Liam. Crystel, Nattie and Antonio.

A Typical Start of Pool Swimming

Crystel starts it all by jumping in first. This has been the same for six years. Antonio waits. Egging his sister on. He really wants to know that it's safe and would she please jump so he could find out.

She does. And then he does.

And off we go on another summer of swimming!

Star Trek

This has something to do with Star Trek. To me, it's Ranger Danger, and you best pick up the sticks and put them in the bin.

Jody's Birthday

We celebrated her birthday at swim lessons. This is in the loccer room after swimming, dressed in pajamas for bed. The shower.

Teaching the children what to do in a drowning situation.

Hang on tight if the boat flips.

What to do on a holiday?

But, she's not. She's at home with the kids while I'm working. Ah, when does one rest.

McGruff and Jody McGruff and me and the sniffing dogs. We are getting ready to go to a school carnival.

The kids and McGruff. Kayla is our neighbor.

Mama Beth as McGruff. The kids were impressed.

Antonio picking dandelions. He is an awesome helper.

Antonio and Crystel

Crystel - loving her hair being painted. Her moms not so much. Crystel and Allie. Before they big debut. Beautiful girls.

Oh, and who is ready for the pool to open. Antonio and Crystel did a great job helping me clean out the pool shed. They were very excited to see lots of their toys come out of storage.

Spiderman is among us.

And also a fireman.

dogs and dog bites

Crystel petting a dog at the farm. I told Allie's mother that I'd take some pictures of Allie. On a walk that morning Teresa got bit by a dog. She came to the farm anyway - but the bite started bleeding. She spent a lot of time with her leg up and staying away from dogs. Allie - Blue shirt.

Allie.

Class Pictures

Antonio is standing next to Jacob who is in the blue shirt in the front row. This is the story of the little boy who almost didn't get his picture taken. That would be Alonso who is to the far right still climbing on to the wagon. Crystel is in the far back amongst a pack of children.

The Farm

Her turn. Crystel is holding a puppy. My favorite was the pigmy goat that the lady was feeding. It reminded me of my pet lamb, lambkin, when I was nine years old. I reminded Antonio and Crystel - remember - I was not born in a barn - I was raised on a farm.

I have no idea what has caused Antonio this face.

Chickens running free amazed the children.

And, lunch again.

At the Farm

Crystel and Antonio's class went to a farm in Hugo. A hit is always the kittys and puppies.

The children see how the kitty's can claw right up a shirt. That facinates them. Oh, Bunnies are a favorite, too.

They line up to see horses, pigs, ducks, chickens, and cows. Crystel is at the end in a white sweatshirt.

Most favorite of all is probably .... lunch.

Catching them having fun AGAIN

Ah, what the children can teach us. A woman is often as strong.

Boys like to have fun. They'd rather touch than talk.

Give them a ball.

And they will figure it out.

I caught them!

Sometimes, I try to catch Antonio and Crystel being best of friends. But they run in opposite directions. But, sometimes they let me.

Apple Blossoms

At our house we know the pool will soon be open because of the apple blossoms in bloom. Each day they get a little bigger and bigger.

And the finches come.

Art Fair

Drumming up business. Jody is selling Spanish/English music cd's that her nephew is on. Remember Traveling Tom? Ah, it worked. A customer.

Two very loyal customers.

And a third.