Gypsy or Wizard?

This has been Crystel's most favorite costume as of late. Allie is a perfect Princess.

A gypsy and princess down on their luck.

Fortunes arise!

The Lady Bug.

He's so cute when he smiles and he's trying to keep his sister from being in the camera.

There she is. She is showing us that she made a Lady Bug. Now the lady bug is way over there.

And now there isn't any little girl. Just a bug.

Beth and Jody

Crystel is quite the little artist. You can certainly see which one I am.

She even has my glasses just right. The frame does have two pieces. Crystel is into detail. The black hair, the reddish hair I have dyed. And we are holding hands with a big heart. Aw. But is my nose that big?

Lego's and boys

Antonio has gotten himself up early before school to work on Lego's. He put this plane together with no help from Jody or I. Personally, I don't like puzzels or jigsaws or Lego's. Or Star Wars, or Pokemon, or Big 10 - I mean Ben 10. But, just look at that plane!

So, for him, I'll read him Star War's books and find out who Jabba the Hutt really is. Only until he can read for himself. Then he's on his own.

The Squirrels have won

They scared away all the birds. Then they started climbing the side of the house. Jody and I've seen a hawk in the back yard, a racoon in the front yard, an owl in our tree, and many, many squirrels. The neighbor called us to tell us not to let the dogs out because he saw a small fox or coyotte eating a rabbit in his back yard. That's it! I put all my bird seed away. I'm sorry birds. But you aren't here any way. You have flown your home.

Two Beautiful Girls

Alejandra - Crystel's first friend from Joyce Preschool. They did each other's nails.

And those fancy wigs!

New Years Eve

For many years Jody and I have been celebrating New Years Eve with Amie and her family. Grandma is at the head of the table. Antonio and Crystel also call her Grandma. She lives in Arizona. We see her once at Christmas and once in the summer.

Dave and Max. Sue Ann drums with Amie.

Cara and Amie are office mates. She is helping Antonio set up his present.

Cara and Antonio have a special bond. We don't see her often enough.

Ah. The boy gets to take over.

Playing Wii. Amie in the hat. Her sister, Carrie, watching her.

Grandma and Chili.

Thanks Aunt Pat

Antonio and Crystel have been taking swim lessons year round since they were three years old. This year Aunt Pat gave them hooded swim towels which they love. They are the cats pajamas at swim lessons.

Trouble Queen

Santa brought Antonio and Crystel TROUBLE. Crystel is a serious gamer. She will not take her eyes off the board. She can't understand why Antonio can't focus and play. She beats her mom's nightly at the game. Antonio has gone on to other things.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Happy Birthday Aunt Mary!

Mary is 51 today! She hasn't changed a bit. It's Antonio and Crystel that have aged. How does that work? It only works for some people - like Mary. I was told today by a classmate of Antonio's that I looked like his grandma. Thank you very much, I said.

Mary continues to play through the years.

By the time Antonio is able to drive the skidoo - she'll still look the same.

A picture from Christmas this year. Mary, Crystel, Jen and Antonio.

I was excited about the excitement. Jen got Crystel a hair beeder. I'm sure that isn't what you call it. Now - we can put beads in Crystel's hair any time we want to. Crystel is a bit worried that I'm so excited about this.

Siblings

Sarah and Mike's son - Elliott - was born on Christmas Eve. She holds an annual Christmas Eve birthday brunch. Since I have eleven brothers and sisters you take a picture when more than a few are gathered. In this photo -Peter, Sarah, me, Joe, Alice, Leo and George. Brothers and sisters who were not in attendance - Jim, Fred, Andy, Mary, and John.

A bird at my window.

Church Play

Crystel is dressed in garb for a Las Pasodas play. I hope I spelled that right. She is suppose to be a Guatemalan child. Now she looks like a Guatemalan child in Minnesota.

Antonio was a cat. He had one line which he performed very well. "I'm faster than a gecko, meow, meow."

And that was our first play.