Paul's new ride... er, company vehicle

Yesterday was new car day for Paul -- he gets a new company vehicle every year.

Lemonade Stand

Stephanie, Jessica and Monica had a lemonade stand around the corner from our house and netted $25 in four hours!

More Monkey Business

Making more sock monkeys!

Stephanie Turns 13

Stephanie wanted to celebrate her birthday with her friends earlier this month, so there wasn't much left to do but go out to eat.

Mowing

Without a son to carry on the mowing tradition, it's time for Rachel to learn to help Dad in the yard.
She's very excited to learn to mow and edge. I think this is a good fit for her.

Rachel's orthodonist visit

Rachel's xray show several "baby" teeth with adult teeth right behind them. We have to go back in six months to see how the adult canines are doing. The orthodontist said at that time we may need to have one of the baby canines pulled to make a path for the adult one.

Squirrel!

Outside of our living room window is a bird feeder.
But the squirrels are very agile and resourceful.
They do reconnaissance ....
then seize the prize!

Crepe Myrtle

In the hottest days of summer, the crepe myrtle are thick and colorful. I've heard they are called the azaleas of the south.
With all this flamboyant color, I wonder why we associate the name Myrtle with a nerdy old lady?

Sock Monkey

My first attempt at a Sock Monkey. I need to go online and study the details of other Sock Monkeys. I'd like to make some for the Advent Conspiracy market this fall, maybe even with different kinds of socks.

Happy Father's Day

Paul with Rachel and Stephanie before church today. He's such a great sport!

Rachel and her DS

Rachel likes to hunker down in the living room and color or play with her DS.

Howdy, Partner

Rachel has been going to Vacation Bible School with our neighbors all week. The theme was Saddle Ridge Ranch. She enjoyed it very much. Tonight she brought home this photo with a magnetic frame for the fridge.

Date Night

Stephanie is still in Comfort with the Heczko's and Rachel is at Vacation Bible School, so we went to dinner at Carino's -- just the two of us!
Stuffed mushrooms were very good! I stopped at one and brought the rest home.

Monkey Business

I bought socks to make sock monkeys. I hope to make a few for the Advent Conspiracy at church, maybe even for Christmas gifts. We'll see how far I get!

Grand Old Flag

Today is Flag Day. No one flies the flags more beautifully than the VA Hospital in Waco.
61 flagpoles by my count, all loudly flapping. It's pretty awesome to be in the midst of them.

Weekend in the Country

Stephanie, Rachel and Samantha.
We had some wine, soda and played some games at the awesome Meet Market in Comfort where the walls are adorned with fabulous Beatles memorabilia (and some Elvis, some HemisFair 68, and Beetle cars).
JoAnn and Lauri.
Rachel loved the pool, spent hours in there.

Can she bake a chocolate pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?

Jessica, Stephanie and Monica baked a chocolate pie. They are sleeping over (again).

Retail Therapy

Stephanie's haul after shopping at the mall and outdoor shopping center. Reminded me of the photo I took of her clothes when we first got her in China.
They got along very well, in fact, Stephanie treated Rachel to a package of animal silly bracelets.
And Rachel is ready to join the Old Navy supermodel family.

Winter Garden, June Book Club

Our book club selection for June was Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. While I don't think anyone would consider it the best book we ever read, it made for a lively discussion.

Fluffy!

Rachel now has her own fluffy robe after envying mine since last winter.

Early Happy Birthday to You

Stephanie is having an early birthday party. She and three friends went to the Water Park, then to the Mall before cake and a sleepover.

Last day of school

Off to school for the last time this school year. No backpacks needed for this half day.

Ergonomic keyboard

Since my wrist injury makes typing somewhat painful, I've been using a new ergonomic keyboard both at home and at work. It does seem to help but it's sometimes difficult to get the right keys. I am slowly getting used to it.

Coffee Carousel

Our coffee machine has a new friend! The carousel holds coffee, chocolate and milk pods. Makes it very easy to make coffee or hot chocolate at any time.