Granny Diann's Oasis

Eva insisted on taking posing and taking pictures in Granny Diann's backyard. She had specific thoughts on the photo shoot and recruited Adria to pose with her.

Vacation: Oklahoma Style

We have had a good time visiting family in Oklahoma. The kids have enjoyed cousins, swimming and the all important sno-cones. Everyone was enjoying the sno-cones too much to have time to take a pic. Maybe later.

Currently, Andrew and Colin are at Scout camp. I have to admit that I've always been a little skeptical of a group of boys running around in the woods in paramilitary uniforms, setting fires and sharpening knives. And this was before I knew about the rifle or the shotgun shooting merit badges which I will get to in a minute. Apparently, my son has taken to Scouting like a mosquito on the back of my ankle. He is thriving at camp, has a good attitude and does whatever is asked of him. Where did this kid come from? Just a year ago, we were worried about him enough to pull him from public school and homeschool him. Gone is the sullen, moody kid. What has arrived is a tall, respectful, responsible and dare I say happy young man. An interest in Scouting is just one of the changes in Colin. Playing the guitar has given him an artistic outlet. He has always had a good ear and can quickly pick up rhythms and notes. Having something that he is really good at has given him confidence. So about that merit badge. One of the badges Colin is working on is the rifle shooting one and he's loving it. A year previous I would have been wary, today I'm thoughtful and optimistic about where he is headed in life.

Fourth Fireworks

Last year, we spent the Fourth at outhouse races in Vermont. This year we trekked down to Kirkwood (neighboring town) for their annual fireworks display. I have to say we were more inclined to lounge around the house and watch the PBS display. But some good friends called and asked/begged us to come down. I'm glad we went. They had an amazing display with our favorite being one that looked like a waterfall which continued to "flow" for a while. The kids also liked the one that looked like a Happy Face.