Freedom Rang

Another fourth of July has come and gone and this one did not disappoint. We missed several regulars again this year: two Sikora families as well as Matt & Erin Frank. Maybe next year......anyway, the weather was great, there were a million kids, the food was superb and the fireworks in Sophie's words were beautiful. The pool was completed in the nick of time and if you looked real close, one could see new grass poking through the straw in the yard. Yes, Pa came through again and shame on anyone who bet against him. I included a video for Heather and Jeremy since there were no fireworks in Texas this year. Turn your volume off because Sophie and Averi screamed through the whole show.

Elli arrives for her first Fourth of July party.

Oliver Lloyd and Elli Knisley - 2 days apart. The tradition continues

Some of the gang

more of the gang

What party is complete without sparklers?

Lea and Cassidy

Laynie

Front row seat.

The Garden

We have been trying to plant a garden for several years now.  We finally made it (a little bit late) and things are beginning to show promise.  While in Texas, Pa found the need to install an electric fence around it to keep rabbits, dogs, deer and other varmits out. Leave it to Pa to make more work. I will probably be shocked numerous times before harvest season is over.

Fresh food!

Tomatoes soon!

I will be canning pickled peppers

....and green beans

Pool Update

Since I have been in San Antonio, a lot has been done on the pool. It rained every day I was gone so what should have been a done deal, is an almost done deal.  Just in time for the fourth of July.

Concrete was poured yesterday

Pa put new lights up on the lathe house

The only thing left in the yard is my herb garden, aka the sand box.
I had to threaten the workers or it would be gone too!

Beauty among the mess

A Special Trip

Pa & I had planned a trip to San Antonio to see Annie's first dance recital. As the weather slowed up the pool renovation, Pa decided he had to stay home to get things in order. He suggested I take Sophie in his place and after getting permission from Richard and Hayley, Soph & T took off. We had so much fun. We ate lots of great food, played at a water park, attended a Pinkilicious show, shopped at the Farmer's Market, went to Sea World and of course, saw the fabulous dance recital. The girls got along quite well with minimal fighting. The flights were perfect - no hang ups or delays. We are excited to have the Sikoras home in August.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Annie all dressed to dance!

Calling home nightly

Millie enjoys the Merry-Go-Round

Sophie's first solo ride

Annie enjoys the ride

Doing what Millie does best
(have you noticed the similar way the Sikora girls eat?)



Annie moves through the playground tunnels

Sophie plays on top

Millie trying to get Bert & Ernie's attention

Annie watches from a distance

Sophie loved all of the water activities

Jeremy, Annie, Sophie & Leisy on the see-saw

Poor Pa

Those of you who know Pa, know that he takes great pride in his yard. Woe to Pa.  The pool construction has put a hurt on the yard. Who is taking bets that he will have it looking great by the fourth of July?

The walls are going up

The supply closet

What's left of the old pool

How long does it take for grass to grow?

Day 3

It is beginning to look more like a pool--if you squint your eyes and imagine.

New Suit

Sophie models her new bathing suit, but there is no place to swim. There will be water activities on the front lawn (slip & slide, sprinkler, kiddie pool) if anyone wants to join us.