Cones of encouragement

Geo is a master manipulator. When he was conducting animal school, he could get M to buy whatever he wanted by claiming it was for animal school.

One time, they were at Dollar Tree, and Geo was trying to convince her to buy these cones with motivational phrases like "Great job!" M was dubious and said no. Then Geo had a brilliant idea. He added, "But these would really encourage my animals in animal school!" Guess who won the battle?

Now we use them to reward animals for a job well done. Well, maybe just for being cute.

Enrico in Italia

Our favorite 15-year-old ventured out of the country for the second time in his life over spring break for his long-delayed 13th birthday present. He saw the sites, ate pizza that has apparently ruined Domino's for him forever, and came back with nice gifts for his whole family (but did not deign to replace M's beautiful Italian cashmere-lined leather gloves he ruined while sledding). 

Now Geo needs to figure out where he wants to go when it's his turn...

A fifth member of the glasses club

R had his eyes checked and was dismayed to learn that his 20/15 vision has deteriorated to 20/20. To regain 20/15 vision, he got glasses. Behold, R with glasses in 2023:

Also, a blast from the past before his eyes failed:

Bathrobe Poosh

M found this adorable Pusheen wearing a bathrobe on Mercari and became obsessed. She checked on it constantly to see if it was still available and see if the price dropped to a reasonable level. G and H said that we didn't need any more Pusheens and told her not to buy it. While M agonized, someone swooped in and bought it. M moped; G and H laughed. Then Bathrobe Poosh arrived in the mail because D bought it for M!

Predictably, Geo tried to steal it when he opened the package. 

Baby's first orchestra concert

Geo played in his first middle school orchestra concert tonight.

Then we went to Freddy's to celebrate.

Everyone needs a haircut, however. As usual.

Nerds

Two out of the three boys now have glasses. (R annoyingly has 20/15 vision.) M likes it when they wear their glasses, which they rarely do because they think they look too nerdy. But nerds are the cutest.

18

R is now 18!

He (barely) passed his driving test today.

We indulged in sushi on his actual birthday. He eats a frightening amount when someone else is paying. Geo actually tried some sashimi for the first time. 

R has come a long way since 2005! Happy birthday!