Blueberries

On Wednesday, Ang and I took the kids blueberry picking. They had so much fun. Elinore and Gabe ran up and down our blueberry "aisle". Gabe was saying, "Come on, Elinore. Come hide in this blueberry cave!" and they were sitting together underneath a blueberry bush. He kept pouring his blueberries into Elinore's bucket and she just kept eating whatever was in her bucket. I think she ate enough to last the next three weeks! Ang and I enjoyed talking together and exclaiming in delight each time one of the kids found "the biggest blueberry ever" and popped it into their mouth! Delicious!

Sun, Sand, and Surf

Here are a few more pictures of California, these taken at Huntington Beach where there are many serious surfers and beach volleyball players. We watched with more than a casual interest since we know what a skilled beach volleyball player Stu is and that he continues to coach the sport, preparing players for tournaments.
This fisherman was very proud of his catch off the pier. We found ourselves eye-to-eye with this seagull outside the window of the second story of Ruby's Diner which is at the end of the pier. We've never eaten pancakes with a more breathtaking view.

California Memories

Last month we enjoyed a visit to my sister and her husband in California. We were there during the brief but beautiful blooming of the purple Smoke Trees. We had never seen them before, and they were everywhere. Pat and Stu have an incredible view from their deck, and gorgeous flowers , even on the walls of their house. I had to include this gas price sign to show that California is indeed ahead of the rest of the country.
We had a wonderful time enjoying their hospitality and the beauty of the area.

Firebug and Batmen

When Brian was young and we went camping, we used to refer to him as "Firebug" because of his fascination with the campfire. He could spend hours rearranging the sticks and twigs and adding new ones. As you can see from this 4th of July picture, he has not lost the thrill of the flame (this time Morning Glory Sparklers). They go above and beyond what regular sparklers can do.

We had a visit this week from not one, but two, Batmen--and they actually flew. The last two pictures are a bit blurry but prove that their feet are not on the ground.

The Fourth

Mom and Dad came over for a little celebration on the Fourth. We had hotdogs over the fire, delicious summer food like watermelon, corn on the cob, pasta salad and chips. S'mores for dessert. Sam was so excited for the event that, to pass time in the afternoon, he and I decorated the back yard with red, white, blue (and a little purple) balloons, table clothes, flowers, a homemade centerpiece, and some of Sam's drawings posted around. The kids were energized by getting to stay up until dark and enamored with the sparklers. Sam got a digital watch, so he kept us posted on the time every couple minutes. Many great memories were made and I was so glad to have my camera.

Cousins Reconnecting

It all started with a much-anticipated (and very long) phone call between Gabe and Sam about what they would do first, now that they were in the same town rather than on opposite sides of the world. These pictures show a few of the things they have done so far. Gabe finally got to see and ride on the Green Machine which he had heard about for months from Grandpa (although in this picture Sam is sitting on it). The "monkey swings" seem to be the favorite place for Gabe and Sam to spend time, just as they were for their fathers and Uncle Kevin many years ago. Hopefully, they can share many more adventures during the coming year.

Can I Upgrade from Standard Equipment?

I was nursing Noah.
She was out of reach playing with her paper dolls.
"Mama, can you help me with this one?"
"Sorry, Sweetie, I can't reach you right now. I can help you when Noah is done."
"You could help me if you had 6 arms!"
As if it was a viable option.

Future Olympians?

Last week Lydia and Elinore finished their Gymnastics class. As you can see, they did very well--and enjoyed doing their routines. Their moms displayed great patience as they accompanied them every day for three weeks. It's been fun to see them demonstrate their arabesques, bridges, splits, etc. Oh, to be that limber and agile again!