The Dog Days of Summer

Apologies for the delay in blogging, but...we've been busy, as usual. First we had Kata's Enchanted Forest Recital. She was a Rainbow Butterfly and performed beautifully...as rehearsed...and without fear or drama. Can you tell she loved every minute of it? Maybe it was that rhinestone sign that said "Diva" that I hung over her crib when she was a baby...who knows? She was every bit of one!

Auntie Daphne and Maka joined us for the fun and Alex came through with a beautiful bouquet for his prima ballerina sister. Bella, just looked on wondering when she'll get her 15 minutes of family fame...

Then before we could say, boo...Bella turned two...it was Elmopalooza time...he's her favorite character and she loved every minute of the festivities and every inch of the buttercream frosted, banana custard filled cake! Mama's baby, alright.

Baka and Djedo drove in for the occasion...so we got the rare All-Grandparents shot. Please note that Baka's the only one without a hat....hmmmm...and we had *plenty* for all because my mom brought "extras."

Ken took this last week off because both Kata and Alex are out of school. So, off we trotted to Sand Harbor. Man, it's beautiful. And it was a breezy 75-ish (as opposed to 92 in Reno)...but the glacial water was...44 degrees. Aha. You read it right. 44. It did feel good...for about 10 seconds. And then body parts began to get tingly.

Alex participated in his first Scout Day Camp as a full fledged Bear Cub. This year's theme was Ancient Civilizations. He made a sundial, a leather cuff, hieorglyphics and a birdhouse. I know you're thinking what were the civilizations? Greco-Roman, Egyptian and Viking. Alex is second from the left in the picture below.

Here's the raingutter regatta in action. Note the Viking helmets.

And then...our biggest news of all...we adopted a puppy! A 8-week old Bichon Frise. His breeder drove him all the way from Montana so he wouldn't have to fly in this summer heat. What amazing customer service!

We've named him Beckham (Becks, Becksie)...yes, after the soccer player. And no, we won't be adding a dog named, Posh, just for laughs. He is it. Him and oh, yes, the goldfish...still alive after 6 months.

Kata and Alex have totally bonded with him. And Becks has totally bonded with Bella. Of course, she runs away from him the moment I point the camera. But there will be pictures one of these days. And so on with the Dog Days of Summer (yes, had to say it)!

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Life is a Cabaret, ol' chum...

Note how the girls and I all have Scary Liza Minelli as a Strong Resemblance...Life is a Cabaret, indeed! Love Leo and Tyra! Kata was disappointed she wasn't Ariel, the Little Mermaid.


Heeeeeere's...Ken! And the man who directed "Titanic"...one of the most predictable movies of all time...but I have to admit a love of the costumes and mostly jewelry in that flick!



Again, the Liza Thing...and Capt. Jack...and Susan Sarandon who is like a million years older than me...sigh...it's too close to Just Past My Birthday to cope well with the Age Thang. And, er, who are the rest of these babes?? Okay, Diane Lane...yes, yes, I know her...but the rest??


Three times...a Liza...and well, there's Drew...Bella, our Free Spirit!


Alex's pics kept coming up with some Really Wacky matches...this was the closest to uh, normal...my First Born...a dictatorial, movie producer, model, rapper...hmmm...for those of you who know him...it's not too far off!

Have fun doing your own Celebrity Collages...very addicting...I must say!

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Hurricanes and Butterflies

Another busy day. Alex's Hurricanes lost (not that we keep score 3-1) but they had fun and that's what counts in Under 8 Soccer. And Kata had her Recital Picture taken. She's a butterfly. Make sure you take the time out to look for some butterflies amongst the hurricane of activity! Oh, you knew that sentiment was going to be a stretch. Enjoy the sunshine!

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Go Bears!

Alex anchors the Tug-O-War

All around the Limbo World...

Potato Sack races....

Cheating at Potato Sack Races?? See the foot sticking out??

Wishes do come true...especially when made on weeds
that are not on our lawn...

Dainty style hot dog eating by Bella.

Alex crosses over to Bear.

Den 6. New Bear Cubs.

Proud Daddy and Proud Sissies.

Phew. What a day. We had Alex's Cub Scout end of year BBQ and ceremony at Galena Creek. Limbo, Potato Sack Races, Tug-O-War, hot dogs, burgers, watermelon and cookies. Truly a fun end of year rite of passage.

And then the rite. Our little Wolves became Bears and shed their yellow kerchiefs for light blue. Watching Alex walk over a literal bridge laden with symbolism made this Mama a little misty eyed. One week left. One week and then Summer Vacation. And as of July 9th (remember we're in that Year Round School Thang), Third Grade. Not a baby anymore. A little ol' bear cub. All I can say is "Go Bears!"

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