There May Be a Photo Overload Around the Corner

All the grandkids will be here this weekend, so I am warning you that next week may be full of photographs of really cute kids.

That is if they will be still for a couple of seconds.

I will probably have to bribe them.

That is what I had to do with these two this week.

This one, I just strapped into a stroller. 

I hope Ben and Scarlett don't let Cora in on the bribery.

Media Monday-NOT

Our Fourth began by picking up Scarlett. She was staying with us for a few days. Ben was spending a few days with Shannon's parents, (Gene and Diane), and Scarlett was staying with us. Later in the day, we met Miles and Michelle over at his parents house for swimming, food, and fun.

Scarlett and sparklers-

Scarlett and Cora

Cora and her Fourth of July costume. I babysat Cora a couple of weeks ago and put her in this hat. Let this be a lesson to her parents to be careful with whom they leave their baby. (poor kid)

Barry happened to have a couple of days off during this time, so he, Scarlett, and I took an overnight trip to Houston.  Barry had not had a chance to see Jacob and Joanie's new house.   

We arrived Thursday.  Scarlett and Ava had huge hugs for each other.  We spent the afternoon swimming and playing. Sounds idyllic doesn't it.  That's because I totally forgot to tell you about some tantrums, competitiveness, hunger, and exhaustion issues, and a summer virus that developed. (and I might not just be talking about the kids.)

Ooh, and, of course, the car trouble. Friday, after a morning at the pool, we were off to lunch.  Barry and I were going to follow Joanie and the kiddos and leave for Mansfield after eating.  Everyone was loaded into their car seats, but Barry's car wouldn't start. Since he was parked behind Joanie, we had to push him out of the driveway.  Joanie and I were very impressed with our strength  when we kept the Tahoe from rolling forward. Then Barry pointed out that at that point he had the break on, so that burst our strength bubble.  

Once the Tahoe was out of the way, and we were back from lunch, Barry spent the rest of the afternoon, removing the battery, going to buy another battery, and putting it in the car.  

All of this could be a precursor to our family' trip.  Just add one more kid, a baby, and four more adults to the scenario.  Probably you should throw in some extra humidity and tiredness. When the time comes, a fun time will be had by all. 

Last weekend everyone was here for a get together for Michelle and Cora. So, of course, there are some photographs of the weekend. It was fun filled and a big thank you goes out to Shannon for hosting everyone all weekend. I am going to try not to put in too many photos.

Cutie Patootie Lucy 

Ava waited patiently for someone to swim with her. Keep in mind I think this is about 9:30 in the morning.

Ava and Lucy held baby Cora.

Lucy and her dad, Jacob. It is not easy to get a photograph of either of them. They are elusive.

Scarlett learned to hula hoop.

Scarlett working on her tuck for the 2020 Olympics.

Ben lost another tooth.

Brett and Shannon adopted a dog, Spree.

Michelle inside while everyone else is swimming. Welcome to your new life, Michelle.

It is amazing how well a three year old can drive.
Stopping is not as much fun though.

Believe it or not, I did keep the photographs to a minimum. (for me)

-JB

A Belated Birthday Post

Last Friday was Barry's birthday. We celebrated early, because I was going to Houston and would not be in town on the actual day. Here is the abridged version of the earlier lost post.

Shannon was kind enough to fix Barry's birthday dinner and have us over to their house.

Michelle was there because she is free to move around now!

Miles and Baby Cora were there too. Doesn't Miles look like a "natural" holding his little girl?

Ben and Scarlett gave Poppy some golf equipment. I think he likes his shirt!

Shannon made Barry banana pudding, one of his favorite desserts. I think he likes that too.

Ben and Scarlett spent some quality cousin time with Cora. Michelle is trying to figure out how she can get Scarlett to skip kindergarten and keep Cora for her when she goes back to work. Scarlett just doesn't realize how hard it would be to "craft" while holding the baby all day. 

Barry ponders Cora's little feet as Scarlett watches like the good baby whisperer that she is. 

Shannon, Brett, and I were there also. We did not make it in any of the photographs. Something must be done about that. I will speak with the photographer. 

Except for the fact that Joanie and her family were not there, I think it was a pretty perfect birthday. 

How Bout That Cowgirl?

As most of you know,  Scarlett is not crazy about having her photograph taken. I managed to get more pictures of her at the rodeo last week than usual. Toward the end, though, she wasn't being as cooperative. Her mom tried to help out by stealing her hat to get her to turn around. As you can see, she wasn't too thrilled about that. I do believe she might be stealing the hearts of some cowboys soon.

 " Turn around, Scarlett."  "Why did you take my hat?" "You are sneaky, Mom"