Camper Betz

Vanessa's first week away from home went extremely well. No surprise, really. And it helped knowing that she was going with her uncle's church and that he would be somewhere on the campgrounds in case of an emergency. So thankful for her opportunity to join them!!!

Her camp group/room got the cleanest and tidiest award for the week. Hard to imagine but it makes sense with her extra training at Girl Scout camps. The girl is used to cleaning and washing her own dishes, too, but she was surprised to hear she didn't have to worry about that at church camp. :-)

The most impactful moments seemed to be that she ended up getting all gooed with a ton of things. She was at the end of the line for the game, so she ended up with quite a mess on her head. A good experience for someone ultrasensitive to things like that. And she beat 5 boys in arm wrestling. The other girls weren't sure why she wanted to hang in the rec hall, but again, I'm not surprised. :-)

Shirt Off

 You know it's hard work when the shirt comes off. I love his desire to help.

I'm not really into Steven Segal movies, but I dig his thoughts on parenting.

"The most important seed I can sow in this life is my children, and the love and knowledge that I can bestow upon them and the help I can give them." ~ Steven Seagal

"Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God." ~ Pope Francis

Thrill Seeker

Her first time and we didn't witness it in person. She claims here favorites were Firehawk, the Banshee, and Invertigo. What an exciting and big time she had!

In Line

Birth order theories have nothing on this kid . . .

Independent of Independence Day

A relaxed and independent Independence Day . . .

Vanessa, Zane and I walked to the head of Heritage Trail to watch the fireworks. No worries about major crowds and we got a perfect view. Vanessa was thankful we weren't too close. 

Two Can Play

I really believe we turned a corner this weekend, with contentment, temper tantrums, etc . . . but I have to document how this boy will even try to control his entering and exiting the van on his terms. Many time now I've had to have help to get him in his carseat.

The boy is so strong and has such a strong grip. To get back at me, we'll return home, where he loves to be, and when I go to get him out of the van, he stiffens his body as soon as the arm straps come off and grabs hold of the grab bar, refusing to let go.

When time allows, I just stand there until he decides he's done protesting. I even ate my fast food standing in the driveway one evening, while Hendrix held on with one hand and studied his next plan for mischief. Two can play this game. :-)

Young Grasshopper

"My dear young fellow,' the Old-Green-Grasshopper said gently, 'there are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven't started wondering about yet." ~ Roald Dahl

Stand, Silly, Slip, & Slurp

You thought I was going to say slip and slide? ;-)

Curveball

This year was full of many curves, moments for growth and moments for celebrating . . . many great hits, many great catches, many great assists, many memories . . . those savaging sapphires!

Magic Wand

Park Boys