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.

If You Don't Want to Read the Whole Post, At Least Read the Last Paragraph

I just finished eating one of the worst meals I have cooked in a long time. For some reason, I felt compelled to open with that statement, which is bad writing as the meal has nothing to do with this blog. I just needed to confess.

Ben stayed with us for a few days this week. We have spent some fun-filled days, playing golf, swimming, scoring his cannonballs off the board, and playing with walkie-talkies. When the temperature rose to 109, we went to see Madagascar 3 and played some games on the iPad. 

(I must interject here as I have seen a lot of commercials for The Lorax lately.  I did not enjoy that movie at all- boring and preachy. But, I did enjoy Madagascar 3.) 

Ben and Barry were so inspired by their bowling techniques on the iPad, we decided to go bowling for real. Barry and I do not bowl, so if I had not called ahead, we probably would have gone to Alley Cats. It is newer, caters to kids and families, and has a really good name. However, I did call and found out that Alley Cats is very expensive. So, we headed to Spare Time Lanes. I had not been there since late high school/early college. Let’s just say it had been a few years. 

Besides the fact that the bowling balls were in terrible condition at Spare Time Lanes, the place has spruced up since I was there last. Spruced up = cleaner and better lights. The price was right, too. 

We probably recorded the lowest bowling scores of this century. The surprising thing is that both Barry and Ben must have bowled amazingly well on the iPad. They seemed so disappointed with each roll at the lanes. I finally had to bring them back to reality by telling them that “We aren’t bowlers, and we can’t bowl! So just have fun.” (I was actually more supportive to Ben in his efforts and a lot more realistic to Barry.) It’s an ugly job, but someone has to be the voice of reason. 

Now for the very important question- We have wasps getting into our bathroom. Where would you assume they are coming in? Luckily it has just been one or two at a time. Would they be coming through the plumbing, through the air vents, or possibly the light fixtures? Send your thoughts soon! 

This Weeks Free App & Ben is Eight!

Just so you won't think I have totally altered my plans, here is a little tech tip. For you Angry Bird fans, this weeks free App is Angry Birds Seasons. Get it while it is free.

Now, this is really important!
Ben turned eight years old last week. Eight! I can't believe it. Shannon made him a Bass cake because he had spent last week fishing with his grandfather. The cake was perfect until someone accidentally hit  it with her finger trying to get a photograph that did it justice. That person smudged it right at the first gill mark and did not tell Shannon, hoping she wouldn't notice. But notice she did. Yikes, mother-in-laws are so much trouble.

The boys had fun and the cake was yummy. 

One, Two, Three...

JUMP!

Poppy, Ben, and Jama

Dad, Ben, Mom, and Scarlett

May all your birthdays be filled with this much joy, Ben!

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.