Leaving the nest

The birds have ventured out of the nest. One was out a few days ago and I am pretty sure has taken flight and left us already. These two are probably not far behind.

Action Shots

Phoebe is in the middle

Luke doing the backstroke

Evenings at the pool

It is super hot here in Texas already and we pretty much live at the pool these days. It is nice in the evenings when the sun isn't up high anymore and we can enjoy some family time.

We see a lot of this from Paisley when she doesn't get her way, but most of the time she is smiling when in the water.

Colored Rice Art Craft

Summer days are getting longer at our house and I am put Phoebe in the task of researching for some fun craft ideas. This one is colored rice. We took a half cup of rice and put in about 1/2 a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol then added food coloring. We just stuck with the 4 basic colors and they all made some pictures with glue. It kept us busy for about an hour and they had fun. Really this ended up being 2 activities because they liked coloring the rice about as much as making the pictures with it.

The finished project

Another swim meet

Hungry baby birds

They are getting bigger and now make a little sound. The mama and papa are both taking turns feeding them for most of the day. I assume they will be ready to fly in about a week.

Scott's High Adventure Scout trip 2011

Scott is in the Young Men's organization in our church and every year they boys age 14-18 go on a high adventure trip. This year they went to Colorado for a 3 day white water rafting excursion and then they hiked Pike's Peak. Thankfully no one got injured and they made it home safely, worn out and spiritually fed as well. Scott's raft only flipped once on the first day and only after the 1st ten minutes in the water. It was probably a good thing that it happened early on because the boys were able to realize they had to have their heads on and paying attention the entire time. With all the snow this year the river is running very high and it is very fast. Scot had to swim to shore and get picked up a 1/2 mile down river after the topple. Thankfully they had wetsuits as part of the gear given to them.

Hiking up Pike's Peak, still in the tree line

above tree line and getting harder to breath

a storm started to roll in and it snowed, hailed, and rained on them.

Hatched

3 of the 4 eggs hatched! They are so tiny right now and don't even make a peep yet, but I can tell they are growing as there is more feather fuzz in the second picture that was taken an couple days apart. I am not positive but think these are northern mockingbirds.

SwimTeam pictures

This year I took my own pictures for swim team. It saved me time on a hot summer day and $. These two are so adorable.

Basketball for Ethen

Ethen has decided to try out basketball this summer. He's doing pretty good.

Nest Eggs

A mama bird has made a gorgeous nest in a small tree in our backyard. I was able to get the camera close enough while she was away for a bit to get a picture. 4 beautiful eggs. She is very dedicated and only leaves for about and hour a day. Hope to see little babies chirping soon.

1st Swim Meet 2011

The swim season is here and this year we have two swimmers! Luke and Phoebe are both competing and they both did great at the first swim meet of the year.

Phoebe's FreeRelay took 1st

Luke's FreeRelay won 1st place

Look at his determined face

Popsicle break to cool off

Grandma Bergen came out to support the kids

Phoebe getting ready

Phoebe was amazing and got all 1st place in her 9-10 age group

Luke was so happy to get his ribbons

Luke's 1st Swim Meet Video

Phoebe Backstroke Video

Phoebe rockin it!

Opening Band at Cadillac Pizza

Phoebe's band opened up the night of performances at a local Pizza restaurant on the town square. It was so fun and cool to watch my girl up on stage singing to a packed house. The entire band did awesome and I am so proud of these girls for being so brave and awesome!!!

Phoebe's 4th grade program

My girl is officially a 5th grader :( I can't believe she is already done with her 4th grade year. She did so well in all her classes and her teachers love her. Even teachers she doesn't have love her and tell me she is always so happy and smiling. I am so grateful that she loves school and loves learning. I never once had to tell her to finish her homework this year. She would always get it done way before it was even due. Phoebe is such a happy girl and we are so very proud of her.