The Difference One Month Can Make

My last blog was about learning to swim. Well, during the last month, the girls have spent a lot of time in the water. I had to bribe her, but Sophie finally took the "plunge" from the diving board.

Learning to Swim

The next generation is learning to swim. I am constantly reminded of fun times with our kids when they learned to swim.  Lea was an inspiration to Sophie and Laynie in the pool this week.  Malachi was up with the family last night, and he just learned to swim underwater.  Funny how they learn best from each other.

Independence Eve

We had a little early celebration on Sunday with swimming, swinging, eating and a special event:  first time S'mores for Laynie and Emmalyn.

This one is not going to sink!

Testing the sparklers

Sophie is learning to swim.

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