Palo Alto meet in San Antonio.  It was a tough meet without a coach.  I was proud of Danielle for making the best of it and still shaving time off.

Luke's first little piano lesson with our music teacher, Mr. Kevin.  A little later he was climbing in and out of the toy basket and this is what I got!  Light is so beautiful, not to mention the kid himself.  No bias there!

Allie's skype playdate with her friend, Jubilee, who moved to Arizona.  It was a virutal tea party.  Pretty wild, huh?  Allie is showing Jubilee pizza and Jubilee is pretending to take bites. 

My baby girl is 14 today.  She's turning into such a strong, beautiful young lady.  We went and got her hair trimmed and flat ironed.  It looks great straightened. 

Jake

Jake's 11 year old picture (12/09):  in his element.  He is my animal, bug, nature loving boy.

Surprises

Some like surprises and some just don't.  I'd say, generally, I don't.  Just don't usually like 'em.  BUT...after coming home from a long, tiring,  HOT swim meet all weekend I was very pleasantly surprised.  My wonderful husband was putting the finishing touches on a newly washed, vacuumed, waxed, armor-alled, fully gassed up, and freshly changed oil in my van.  I didn't know my  husband had ever even considered waxing my vehicle (this is definitely a first)...AND he had gone through his things to get them organized and put away.  AND he had even gotten me a card telling me how much he appreciates me.  Wow.  I could learn to like surprises!

Swim meet went well, but we were in a natatorium with no air conditioning and no air flow.  Miserable.  I took pictures of many a grandparent in that miserably un-dehumidified, HOT room in long pants cheering and taking pictures of their grandchildren.  Very sweet. 

Mom is here this week to entertain children so I can make school plans.  Mothers are wonderful!

Swim practices pick up this week.  Swim team decisions have to be made this week.  Argh.

My friend Mary showed me how to make a pattern out of a skirt to make another skirt and I can't wait to break out my sewing machine.  The problem is I can't wait to edit photos, run and swim, do my school prep, etc etc...

Should be a good week.

Today was a fun day.  Friends came over for lunch and the mom taught me how to "knock off" a pattern from a skirt so I can make another like it.  Very fun!  Now, finding the time to actually do it is whole nother story.

Danielle has another swim meet this weekend and for summer will be practicing a whole lot more. 

Luke is attemping words without prompting.  Very cute.  I'm so proud of my boy.  I love how he points to himself and says "I" when he wants to do something himself or is answering a question by the rest of us.  We have a long way to go, but progress is progress.  Just thankful. 

Allie is about to lose her 2nd tooth. 

Jake is enjoying a little break from school, reading a lot, and avoiding swim team and piano practice anywhere he can! 

As for me, I woke up with a "crick in the neck" even after my chiropractic adjustment last week.  It's nearly impossible to keep my head upright straight and definitely impossible to look down or to that one side.  Fun.  Hoping tomorrow is better.