Meet #2

Gabby's second meet won her four more ribbons! Her team cam in fourth. They did a great job.

First Meet

Gabby didn't win the trophy but she did get four ribbons. She did a great job at her first competition ever. Our next meet is in November in Columbia, MO. I can't wait!

The girls listen to a pep talk from the coach.

The team practices their beam routine before the judging starts.

Gabby is in deep concentration.

Gabby's best score was on the Vault 8.2. She received a 7.8 on floor routine and bars and a 7.65 on beam, she didn't fall off! I am so proud of her. She puts in a lot of hard work practicing three days a week at three hours a day. Congratulations Gabby, keep up the good work. I love you!

Welcome Sarin

This is our new addition, Sarin, as in serendipity. Don't ask me why all our birds look alike. Isn't he handsome?! He will not let us hold him yet but he has stopped hissing at me every time I put my hand in his cage. The day we brought him home I, stupidly, thought it would be a good idea to get him out of the cage. He flew up to the ceiling and found places to perch on top of framed pictured, the curtain rod and on top of the other birds cage. It took me and Brydie 20 minutes to capture him and get him back into his cage.

This is Sarin's cage. Henry and George like their new bird friend. George especially wants to spend all his time atop Sarin's cage. The girls say that they are in love. Let's hope not.

The true identity of Batman has been revealed. All this time I had no idea he lived right here under my own roof. IT'S JUAN! Who knew?

My father invited Juan over to help him out. Do you think any child labor laws were broken?

Our girl scout troop went to tour Sam's Bakery. We saw very big ovens and a walk-in freezer. Then we got to decorate a cookie and eat it. That was the best part.

Here Audi is decorating her cookie.

The girls got two new sets of bunk beds. My dad put them together, Juan helped. Poor Dad, I always got him working. He not only put these beds together but also put up new lights in the kids bedrooms and my bathroom. I had to put up new lights for the kids because I was afraid one might loose their head climbing into the top bunk! Juan got new bunk beds also, not that he sleeps in his room.

Well, this is what happens when you are an only boy living with three big sisters. You are dressed in drag against your will. They also put make-up on him. I said "no" to the finger nail polish!

There is an update on my life. It is pretty busy. I have been really busy with Girl Scout stuff, I am co-leader this year. Me and the leader both have really busy lives so I hope together we can manage the troop and have some fun with the girls.

Family Fun

We went to Great Skate on Sunday and even Juan got in on the action. He skated great. Most of the time he was in the middle of the rink alone. He did better without a hand to hold.

He also enjoyed pretending to drive.

Gabby did great skating also.

Juan got a lot of attention from people amazed at his skating ability and cuteness.

Audi did not skate. And that is fine by me. She would pull my back out if she fell holding my hand.

We sang at church Sunday morning. Can you see the excitement on our little faces? I was totally embarrassed. We ended up leaving early because all the kids were complaining about one thing or another.

Juan and Gabby with George and Henry.

Juan with the birdie boys.

Ahoy...are you ready for Halloween?

We got our costumes......Do you have the CANDY? We hit the Walmart and found the perfect outfits for Halloween. Aren't we cute!?

Juan pictured up top. duh

The girls left to right: Audi, Gabby and Josie

Sometimes we get along.

Here the girls are playing, together. Strange I know.

George and Henry

George and Henry again.

Josie performing at the Francis Howell Central football game.

Me and Juan had a great time watching the mascot and cheerleaders.

My Birthday Weekend

On the 29th we went for a nice lunch in Moscow Mills and then for homemade ice cream in Troy.

Audi got some on her.

Josie also.

Gabby choose a snow cone.

Juan too. He has a blue tongue.

Then we went to the Lock and Dam. We played at the park area.

And reluctantly posed for pictures.

Audi cooperates well for pictures.

We played a game call "find the gulf ball". I happened to see one and so told the kids I would give treasure box to whom ever found it. Gabby won. It was a dumb game but they wanted to play again. They brought the ball home with them.

We watched a barge get pushed through the dam.

On Sunday the 30th we went to the river. We caught tadpoles.

Went swimming.

And fishing.

Josie caught two fish. They both died a mysterious death.

Juan got mad at one point because I would not let him have his own bottle of water. He stripped down to nothing, he even took off his shoes and walked across the rocks bare footed crying. It is a good thing the beach was empty! We had a little drama but all in all it was a good weekend.