New Blogs

I have added Claire's new blog to the feed on the side. She started it last month, but has not had access to it, and no one has commented on her posts because nobody knew about them.

I have also decided to start another blog of my own that will act, essentially, as a way to preserve my personal writings. Most of them at this time will be various written assignments for my college classes. They will be intellectually stimulating for those who are into that sort of thing.

We went to Cedar Creek Lake this weekend with our friend Steve. His wife Lori is in Colorado trying to get away from the Texas heat--and taking care of the house they own there. Lexi and Mikey have been here for over a week now, so they came too. Elizabeth, Lexi's childhood BFF/sister came along as well. Since I nearly drowned at Paradise lake during a stake youth activity, I have not been that interested in swimming in natural bodies of water. I love a pool, for the indicators on the side that let me know ahead of time when I am in over my head. This weekend I waded in to my chest and held at least one of the babies the whole time we played--less than 2 hours. My arms are really sore because of it, but we did have a really good time. My shoulders are really pink now, too.

I don't know if I told you about my refrigerator. We got a new one for our anniversary on the 17th of last month. I woke up one morning and the old one had a burnt out light and the drink I poured for myself was not cold at all, so we thought the fridge was not working anymore. Mike had already found a new one he wanted, so he had it delivered. I later found out that the pitcher I had poured my drink from had been left out all night and Claire had put it in the fridge just before I came to the kitchen. Anyway, here is a picture of Anastasia in front of it. It has the lower drawer freezer, which I did not think I would like that much, but I do. It is very well designed.

Scott and Arren

I finally got my camera loaded into the computer, so I have added a few pictures to posts you may have already read. Here are a few more in context.

Scott and Arren came for a visit from the other side of the world (Washington State). We went to visit Cash and Tara on the other side of the Metro and got a group shot. Mike is not in it because he was at work and I am not in it because I took the picture.

Tara had just gotten back from her first day of work after a medical leave, so she was really tired, but we had a wonderful time talking to them and they were very tolerant of the babies exploring the apartment living room. Jayden was the worst. Ha ha.

The next day, Arren and I went on a walk to the park with the babies. When we got home we realized Anastasia had thrown her shoe out of the stroller somewhere along the way. I left to retrace our steps and find the thing. It was hot and I'd had enough of walking so I took the van. Before I left, I sprained my ankle really badly, but Arren didn't know until I came back with the shoe and couldn't quite walk.

Run-in with the law.

Fun Fourth weekend with just the six of us, rather than the ten of us. We went to the Fourth Breakfast, hung out for a little bit, went swimming, hung out a little bit, went to see a "display" of fireworks and joined with Lexi and Mikey's mom and her boyfriend to set off fireworks. We did not get to see the city fireworks, but we got instruction about city ordinances for fireworks. Apparently their subdivision is still in "city limits" and they had the police out in force. The whole collection of purchased fireworks was on the front lawn and was confiscated (to be used at an end of shift police celebration).

We wrapped up the fun and Mike went down the street to the fireworks stand and bought some fun of his own to be released in our neighborhood, which does not, as yet, have such restrictions on fireworks.

Mikey and Lexi are here for the week. Mikey and I are touring the world with a two-piece band. We got our plane last night. Now he needs to get off Tony Hawk so we can continue the tour. I completed a successful solo tour last week. We have gone swimming and to the park. The babies are looking a little brown and their blonde hair is a little brighter. My legs still have a bit of an iridescent cast to them, but the chalkiness is minimized. Lexi and I just got back from getting pedicures.

Life is pretty good. Love all the way around.