We Visit Hawaii with Scott

Judy was fortunate to be asked to speak at three Hawiian venues- one on Oahu, one on Maui and one in Hilo. It was grinding work for poor Judy but Scott and I sure had a good time.

We did a night dive off Kona with Manta Rays - creatures with 12 foot wing spans. Eight of them showed up that evening which made for a fantastic experience.

We saw lots of scenery including this sun-bathing green sea turtle.

We rubbed shoulders with some of the local Hawiian spirits. This one at the Place of Refuge near where Captain Cook met his demise.

Scott saw most of the islands through his lens finder.

Memorial Day 2008

We had perfect weather for our Memorial Day week end. And we were also priveliged to have a visit from Judy's Scott and his new friend, Kari.

Scott and Kari snuggle with Tanner.

Giant UFO's hover in our back yard.

We had water slides in the yard. Kids got wet.

Scott thought it would be real funny if he proposed a water gun fight with his brothers and then reveal the above water blaster.

Mema thought it would be even funnier if, after Scott brought out his "ultimate weapon', she jumped out with an even bigger version. Game. Set. Match to Mema.

A Day with Twigs and P.J.

Cammie and Tanner were invited by Aunt Ashley and cousin Rylan to visit the barn where Ashley's horse, Twigs is kept. Also at the stable is a 30 year-old pony named P.J. on which Rylan is learning to ride.

This is P.J.

This is Twigs, aka Not A Word, a thoroughbred on which Ashley has won a ton of awards.

Rylan, Cammie and Tanner relax in the shade of the barn.

Tanner has a go at P.J. with Aunt Ashley's calm guidance.

"Hey Twigs, can I, you know, have my fingers back? You were only supposed to take the carrot!"

Barn kitty

I get that handicapped horses park here. But who or what pushes the wheel chair?

Is this just too cute?
Photos by Ginny

Aunt Cleda Comes for a Visit

We were honored to have Aunt Cleda from Santa Clara, CA come for a visit. Honored because she doesn't just up and fly anywhere on a whim.

She brought some kumquats from the tree in her yard. They tasted really sour but good. You have to sort of massage them before popping them in your mouth and eating the fruit, peel and all.

She ate some fresh eggs courtesy of Ginny.

She did the hula hoop with Tanner, Cammie, Clay and Emma. The kids were delighted that Aunt Cleda could do it.

Cleda said at the outset that she didn't want to do touristy things so we concentrated on letting her get to know all our kids and grand kids. She went to Finlay's soccer game and birthday party, had lunch with Ashley, and dinner with Scott and his family. All in all I think she had an OK time.

Selma Goes To the State Gymnastics Meet

The Virgina State Gymnastics meet was held this week end in Newport News so Selma's groupies trekked down to cheer her on. On hand was Nonnie, Uncle Mike and aunt Adonica, aunt Rosie, aunt Fannie, Mom, and of course Papa. Mema got stranded in Columbus and couldn't get back in time.

Selma competed very well at level 6 and we are so proud of her. Here are a couple of videos of her on the bars and floor exercise.

Here is Selma in the middle with two of her team mates.

Mema and Kids Go to Peter Pan

The local theater put on "Peter Pan" so Mema took the opportunity to drag the kids kicking and screaming to see Captain Hook get his comeuppance. Papa begged off because, you know, Peter Pan can't really fly.

Here's Peter looking a bit long in the tooth if you ask me. But Clay, Tanner, Cammie, Emma, and Rylan obviously don't think so.

And here is that nefarious villain himself, Captain Hook apparently unscathed by his near brush with death at the jaws of the Crocodile.

And here is Wendy, also a bit more mature than perhaps she should be. Maybe the pixie dust is wearing off.

Happy Easter 2008!

Easter this year was just wonderful! We took the grans to church where Clay sang in the childrens choir for the first time. She was the best one in her row!

That's her in the bright dress. The music for the service featured a string section stolen from the Richmond Symphony and, together with the adult choir and the usual band, it knocked your socks off.

Then, of course, we had the requisite egg hunt in our front yard featuring Clay, Tanner, Cammie and Rylan. Well, see for yourself.