Ducks!

I was sitting on the deck and noticed something falling from the cottonwood tree. It's at least a 25 foot drop! This is the 3rd year these ducks have used our tree as a nursery. I have no idea where they come from or where they go, but its fun to watch them for the month or so that they're here. Somebody told me they were called Mexican Screamers. I've never heard them screaming.

All-Stars

We (I say 'we' because 'we' had to haul these ball-playing kids all over south Texas for a month so I think that reasonably makes this a 'we' situation) played A LOT of ball this summer.

This sign was at one of the ball parks. I won't say where, because really, how embarrassing is this?! Good thing I behaved myself because my parents would have been totally peeved had they been asked to leave the facility.

8 year olds
9/10 year olds

Major girls

Road Trip

1200 miles to Gramma's house. I am the lucky one who gets the 3rd seat to myself (for a little while, at least)

Almost there!
First see Gramma then go directly to the candy store.
It was the girls birthday so we took her to her favorite place-Red 'Lombster'

Back to Gramma's for candles and cake:

Usually we go to Holiday World, but this trip we decided to go to King's Island instead. It is bigger than I remember it as a kid (things change a little in 25ish years) with lots of roller coasters-I had a major coaster hang over by the end of the day.

This was waaaaaay up there. Been there, did that-won't ever have to do it again.

The kids spent a good amount of time getting soaked on the bridge:

I remembered this train from when I was kid...it seemed much more exciting then. I remember a western town and a shoot-out but nobody else remembers that.

This ride was fun. Look at all the little feet in the air:

Delaney Lake

All the kids were out there hopping, flipping and flopping off the diving board, but as soon a grown woman does a cartwheel off the end, suddenly it's too unsafe...give a teen-ager a whistle and a red swim suit and they become bossy and power hungry...

Its a beautiful placePoor Alexander-it's rough being the little guy

(the big kid is NOT rib punching the little kid-he's just shooting him...with a water gun)

Ohio River

One trip to the candy shop is not enough-we had to get a milkshake and make sure we had enough 'red hots' for the long drive home .

Jeffersonville, Indiana

Shooting Things

Safety First:

This is a cool little place in the middle of nowhere. I love old buildings:

Perfect Day!

Exposed:

The boys participated in their first shooting competition today. They did great! They got 3 shots-2 from the bench and 1 from the post. Wheedler went first.

Then it was big brothers turn:

It's a long way down there!

This one got 2nd place.

This one got 5th place.

Not too shabby for their first time in a competition and they were using a weapon we don't even own! It's so much fun to watch them-I can hardly wait for them to do it again.

Oh Yeah-It's Ball Season

This time of year is busy! All 3 of my offspring play ball.

I love every minute of all this running one kid and/or another from place to place. I know before I turn around they will be grown, so I enjoy these rushed, late nights. I enjoy this packed schedule. I enjoy seeing then doing something they are good at and having fun. I enjoy seeing them polish their skills and build new friendships. Life IS good.

He makes it to 3rd:

Here he comes: Look at that coach's happy face:

Closer:

Oh Yayah:

Now for the pitch:

The girl digs catching:

She is pretty springy:

It's a good day when the ump stays out of your bubble:

By the end of May, I will be worn out but for now, all is well!