MARCHING BAND

We had to cut our back-to-school-trip with Fish and Freckles to Kansas City short because Fish just found out he had been "promoted" up to High School Marching Band and band camp was getting ready to start. We're all proud of him for being selected to marching band as there were very few from the 8th grade that were asked to move up. The good part about this is that we'll get to go watch him march at the half-time home football games. The bad part about this is that we'll have to go to all the football games. Hope it isn't as cold as last year!

They practiced marching out in the parking lot (yes, in the temps that were over 100 degrees!) and then spent the afternoons inside practicing their music. They will be playing songs from the Broadway show "Jersey Boys" which is the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Love that music--it will be fun to watch and listen to. They will also march at the Dewey and Bartlesville Christmas parades, etc.

Fish took band for the first time last year and selected the clarinet to play. By the 2nd semester, he was already in first chair. Even though he has now switched to the saxaphone and been taking lessons all summer, he will play clarinet in the marching band. (He's decided that's ok as the clarinet is a heck of a lot easier to carry!)

When he practices at out house, we just shut him up in one of the bedrooms.

Bozeman always sticks with Fish during his practice sessions. Fish doesn't believe that we see Bozeman covering him ears now and then with his paws! Go, Fish...we're proud of you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS

Yesterday (the 4th) was my little sister's birthday...I won't tell you her age but she's on the high side of another birthday that ends with a "0"! THis picture was taken a couple of weeks ago just as she had harvested her tomato plants. Nice crop! She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild this month in Kansas City. It's going to be so much fun having a baby in the family again. Freckles was the last baby and that was 7 years ago! Hope you had a happy day, Sis, and more celebrating is to take place this weekend!

Speaking of tomato plants, mine have bit the dust this year. There are still a couple of greenies on the vines but I don't think they will survive the heat (116 degrees today!!!!!). If they do manage to make it, the turtles are right there with their little mouths in the air just pecking away at those beautiful greenies. I feed the turtles ripe tomatoes and cucumbers about every other day but that doesn't seem to keep them out of my crop!

This was my backyard today. It's green because we have been watering. The Rose of Sharon is blooming and has grown since last year. The Crepe Myrtles were all frozen back this winter when we had 29 degrees BELOW ZERO! So, they had to all be cut back and we'll start all over again. They have a few blooms on them but the height will take a couple of more years to come back. The saddest part about the back yard is my hydranga plant. I've only had a few blooms on it this year compared to last year's. Take a look at the following picture from last year and you can see how sad the situation is!

Bozeman has had his fun this spring and summer chasing the bunny rabbits around our back yard that come and go. He never catches them but he keeps on trying! He did manage to try to play with a little bird that fell out of the nest and wasn't quite ready to fly. Bozeman just wanted to play with it, but unfortunately, the bird didn't make it...RIP. Gracie Girl was just content to watch all the activity from the family room. It takes a lot to get her up and moving. However, she's always ready for her morning walk and they both drive me crazy until I give in and take them out. Since it's been so hot, we've been trying to get out earlier in the morning and usually manage to get in the way of a couple of sprinklers that are going on the yards. But, it does keep us cool!

FATHER'S DAY 2011

Father's Day was celebrated at our house Sunday evening. We honored 4 fathers--Tom, Chris, Lonnie and Mike (friend of Chris and Leah). Landon and I made Pioneeer Woman Lasagna (really a great recipe!), salad with Kristi's dressing and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Tom and Chris both got a rechargeable LED spot light. It charges through your cigarette lighter so you always have access to a bright light in the car. Chris wore part of his Father's Day presents--new clothes since he's lost quite a bit of weight. He also received wireless tv headphones so Leah can sleep at night when Chris is home!

Mike and his wife Krista..... (of course, Bozeman has to be in the middle of everything!)

Lonnie finally got a watch that works and looks really sharp as well as new Polo shirt, shorts and hat! Tres is in the middle of her summer ballet workshop. One week down and one week to go. Landon's been busy drawing and reading a new series of books this summer. I've latched on to his Kindle since New York City so he's back to hard cover/paperbacks. Thanks, Fish!

Freckles has also been busy drawing this summer in between her busy social neighborhood life! And of course, swimming at Puma's! We've had to use the aloe vera plant already on her sunburn and now Puma's got a bad sunburn. It's hard to keep that sunscreen on! Maddie (on the right) is Mike and Krista's daughter and she and Freckles are good buds.

Mike's boys were also along. It was a good day and always fun to have everyone at our house! The next big celebration will be 4th of July!!!

OUT OF HIBERNATION!

New computer.....

Family is healthy....

Still not mutch time on my hands.....

But....

I'm going to start posting again, anyway!

Hope you are all having a great summer. Fish and Freckles are enjoying swimming in the pool at Puma's!