Reno Splash

 

Christina is a SUPER STAR!!! She had such a good meet. It was her first long course meet and she even did the 200 freestyle! That's 4 Olympic size pool laps.

 

She rocked it. She had such a positive attitude and beautiful dives!! Quite a bit of difference time and practice makes!!

 

It was scorching hot. I thought we were going to be baked alive. However, we found shade in the trees and it was tolerable.

 

So glad to have Tobi and my dad come to support!! We are so blessed with such awesome family! Joe was a good daddy and tended the brood so I could be with Christina and relive my glory days. It's just so exciting and thrilling to watch her swim!! To know that she is developing a life skill and staying healthy.

 

My dad had that shirt when I swam. He never ceases to amaze me. After day 2 of the meet, he treated us out to a glorious... understatement.... dinner at Greatfull gardens. Ohmygoodness!!!!!!!!!!! I had the best vegan tempeh sandwich and salad... and liege waffles... TO. DIE. FOR.

 

Then he treated us to groceries at WinCo. Fun times!! Bless you pigeon ninja. Bless you.

 

 

It was crazy seeing the lake at Idlewild all dried up. I should mention Christina's 5th grade teacher was there too. Her daughters are on the Reno Aquatics and she came to cheer for Christina for one of her races. It was really nice! She is a jewel!

The Pigeon Ninja

 

So Joe was running at 11PM one night. He was sick from eating some bad fish and found that after 3 miles, he needed to desperately use the bathroom.

 

He knocked on my parents door at the late hour wearing his LED headlamp.

 

My father decided to answer the door because he assumed it was Joe, who else would quote, "Call so late". Very Victorian thing to say Father.

 

As Papa walks to the door, in the window above he sees the light shining all over the place, hears weird squawking, and feathers are flying.

WTH?

 

He opens the door, is blinded by the light, Joe's LED headlight...

 

 

Joe rushes in and proceeds to use the bathroom for 30ish minutes.

 

In the meantime Papa is in a rage. We don't just call him road rage for kicks. In all fairness he's been cleaning pigeon sh*t (pardon the language) daily from 20 pigeons. Come to find out they were roosting right in the front doorway.

 

He goes and grabs his ninja weapon of choice, an extension pole to put light bulbs in high places. It has a wicked hook on the end and he races... slow motion part of the story, imagine this scene in glory...

He hooks a bird or 5 and bashes them on the ground. Instant ninja pigeon warrior/killer death. Except for one.

 

Dad thinks something got that one.

 

I shudder at the violence.

 

But at the same time it's good to know if there were ever a food shortage Papa's got it covered.

Fun Times

Yaya: I'm going to eat your toes.

 

Eli: I'm going to cut off your head.

 

Joe turns 84

 

We switched things up a bit and headed to the lake later on in the afternoon. 2ish.

 

It was smokey!!! But, there were no crowds and we got the BEST parking spot EVER!!!

 

The weather was PERFECT!!! The water was just the right temperature. It's never been so warm!!

 

The birthday man. His day, his way.

And it was a blast!!!

 

As long as she has snacks, she's good.

 

Once they found a lady bug, the girls were intent on building a lady bug habitat/refuge.

 

Bliss!!!

 

Ella loves to share her snacks too.... it makes her very happy!

 

Such a perfect day with my most favorite little bunch!!

 

We ended with a late dinner at a fish place. It was so laid back. The owners were super friendly.

 

God has blessed us with the best daddy. We are so grateful for Joe and hope he had a happy birthday. We got home around 10 and enjoyed a raw vegan cheesecake that I made. Then WE CRASHED!!!

Rigani

 

3 years ago I planted some Greek Orengano. It never grew. In fact I thought it was dead. However, this year it grew into a big bushel!!

We cut it and dried it and now have a whole jar full!!! Considering I put this on EVERYTHING, we're very excited. It's very fulfilling to grow something that you use regularly!!

Wild Waters!

 

Did I ever mention how wonderful my parents are?? Because they are the BEST!!! They got us passes to Wild Island and we have been enjoying our days in the hot sun!!

 

Ella maxes out at 3 hours, but fortunately Joe is has been off so he can shut down the park with the girls and Eli.

 

The girls are big enough to ride all the rides together! They were so excited, especially Maria. She is loving Fire & Ice! We have a little system where they can go do 3 things, then they have to come check in with us. So far, it's working good.

 

Thanks for making the summer so fun Papa and Yaya!!!

Futball!!!!!!!!

 

This lil' kiddo was VERY excited to go to soccer camp. At first he was a little shy and I was worried, but within 3 minutes he was off and completely ready to play!

 

He sure does have just the right amount of energy!!

 

He had a GREAT coach!!! Super fun and patient with the little group!

 

Eli of course really took to his coach and was right by his side helping out.

 

Looking forward to watching him have fun for the rest of the week!

Thanks Papa and Yaya for such a fun summer activity!