Why Hello There Friend

Picture Circus

The Gtown library presented a neat event called "Picture Circus".  They had authors and illustrators come showcase their talents and teach the children about their trades.  There were clowns (note: no pictures were taken of any clowns), jump houses, face painting, food, balloon animals and lots of long lines.  We were waiting in a looooong line for a balloon animal when Trey & Paige both got a glimpse of the clown making them (he was sitting down) and they immediately changed their minds about getting a balloon animal.  Really?  Did I impose my fear of clowns on my children??  Apparently so, however, I would like to note that I kept my mouth shut about my clown phobia today so I can't really be blamed.  My favorite part was a show presented by 'Volve', a group of performers that were just amazing.  That is pretty much all I took pics of.  SO COOL.

Over 10 hula hoops at once!

Amazing balance and strength!

She is on her neck!

Splits in the air!

And oh yeah, one other thing...Paige wanted to try cotton candy for the first time (Trey refused to try it - surprised?).  And the verdict?  "Ew.  I don't like it." said Paige.

;.)

Our Deepest Sympathy

Sadly, Dominique's cousin's husband was killed this week in the Kabul airport when an Afghan air force pilot open fired on 8 soldiers and a contractor.  Maj. Phil Ambard, 44,  earned his masters and doctorate and was a foreign language professor at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  He served in the Air Force for 25 years.  Four of his five children have followed his footsteps and serve in the Air Force today.  

Please take some time to think of his family and friends.  Take some time to honor the fallen soldiers and those serving today.  They are selfless men and women and they are brave and courageous.

Thank you to all the soldiers who have given their lives for our great nation and those that are still fighting today.   Thank you to their families who live on while their loved ones have been taken away or are far away protecting us.

I am just a stay at home Mom of two kiddos keeping busy with dance lessons, piano lessons and school activities.  Afghanistan, Iraq, the war/fighting all seems to take place in a far away make believe land.  But today I was reminded how it is very real.  It is hard to explain the heaviness in my heart and the deep sorrow I feel for Phil's family.  I pray for peace and strength and God's love to surround them.

Karen

Memories

Oh to be young again...

This is a picture of me when I was 4 1/2 years old with my best friend, Marysa, and her brother, Jonmichael. We met in 1975 when we moved from NY to Ohio and we are still friends to this very day.

Weekend trip to Houston

Trey and Paige had a blast with Kaitlyn, Emma & Lauren on a quick weekend trip to Aunt Caralyn's and Uncle Paul's. It was great to see the girls and laugh a bit with C&P. Unfortunately, there wasn't any adult game playing (ie, spades) due to me not feeling that great. Oh well, there is always next time!

Little girls on big bed.

Goldfish time!

Chillin' out.

Two pretty (skinny!) blondes.

Jump jump jump! Paige was addicted to this trampoline.

Sleepover in the game room watching Curious George.

We miss you a bunch Orman family!!

Blooming

Remember this picture from one of my posts from June? Well I just wanted to show you how great these flowers (plumbago {purpley blue ones in back} and vinca {little white & pink ones in front right}) have done in this extreme heat and drought we are having in central Tx. And what about the red ones in the front left you ask?? Well, the deer ate them two weeks after I planted them in the ground. Oh well.

BEGINNING OF SUMMER:

END OF SUMMER:

Relaxation & Fun times

This past weekend, D and I dropped off the kids and the dog at my folks', traded our minivan for their sporty Camry and headed off to Freedom Land. First we headed to Town Lake (or I guess I should say Lady Bird Lake) and went kayaking. This was a first for us and as D likes to say "fun for you and work for me". Personally I thought I did okay and we ended up not getting in any fights so yippee for us! Then we went to lunch at the Hula Hut (one of my favs) and headed home to rest. A little shopping, a chocolate truffle and a shower and then off to the Florence Winery. We thought this was a neat place and hope to hang out there with some friends in the future. Then we went out for wings. Talk about high class to white trash. On Sunday, aaaaaahhh sleeping in until 9 a.m., a Dunkin Donut jelly donut and coffee and then a movie before heading back to Reality Land. I think the kids had as much fun if not more than we did. Grandma and Grandpa kept them super busy with bubbles, arts & crafts, time at the pool, baking cupcakes and more. Below you can see them enjoying their last two cupcakes after lunch today. Boy that icing is delicious!!

Below: the winery - http://www.thevineyardatflorence.com/

Cupcake time!

The many faces of a jack o lantern.

This evening D carved "Mr. Pumpkin" as Trey named him. We tried with no luck to get him to scoop out the seedy, squishy, stringy inside. Then Trey drew many faces on his little pumpkin. I was in charge of watching Paige to make sure she didn't step in dog poop. Fun fun fun for the whole family!

The happy couple

Well, here is one of me and Dominique in case you guys are tired of seeing just the kids. :>) Although I guess, technically, you still have to see them in the photos on the mantle. Ha!

House guest

So we are taking care of our friend's fighter fish, Dorothy. The kids are loving it. I am praying that I don't have to go on a trip to the local Petco before Sunday afternoon.