John has one requirement standing between him and rank advancement: touring a Federal facility. I suggested prison. He opted for the court house. Step by step, John is on the trail to Eagle—and a driver’s license.
Go go with Zuzu
September 11, 2010 by
We’re off to camp Brownie style, just Zuzu and me and a dozen other girls at Brazos Bend State Park. I have no fear of getting lost because I have Zuzu to navigate.
A flag ceremony of significance
Every campout starts with a flag ceremony. But, today being 9/11, this one flies at half-mast. It left me thinking. Because these girls are 8-to-9 years old, they were all born into a world where crazy people could fly planes into buildings. How much more important it is that they understand the meaning of those colors and the blessing of being born under them.
Guided course along nature’s trail
Alligators, spiders, feral pigs, and deer were among the topics along our hike through the nature tour. Learning that alligators grow a foot or more per year seemed one of the more salient takeaways.
How’s bayou?
Sorry. Couldn’t resist the headline. A perfect day would have been about 20 degrees cooler. But, other than the heat, it was a perfect weekend to be in the park. It was even too hot for lots of bugs.
Watch your step, Alligators below
As the girls stepped out to the outer edge of the observation deck, our tour guide warned them: Alligators lurk below to take advantage of the shade. See any girls perched on the railing? They all took a step back with the ranger’s warning.
Brownie camping: arts and crafts and A/C
After creating their oatmeal barrel constellations, Zuzu spent time with paper, markers, and her imagination.
Sunday breakfast DaddyMom-style
Pancakes and cool whip, bacon, OJ and oranges. Nobody left my table hungry. Though, it was a close call; never thought a dozen little girls would mow down an entire bag of pancake mix.
Snapping her way home
One of MY kids with a camera? Go figure. Zu couldn’t wait to snap shots along the way home. I think one of her favorite parts of the trip was riding shotgun there and back. My favorite part was riding that way with her all weekend.
My sweet Ms Pac Man
September 10, 2010 by
Senior sisters were revealed yesterday to their freshman siblings at Saint Agnes. Kate got the central role. Look closely and you will see her smile beaming from within the yellow costume. My princess couldn’t be happier or feel more a part of something. Can’t you tell?
Stella gets her wish
September 6, 2010 by
At long last, Stella has worn me down, er, had her wish come true. A rodent has come to live with us. To her credit, rather than going to Petsmart or some other big pet store, Stella chose to get her new furry friend at Citizens for Animal Protection. Her new love was an unwanted pet–which only made Stella want her more.
Meet Paidaidai
It is the name of a coffee and tea drink in China. What does that have to do with this Guinea Pig? Beats me. I just know it makes Stella very happy. Very happy.
Movie time with Zu
September 4, 2010 by
Zuzu has wanted to see Ramona and Beezus since before it was released. This weekend we finally got out to see it. How as it?
It was a sweet movie. The story of a little girl who takes on the world on her own terms; thinks outside the box. In the end, she makes the difference that saves the day. A good lesson for my little Zu.