No snow

No snow here in Virginia, but that doesn't mean we're not having fun.

Hip Hop Class Performance

Charles and Thomas performed in Harvard's Hip Hop Class performance yesterday.

You might want to go "full screen" to watch... and switch to 480P if available. :)

Charles' Piano Recital

Charles gives his first piano recital at Harvard Elementary School.

QB Charles

At the last practice before the first game this weekend... looks like Charles will be the quarterback. (Sorry... no audio)

Thomas' Thanksgiving Poetry

New Tiger Scout

2nd Grade Songs at the Harvard Elementary Book Fair

Charles QB's his first game of flag football

A little fun after the last Cub Scouts Den Meeting.

Charles' First Recital

After just 4 lessons Charles felt so good about his piano playing skills that he gave the family a performance.

Fall Ball

The boys' game schedule has been added to the calendar. It seems that they are mostly in the late afternoon (3 or 5pm) and the last game (not yet listed) is not set.

Old Times!

Copied this photo at the reunion. Don't believe that we had seen this photo of Walter in the Merchant Marines.

2010 Holliman Reunion

No water fights, but bugs were fun and pies were delicious!

Charles takes it to the next level

It took a while, but we finally got Charles to try his "big-boy bike" (thanks to a flat tire, and some peer pressure). And once he started riding it, we couldn't get him to stop. 

Brenham Fun

Two more photos of the boys having the last bit of summer fun.

End of Summer Almost

Waiting for dad at the Starnes farm /ranch /residence was pretty easy with the animals and swimming pool. We miss the boys today. So quiet!!!???

The Right Tools Make Things Easy

We were lucky our neighbor Billy Ogea was putting down irrigation lines for his pecan trees and offered to dig our trench for electricity to the barn. One step closer...maybe. It's always essential to have the right tools. Wish the boys could have "helped". Ha.

Cruise 2010 Slide Show

I finally spent some quality time with animoto.com last night and came up with a highlights presentation from our cruise. You might want to go "full screen" and then close the banner ad that will no doubt pop up from the bottom. Sorry... that's the price I have to pay to use the copyrighted soundtrack.

Bon Voyage

2010 WestBest

Just some photo highlights of our recent trip to the Western regions. Fun!

7 Historical Cow Tales

There were 94.5 million head of cattle in the US in 2009. Many millions of cows and bulls have lived relatively short uneventful lives over the years producing milk and calves or ultimately steaks and hamburgers. Among those millions are a few who made the news and then the history books for one reason or another. Read: Mental Floss

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bill

Mini-Me

 
Finally, Mama Kildeer hatched one egg and mini-me is in the background. Hard to get a good photo since they run off. When we tried later, two baby Kildeer were there. Still one egg to go. Be sure and show the boys.

Happy Birthday Nana

New Tiger Cub

Thomas earned his Bobcat Badge this week and is now officially a Tiger Cub!

Cutie!

 
Cora Sue's calf sure looks like her! Born yesterday or Monday.

What's Up with the Snakes?

 
Michelle helps clean up the porch! Is this snake looking for the other one a few weeks ago?

Garden Day

 
 
 
 

Drivers Beware

 
 
 
Thought the boys might enjoy seeing a Kildeer nest. We saw the mother looking apprehensive everytime we drove near, and upon investigation found the reason. Hope she keeps them safe.

Los Angeles and Santa Barbara

 
 
 

Not only did Harvey have lunch at the infamous "Pinks" but we saw Craig Ferguson tape the Late, Late Night show. Santa Barbara and Westmont College were beautiful. And of course! Bobby Fenske got his diploma.

Bicycles

We packed up the boys and the bicycles this afternoon with one mission: learn to ride bicycles.

Mission: accomplished.

"I caught the ball!"

So declared Thomas to the crowd after catching a fly ball, and then running it to second base for a double play! In the end, the Bees lost to the Rivercats 17-15, but it was a great game nonetheless.

A few other highlights include his inning as the pitcher where the threw a few runners out at first, and a single that eventually scored a point for the Bees.

[flickr]

The Rockies Win!

The Rockies took on the Rays last night in what was a close game from the very start. But the last inning closed with a bang and the Rockies won their first game 15-12.

Weekend Update

Another great weekend of baseball! The Rockies made a great effort, and although it was quite close there for a while they did not pull out a win. But Charles had at least one hit (that I saw... I was working the concession stand) - a single, and did score a run.

The Bees on the other hand, won their game 15-12. With few outs being made and a 5 run-per-inning limit, it looked like it was going to be a 15-15 tie. But they managed to shut down the opposing team in the last inning and hold them to 12.

A great day all around!

Most exciting game yet!

Charles brought his "A Game" tonight, whacking one to the fence for a triple. And although the Rockies lost 13-12, they sure made the Pirates earn it.

We couldn't be prouder, and by the look on Charles' face  after scoring a run, neither could he.

Robot Skeleton Hobos

Next Holliman reunion?

Bacon Vodka

And the hits just keep on coming... some of the recipes sound pretty darn good actually.

Hoping for Better Hay

 
 We had 54 tons of crushed limestone delivered (two loads) and spread in the hay meadow to try to neutralize the acidic soil. Big toys for boys to watch. Wish they had been here.