Blowing Candles King

 What's this little guy interested in?

Mama's cake, that's what.

 But it isn't the part with the gooey brownies that he's interested in. No, he's interested in the things above it!

 The candles.

Fortunately, he's adorable and Mom doesn't mind anyone helping her blow out all the candles.

 So Mr. Minte gets to help Mommy blow out her candles!

 He's so proud! And check out the smoke!

There were in fact, 40 candles! Ana counted.

Late Fourth of July post!

 I now have pictures of our Fourth of July!!!! As you can see in this picture, Ana, Ethan, and I made rice krispie treats and then spread "red", blue, and white frosting on top to make a flag. The flag looks kinda sick, but it was yummy!

 Every once in a while, Ana wants her braids to be pulled into a pony tail and decorated. She wanted it done that way for church! It was a very busy hair-do!

 Towards the evening we headed out to go see fireworks.

 We waited FOREVER!!!! Even though there were no fireworks, Ana and Ethan had a difficult time posing for pics. as there were too many interesting people and stray fireworks to watch!

 Here Dad is looking at the sparklers. These sparklers didn't seem to want to work for us!

And here is E-E! Doesn't he look grown up?

Yo Dude! Peace Out!

Minte- A plumber

 Minte- Dad, Whatcha doin?
Dad- Fixing a leak.

 Minte- I can't see! Here, hold still and I'll get on top of you!
Dad- Oomf!

 Minte- What's this? Does it make noise?

 Minte, (exasperated),- Please Dad, you're making this way too hard! It's simple. Let me have the flash light!

 Minte- Mmmhmm. Just what I thought!

Minte- Whatcha got here is a simple problem with this thingamajig.

Minte- See this big black thing? Gonna have to replace it. No way around it.

 Minte- Might as well replace this while you're at it.

 Minte- I think that about wraps it up.

Minte- A few replacements and it'll be running good as new. No leaks!
Dad- Thank you! I'll take your advice!

(Minte was "helping Daddy with a leak! He was very intent on helping!)

New Post Coming Soon!!!!

I have pictures!!!! And a lot has been going on! So come back soon, and I'll have new stuff! We're off to swim lessons in a bit!

Talk to you later!

Ethan Singing Two Years Ago..

You may have heard of our geography tapes we have. We've gone through two tapes because they are such a hit with Ana and Ethan. Basically the tape is of people singing the countries of the world. They are (WAY!) easy to memorize, (or rather, get stuck in your head!), and have been the introduction to Ethan's great love for geography. The kids are singing these songs all the time! Even now! So today I came across a video of little, 6 yr. old Ethan singing them. The high pitch singing at the end is 4 yr. old Ana Mae.

And here is Ethan afterwards talking a little and singing. He has no idea that Dad is taping him and Luke is trying to help. Towards the end when Ana breaks in and impatiently tries to sing Southeast Asia, I can totally picture her doing this back then! And when she starts screaming, "No Ethan! Don't!"... She hasn't changed much! :-)

Look how we've grown

First Dad and Mom had Me, Luke, and Woody.

 Then baby Ethan joined us.

 And this was us. When people heard about the Vander Hart family, this is the family they pictured.

But then Missie Ana came. Look at her arm on her belly. It looks like she's cracking up!

 And then this was our family.

And we all grew some more until finally we adopted Minte. And this is where I stop, because we don't yet have a family picture of us all with Minte. I know, crazy, huh!

That will change soon!!!!!!

 I'm hoping..