Run With The Fishes

Greg was at the top level of the parking garage and we thought it would be funny to have him take our picture. It was.

Zoey’s final tournament of the season. For this game, she played short stop. Her team did pretty well, winning two games out of the four they played.

Behind the field (you might be able to see some), there were these huge transformer boxes. It looked like a giant robot field.

Nathan’s last day of band camp.

Seriously, this band full of soon-to-be seventh graders sounded better than many, many high school bands I’ve heard.

Allison was invited by one of her buddies to go to his Vacation Bible School. The church was tiny. I don’t know if you can see it or not, but on the "weekly attendance" board, it shows that 75 were there last Sunday. Tiny, I tell you.

Alli had a fantastic time. Tonight was the last night and the pastors had promised that if they had 100 people in attendance, they would eat a gold fish. The kids were both grossed out and thrilled at the same time. Chants of, "Eat The Fish! Eat The Fish", were followed by a quick, "EEWWWWWWW!". It was terrific.

A few weeks ago, Nathan was at a friend’s house (that kid is never home anymore). The girls and I decided it would be great fun to make a girlie night of it. Avocados, cucumbers, pretty wash cloths, and other assorted items were gathered.

We made our facial mask by mixing avocados, yogurt, and honey. It felt pretty gross. I’m not sure if we benefited from them, but it sure was fun. After we were done, Allison decided that she needed to try it out for taste. Not bad, but not delicious either.

We started watching these shows after the series was finished only to discover how much we like it.

Sure it probably isn’t the best show for our kids, but Allison absolutely loves it. She thinks those two are hilarious.

Getting ready for the final weekend of softball for the year.

Alli and her friend were just catching some rays on the bench at Zoey’s practice.

I just missed the shot where both of them were laying like Allison.

Thanks to his grandparents, yesterday we dropped Nathan off at a nearby college for band camp.  One whole week away from home with no parental supervision. Just Nathan and one of his best friends in the smallest dorm room I have ever seen. There are pictures of dropping him off, and the tiny room, but they will have to wait a week. We couldn’t find the charger to his camera in time, so he is using mine.

After we got the boys checked in, it was time to warm up and tryout chair assignments in one of the three bands. Honors, Pine Log, and Tejas. After Nathan auditioned, he came out saying, “Man, I’m going to get the last chair in the lowest band. They had me play the one scale that has the hardest note to hit.” It didn’t make him any happier when he heard there were only a few other Baritone (Euphonium) players at the camp, “Now I know I’ll be stuck at the bottom”.

Both of the boys were instructed to call when they found out what band and chair they had made. Of course the ideal situation would be for them both to be in the Honors band. They could do everything together. Nathan told me he was in the Honorable Tejas band. “Yeah right”, I told him, figuring that he was just joking about the Tejas part.

Could you imagine? kid, “I promise I’m in that band.” parent, “No you aren’t! You are better than that!”. Way to make a kid feel bad about themselves. That’s just about as bad as telling them, after they struck out, they did their best. Clearly they know that if they had done their best, they would have made it on base. Leaves them with the impression that you must think their best sucks.

Anyway, back on track. I lucked out and he was just joking. First chair in the Honors band. Not too shabby! His friend is also in there, thanks to some mad trumpeting skills. I hope they don’t get sick of each other.

The boys’ days will be packed. It looks like from 8 until 5 they will be spent either in rehearsal or just learning about music. When they are done with practices/classes for the day, there is some sort of 3 hour activity planned each night. I hope he remembers to call home or by Friday he’s going to be really embarrassed when I crush him with a hug in front of everyone.

Someone gave Allison the old used up shell of a donkey pinata. I’m not really sure why.

She has had the greatest time getting into it and pretending to be a donkey. Paper mache may just be the way to go with Halloween costumes this year.