Birthdays and birthday cards

We've celebrated two birthdays over here that need mention.  Happy birthday to Ollie (for whom I have no photos since misplacing my camera) and Jess. Two top notch people, guaranteed!  And look at this drive-way birthday card (that Oliver made with Grandma). Part of it reads, "HB:J!" which translated is, "Happy Birthday: Jess!" Little does Oliver know he is already hip to text-like talk, although he came up with it entirely by himself.

On another note, Jess and I recently discussed text acronyms and phrases that we know and some we haven't a clue. We also discussed shortened words like awks, cray cray, and totes. And before I make any sarcastic comments, I guess I should withhold judgment because, as a teen, I shortened words all over the place.

Summer storms

Make for fun times.

And beautiful views.

Go!

We are liking this stuff around here. 

I used to really not enjoy watching soccer.  So much back and forth without much set up, or so I thought.  I'm getting the rules a bit more and that always makes watching something that much more fun.  Here's to the World Cup.

bp's science: slim goodbody explains digestion

Did any of you watch Mr. Slim Goodbody on PBS?  Here he is, singing about digestion.

Happy post-Father's Day

The blessing of a good father is priceless.

Acorns

Yesterday, the kids and I saw a squirrel with his mouth full, and I mean so full, of acorns run across the top of our fence. I love when I see things in real life that I have heard about my whole life but never experienced.

Has this happened to you?

About a year ago I saw a bird pulling a worm out of the ground; tugging, and tugging, and tugging.  You know, like you see in the cartoons.  I had seen birds pull worms and eat them, but never tugging, it was great. 

Then there was the first time I saw a glow bug, a pineapple plant, a blueberry bush.  All experienced with a sense of awe at this neat world we live in.

Ansel is at that stage where everything is new and amazing. Yesterday he went swimming for the first time.  Amazing.  Studied the drain at the splash pad. Amazing.  And he continues to discover each day, observing and picking up bugs. Amazing.  Walking in a canyon stream, touching the rocks and pebbles. Amazing. He's learning to use a spoon, dig around in the sandbox, make car noises. He loves people and has no fear.  I call this the little scientist stage and I've got to say I hope neither of my kids ever let it leave them entirely.

Heaven is for Real: A Review

While I have heard this boy's story several times and I know there is a movie coming out, I'd never thought of reading the book until a sibling suggested it.  This is a quick read.  Two days tops.  The book is interesting and enjoyable.  It describes the series of events in the life of the parents and a four year-old before and after he tells them he's been to heaven.  I am a fan of non-fiction and this was a good read.  Plus, it's a great discussion book.  Ahhh, if only I had a book club.

It's June

And that meant I had to be true to my word and pull out the mini-pool I've promised Ollie since March.  

The afternoon was superb.  Ansel stayed in the pool for an hour! While Oliver and his cousin splished and splashed.