of rain, and lack of animals to torment - or, I mean "love.")
There. Isn't that touching? I thought it made for better viewing than Cole carrying around a big beetle and an earthworm for 15 min. straight, today. It's really the more amazing story, too, because after hauling that beetle around everywhere, in tightly closed fist, when he set it down ever so carefully - it just crawled away like nothing had ever happened with all six legs attached. I think our organization is really making a difference!!!

The Boy of 1000 Faces

Total Eclipse (of the Heart?)

Actually, it was the moon. In a rare occurrence, the skies over Vancouver failed to hide an astronomical event and tonight's total lunar eclipse was clearly visible from our deck. So I pulled out the tripod and tried my hand at some night photos. I started a little late but I caught the last stages of totality and the slow reemergence of the full moon. I wish I could do it over again as I learned some things about exposure times that might have gotten me better photos. Anyway, here are some of the pictures I took:

This is my best picture of totality.

Here's a wider shot with an airplane flying below the moon.
And finally, the progression from totality to normal moon.
The progression pictures were taken at, from left to right, 7:55, 8:25, 8:37, 8:47, 9:09, 9:29. (all times PM PST)

Sunday Golf

Yesterday, after church, the weather was just so beautiful that we stayed outside for a while. We found a bouncy ball in the bushes and it became the toy of choice for a few minutes.


Then, Grant, whom we shall henceforth call "Tiger", found a golfball in the bushes (you can find most any kind of ball you want somewhere in the bushes around our house). A stick is never far away and little "Tiger" proceeded to do what comes natural. Okay, so he needs a little work on his stance and grip but come on, he's not even two years old yet! Cole joined him on the back nine.
Then they met back at the clubhouse to try to feed rocks to our long-suffering kitty.
Tales of conquest and glory were shared while ruminating by the old gate. Then it was time for pizza and pictures with their dad who can now retire early and live off their golf winnings. Hey, a dad is allowed to have his dreams, right?

Puzzle Masters

One of the boys' favorite toy is a puzzle that my Dad made for them. They've been practicing and they've gotten pretty good at it. I've sped up the video for your viewing pleasure.

We've been watching the BBC production Planet Earth recently and the boys' little squeaks and chirps remind me of a litter of small rodents or birds. How apt.

Dare Devils

Cole loves to jump. He is fearless, and has the bumps and bruises to show for it. Grant is a little more timid, although he still has plenty of bumps and bruises. Sometimes Cole has to encourage his brother. Grant doesn't necessarily appreciate this. Witness the following, which occurred today. I thought it made a nice little Valentines Day show of brotherly love.

A Screw Loose

The crunchers got everything tightened up, today, with intense faces.

Super intense, at times. (I think he's drilling all the crusty play-doh outta there.)
But Cole learned that if you yourself have a screw loose......
...it's just better to get some help.

One of These Days in Not Like The Others

Something was different, yesterday. We went to figure it out:

Wait a minute! What's that blue stuff? Where are we? We love it here! Can we stay? (Or rather, can it stay?) Sorry, boys. Say "bye, bye, blue sky." Maybe we'll see it again next month.

Chairs vs Thrones

The boys finally got around to tightening the chairs, today. All that moving them in and out of the kitchen, so they can destroy everything, really wiggled those legs loose, and we were scared to sit on 'em. A power tool was involved, so you can be sure they were extra productive. Pop just made sure nobody rearranged any fingers.

Also, (and I'm sorry to spring a potty picture on any unsuspecting visitors) we finally decided to put an end to all the contention about "who's turn it was on the potty now," and stop all the pushing, shoving, and assaulting that had to be endured by whoever was lucky enough to have a turn. We got another potty last night, and both seemed quite content to sit there pretty much all day, with short breaks for snacks. (For the record, I don't encourage this, they're extremely efficient at undressing themselves, and it's becoming miserable for Ma & Pop both - especially since we're going through all this now, and they still won't be trained for another year!) I'm pretty sure this is nothing about potty, and all about being pantless.
Ironically, I told Grant he could only have another fruit leather if he actually went. So he threw a tantrum, and finally did go, on the kitchen floor. All that waiting around for nothing.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

It's one of the boys' favorite people, Hannah the "Cutie"! When I told them she was coming over they ran to the window and waited until she drove up. After dinner she even took Grant for a walk. Then she stayed long enough to sing a song with us and tuck the boys into bed. Thanks Hannah!

HEADLINE: Cruncher Demolition to "Crash and Burn"

After yet another job completed by Cruncher Demolition, Ma decided to shut the company down. (Although it's still possible to outsource to other homes, if anyone's interested - the team is eminently qualified.) The events transpired after destructionist Cole went to great lengths to scale a fireplace then sent Sue's favorite John Deere bowl crashing down on the hearth. Grant tried to put it together again, but that requires training in 'construction,' which he lacked, so everything was thrown in the trash.
Grant arranged a bonfire (much more in line with his skills).

And Sue finally got a clue and put everything she values (no matter how high it was) into a rubbermaid to be ceremoniously unveiled anew when the destoyers become deacons.



I always hear "nothing runs like a Deere." Well, I'm here to tell ya nothing breaks like a Deere, either. I also realize this is a very confusing post because the boys were dressed the same on this particular day. Look closely - there are two very different boys, there, indeed.