See You Ladder

On our visit to Sea World last month Laura walked by this and said "I've always wanted to try this". Eagerly I responded "then you're doing it". I didn't want to say anything but I knew she wouldn't get close but it was well worth being entertained.

So she gets off to a good start...

The person next to Laura (as she's struggling to keep her balance) is the lady who works there. She's slightly overweight and out of shape but easily walks up the rope and hits the buzzer without a second thought. Poor Laura and her six pack abs is struggling big time.

On further review it looks like there was a deep-fried Twinkie right next to the buzzer which explains the lady's quick and seamless jaunt up the ladder.

Laura meets her friend named Failure.

Black Panthers

 A couple of days ago Parker was given her first major school assignment, a report on an animal, her choice was the black panther. The report requires some research on the animal (habitat, characteristics, etc…). So in preparation I was talking to PJ about how to get some information on the black panther, including books and the internet. Another idea I had was to use Grandma Powers’ Encyclopedia Britannica, something that hasn’t been utilized since the rise of the internet. So last night Parker called up Grandma to tell her about her report and ask to borrow her encyclopedia.

PJ: Hi Grandma, I have a report to do in class and I’d like to use your encyclopedia.

Grandma: Of course. What is your report on?

PJ: Black Panthers

Grandma: Oh my goodness, they’re already having you do reports like that? But, you’re only in first grade.

PJ: Yes, it was my choice.

Grandma: Wow, I’m so surprised that you’re doing reports like this in first grade Parker. Well, let’s see they started in the early sixties as a radical Black extremist group…

Laura (interrupts): No Diane, Parker’s report is on the animal the black panther, not the black militant group from the 60’s.

Grandma: Ohhhhh!! I see.

(everyone laughs)

I'm afraid of having to explain how the term "Black Panther Party" doesn't having anything to do with balloons, streamers, music , cake, refreshments, etc...

In second grade maybe Parker can tackle the Weather Underground’s influence in the 1960’s. 

This and That

 To celebrate the '100th Day of School' the kids were told to dress like they were 100 years old.

PJ & Alora

Parker started running for the Ventura Tigres this year.  I guess I did a pretty good job of talking it up because she was so excited about it, she wore her track shoes to school everyday for 2 weeks.  We are halfway through the season now and she's been asking me often if she has to run again next year.  ( I hope she will want to because Georgia can run next year and I want to coach!)

Parker was chosen to receive a writing award.  She was too nervous to read her writing herself, so the principle did for her. 

Parker and Principle Wade

Proud Family

 Hopper has a special bond with Georgia.  She is a weird, timid cat but she always let's Georgia approach her and sneaks into Georgia's room at night so she can sleep on her bed.

Georgia was really afraid to go into the sea turtle exhibit at SeaWorld (as you can see from the picture).  Scott held her until she realized there was nothing to fear.

Georgia still sucks her thumb, but only if she's holding her blanket in the other hand.  We're giving her one more year to give it up before we intervene.

Easter 2013

Cousins (minus Cooper and Ezekial)

 We celebrated Easter at Julie and Geoff's house again this year.  Sadly this was the first year that Jack and his parents didn't celebrate with us.   A good time was had by all nontheless, despite the rainy weather.

Sylvia Dahl

Dad and Zoey

Mom & Me

Ike & Thorpy

 Daphne & Peyton (6 months apart in age!)

The Hunt

Parker Jo

PJ & Georgia