Accomplished Cyclists

Both girls learned how to ride two-wheel bikes today, thanks to some good friends. Various circumstances have made it difficult for the girls to practice, but they are now riding with confidence. Stopping can be a bit rough, but they are taking it in stride. They can even ride on gravel without falling. We are so proud of them!

It's SNOW deep!

 We got almost 9 inches of snow from this last snow. What a way to end winter! The girls are loving it, since it is perfect for snowballs and snowpeople.

A Golden Achievement!

The girls' basketball team won the gold medal at the State Finals Tournament today. Great job girls and way to go team! YOU ROCK!!!

Exciting News

Last week, the girls attended an open call for the National American Miss Pageant our state. We got a call this evening that both girls have been selected to participate in the state pageant in early July. They won't be competing against each other, as there are 5 age divisions.

We'll have more info soon. Check out the NAM website to get an idea of how it is run.

A Spectacular 4th

We spent a lovely holiday weekend at Grandma's and Papa's. We had our own mini-fireworks show, including sparklers last night. We also watched some movies and generally relaxed.

Since Grandma and Papa live a few hours away, we were traveling home tonight. For about the last 50 miles of the trip, we were treated to a "moving" fireworks display. Local radio stations were playing music that went along with a suggested list of fireworks, so many neighborhoods had personal displays. It was really cool to have fireworks accompany us home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
May God continue to bless us

Swirls of Color

This afternoon, the girls have a 4-H meeting and they will be making tie-dyed clothing. We know we will be making shirts and possibly socks as well. Once the colors are set, we can post pictures. We're also going to be discussing some of the science behind the dying process and what has been used in the past to make dyes. The clothing they make can be entered into the county fair.

Halloween!

Halloween was fun. The girls wore their princess outfits we purchased for the Renaissance Faire last year. They wore them again at this year's Faire, as well. This year, we added period cloaks for the girls.

We went to Michael's for a craft clinic. Then we saw "Grandpa" Ed and "Grandma" Anne at the store. We got a free picture of the girls in their costumes there, as well.

In the evening, we bundled up and went to a local church. They had free lemonade and hotdogs, plus games where the girls could win candy.

Afterwards, we trekked through the neighborhood. By this time, it was getting a bit dark. The girls wanted to go all around, but we knew that wouldn't work. We walked and walked. At long last, they were ready to go home.

When both bounties were combined, it measured just about 5 pounds. That's a lot of candy! Unfortunately, Kitty and Jules didn't like the idea of donating all of the chocolate to Mom.

Tomorrow, we are making a trip to the dentist. They are buying candy at $1/pound and sending the purchased candy to our soldiers in Iraq. Pretty cool.

Kiwi!

Here's a cute little video to brighten your day. It also shows what can happen if we don't give up on a dream. Would that we all could live so well.

Candy Sushi

This is probably the only sushi the girls would try until they are much older.

Fortunately, if you'd like to make some, there is a tutorial.

GoD and DoG

This little video clip is lovely and a tribute to both. We pray that God (and your dog, should you have one) grants you grace today.

Fireworks

Here is a fun fireworks show that may whet your appetite.

Do you Guerrilla?

Guerrillas have been around for a long time. Some may remember the guerrilla warfare tactics of Vietnam. In the past two decades, many people have been taking the guerrilla idea into different arena. Guerrilla marketing is one of the most well-known.

We have just been introduced to another form of guerrillas. The site is for practitioners in Europe, mainly London.

Have a look at Guerrilla Gardening!

Do Electric Sheep Dream?

This is a short, amusing video from YouTube. Have you ever seen electric sheep?

We've just been introduced to a website devoted to Boston Terriers and how amusing they are.

Check out LOLBostons!

Many of the captions are funny, even if written with a "Bastan" accent. The mobster motif (Iz stealin yuz ___) gets old fast. Anyone can upload pics, as it is for Boston lovers.

W hope you enjoy. Maybe you'll even see a dog that reminds you of one you've known.

The Life of a Dog

Lazing around in the sun - instead of parking on Mommy's lap!

What a life!

Snow People, part 2

Today was warm - 40F. The snow warmed enough that the girls could make a snowman. Of course, their ideas were bigger than their muscles, so Mommy had to help with the biggest part. We found a long, curved pinecone to use as the smile, an eaten corncob from the squirrels that we broke into pieces for the eyes and nose. We even added a very little sprig of pine needles to use as a touch of hair.

The girls so love the outside!

Snow People

With all the snow that has fallen, Kitty & Jules like to play outside. They want hot cocoa afterwards, of course, but still have a great time.

While it has been too cold to make real snow people, the girls sometimes look like they are made of snow when they come in. The especially did when Mommy used the snow blower to clear the driveway.

Sometimes, Winter is best seen from inside a warm house!

NORAD Santa Tracking

Did you know that it has been 50 years since NORAD has been tracking Santa on Christmas Eve?

You can find out the story of the beginning of this Christmas tradition here.

And, in case you are interested in watching Santa's progress on the 24th, check out the NORAD Santa website.

Bowling!

This morning, we were able to attend a free bowling glass for kids. Each girl was in a different group, based upon age. We met our friends the Bs there as well. It was fun watching Kitty try to handle a 6 pound ball, which is the lighted made. She is not quite strong enough to do the complete follow through, but tried her best none the less.

While the lesson only lasted two hours, the girls had fun and we think they learned a few things. Daddy helped a few of the older Bs with their form and aim. He sure wanted to be able to do the bowling as well, but still had fun with the coaching. We all would love to be able to bowl more on a regular basis.

Happy Birthday, Aunt K!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dearest Aunt K!
Happy Birthday to you!

We love you and wish we could spend this day with you!

Love, C, CC, K & J
plus Fluffy & Monster Boy