Violin Practice

Nice posture

Practicing rhythms

Tapping the beat on the music stand

Fun with the cousins (and Uncle Brandon)

Enjoying some spaghetti - and entertaining Elise at the same time!

At Uncle Brandon's house, a Memorial Day BBQ

Giving Sol a few pointers on a video game - a guilty

pleasure enjoyed only when visiting the cousins. :)

Neftali's 5th Birthday

We had lots of family and friends join us to celebrate Nefty's birthday. Famliy came up from Eugene, new friends from Vancouver, and my brother and his kiddos and friends from Oregon City. It was quite the fiesta! We even had TWO pinatas -- in the garage, since it rained. But it was still a blast!

Cousin Ben with Liam

Neftali with his new violin! His arm wasn't quite long enough yet

to hold the neck correctly, but he's already grown into it!

Daddy, who happened to take a few lessons on violin as a boy,

is giving Nefty a few pointers on finger positions.

Goofy Uncle Brandon

Dance party - with cousin Elise at center stage!

We love super heroes!

Awesome Nerfy foam bullet gun! Thank you, Monica!

(for the amazing pics, too!!)

Me and my brother and his two oldest boys, Ben and Sam

SPIDER MAN cake. I tried to frost it with red frosting, but it didn't

out so well - hence, no photo. But it tasted good anyway! :)

Saturday Market, Strolling, Sushi and other such things...

Saturday Market in Vancouver, watching a free-style violinist play

Strolling through a park in SE Portland, near The Center

for Natural Medicine,

our doctors' office

Sushi! Yum! The boys love watching the conveyor belt go by

with all kinds of colorful, delicious dishes!

Sampling a dumpling

Stellar chopsticks skills!

Suiting up for soccer - shin guards a must!

Stirring the saucepan, helping with supper.

Soccer star!

Good habits

Brotherly teeth-brushing