Happy Birthday Mummy!

Last weekend was Lois and Shari's birthdays!

 

 

 

It's always fun to get together with Lois, Don and the Slentz's. We all got together over at Lois and Don's. We played some cards, ate some food, opened some gifts and of course, ate some cake! Don has grown to love this crazy little game we taught him called...Euchre!!!

The girls had a blast hanging out with Janie! Now that Mike and Janie live in Oveido, we don't get to see them like we used to. Janie is attending UCF (University of Central Florida) studying Digital Media & Film and Mike is learning to fly. He is enrolled in a 2 year intensive flight training program through Delta. He just started in August, but is already qualified as a private pilot.

Mount Dora Craft Show

One of my favorite events is the Mount Dora Craft Show. Mount Dora is normally lots of fun for shopping and treats. But, when they close down 6 blocks down town for crafts and foods of all kinds...Woo Hoo! 

You never know what you're going to see. Apparently, one couple thought bringing a monkey was a great idea. Honestly, they were barely able to move through the crowds.
 

Lauren and I walked all over. We thought these framed letters were kind of cool. We thought Joel could do something like this with Konrad's name. He's good with the camera and has the artistic eye.
 

Last year we did lots of our Christmas shopping here. We found a few cool new things this year too. In February they have a jurried arts festival that shuts down the streets the same way. We took Flat Kelcey there a couple of years ago. Lauren is interested in being a photographer when she gets older. We all go to the Art show to see all of the fantastic things the artists create.

Fall 2009 Softball!

 

Lauren's team is the Sluggers! They are a young 12 and under team. We have 2 12 year-olds and 3 9 year-olds. We have 3 girls who have Never played before. So far they have lost their first 3 games, but we are so proud of them! They are really playing well. We were prepared to play older, more experienced team. Yesterday they played games at 9am and 11am. It was their first double header of the season.

 

Renee's team is High Energy! They are a group of girls from 12 to 16. With older girls come a whole new batch of issues. The good news for Renee is that this season she is not the only pitcher on the team. We have witnessed some rough practices. But, they are playing tough in the games and so far are 2 and 1! Yesterday they played games at 1pm and 3pm. (If you're doing the math, that is an entire day spent at the ballpark in a neighboring town.)

 For a day spent in the sun and heat (low 90's) I have fabulously tanned feet in the pattern of my flip flops. Renee has earned herself her first ever Game Ball! She was always passed over for a girl who had never performed well having the hit of a life time, a team that just didn't win (so never had a game ball to give out), or a coach who never recognized anyone with a game ball. I know she has deserved to be recognized for all of her heart and talent. We are so proud of her!

Both of the girls are off to an exciting season. Most Saturday's will be spent at double headers for each of them. Next Saturday they are both playing in different towns. Even though days like yesterday are long, at least we get to see their whole games.

Go Tavares!

She said "Yes!" to the dress!

 

So, Renee finally relented and agreed to go dress shopping with her Mom. My niece, Janie and sister-in-law, Shari were going shopping at the same mall. We looked at several stores and finally found one just full of great dresses. We sent her into the dressing room with about 10-12 dresses. She narrowed it down to 4. She wouldn't let me take pictures at the store. But, I got a shot at home. This is the dress she chose! We are very happy with her choice.

We asked her how she wanted to do her hair. She said just like it is. But, when I suggested getting nail polish to match the dress, she was instantly in favor of a pedicure! We'll see. The dance is Friday after the football game. They go to the game and then have an hour to change and get to the dance.

Dress Up Day!

So, we go from softball to dresses in no time at all!

We were driving to the sporing goods store and Rod asks Renee, "So, has anyone asked you to Homecoming?" Just kind of joking around.
"Yeah," was her response.
Everyone of us turned to her in a full family double take.
Dad's eloquent response, "Huh?"
He regains his composure and asks her who, when, do we know him, and now what?

His name is Ryan and we do not know him (yet). She has made no plans beyond saying yes to his invitaion. We think Homecomming is 2 weeks away. She thinks one of the dresses she already has will do fine. She does not want to go dress shopping with her mom very much. She dislikes anything pink or with bows. I have heard that the girls wear dresses similar to prom, but not floor length. We are putting up these on to get your opinions. I am willing to go dress shopping, but we are running out of time.

We are not prepared for Renee to date yet. She is not 30 yet. Can I get an Amen on that? She does not look at this as a date. They are just going to a dance together. They do not chat on the phone or text constantly. I think this is casual, but it still caught us off-guard.


 
 
 

August 2009 Collage

 

Hogwarts

Still working on the picture thing.