Spring...Wake up call

While I was in Palmer for a baby-shower and last minute shopping for my friend Katie (the shopping situation was desperate. She had 3 sleepers, and she's having her baby tomorrow. It had to be done!), Dale had all the kids at home. They got so much done, it was ridiculous.

First, they got the living room cleaned up and ready for our "new" computer desk. They mopped all the floors, cleared out the hall, scrubbed the bathroom, did 2 loads of laundry, AND got all the dishes done.

Then they left the house to run errands. Sam's club, Petco, (didn't find a dog, though.) Home Depot.

Then they came home and raked the front yard, did a general driveway spring cleaning, and best of all.....TOOK DOWN OUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!! Whoot whoot! They've been up since 2006, so it was time.

Then they got to play, and play they did. Here is how pathetic our current situation is:
A couple of things to note in the above foto. First, notice how nice Elle looks in her boots? Except they are not boots, they are muddy tights. Before I came home yesterday she owned exactly zero pairs of shoes. That's because she just barely learned to walk, and she has only walked inside till yesterday. That is because the whole city was covered in ice until the middle of last week!

Second, don't you love Logan's bike? He's had it for 3 years. His legs are short, but not THAT short. Might be time to graduate out of the 12" model, ya think? He should have worn a mouth guard in case his knee cracked his jaw. He did wear a helmet, though, good boy!


Here is Rebecca being...Rebecca. She made a cage out of old tomato fencing (is that what it's called? Who knows?) She is dragging a sheet behind her for some unknown purpose. I think Sarah is just wondering what the heck she is doing. We all wonder that a lot, honestly. She is so creative!
And here's Elle in her new "boots". She was happy to be outside for a change!

And another. I couldn't pick between the two poses.

So what have I learned?

**If I want to come home to a sparkling clean house and a lights free garage, leave town for a Saturday and leave my SuperDale in charge.

**Logan really needs a new bike.

**Fifth children don't often get new things. Or old things. Like shoes, for example. By the fifth child, everything is pretty much worn out, and frankly, I'm not that excited about girls clothes anymore. Sad, but true.

**Rebecca would be perfectly entertained and happy to play with....anything.

and finally...

**The Christmas spirit really can last all year long. Just not this year.

Thanks, Family for working so hard! It's going to be the Summer of Wow! for sure!