Olympic Spirit

We just returned from a short trip to Reno. I am not really certain why our kids love it but love it they do. I think it is because Dad enjoys things as much as they do. We were playing in the arcade our last night there and winning big in a claw machine where the prize was an enormous basket ball. We drew quite a crowd as we won four in one night. One lady came up the escalator just as we had won one and started cheering with the crowd and commented, "why am I cheering"?. Laryssa had earned one extra game and wanted to win an elmo for Vadim, she ended up winning a Rhino that a little boy and his Father had been trying and trying to win without success. The little boy was very sad but his Father had already sunk $40 dollars into it and was done. I suggested Laryssa give it to him, she hesitated for only a moment and ran over to him. The boys face lit up like a sunrise and his Father was stunned. They spoke very little English but were so grateful and thankful. I have never been so proud of Laryssa and it made the whole trip worth everything to me. My heart is still bursting with pride.

Thank Heaven for little boys

Thank heaven for little boys for without them how would Mommas get to indulge themselves by getting them a cool car bed. We asked him if he liked his bed and he yelled Yeah! as he poked his head out the rear window. We hope he will actually sleep in the bed but he is really enjoying playing with it and we are having fun watching him.

Happy Birthday Jane

Today is a milestone birthday for my big Sis. I won't mention witch birthday as it might annoy her. We went to the beach to day to be with her. It is her center, her happy place. This beach is one she and I came upon accidentaly one afternoon while looking for Hearts Desire. So today, since she is physically in the desert I thought I would try and bring her to the Ocean, which is where our hearts lie. She is a wonderful Sister. Beautiful, endlessly generous, lovely and kind. She loves me even when I am a complete ass (which sometimes is often) and I love her. We are neither of us perfect but our love is as great as the ocean. High Priest Vadim is blessing the Birthday message with a kelp whip, Zara looks for Mermaids or dreams of being a seal maiden and is looking for her seal skin on the waves, Sasha is thinking of sacraficing Vadim and the other picture looks like Magic at the end of the beach.

Fun at the River

We had a really fun Fourth of July Weekend and spent a lot of time on the Russian River and some time at the pool as well. We discovered that Vadim really loves Chips and Salsa and it is a good way to get him to drink fluids.

Why does Summer Fly By?

Why does it go so fast"? I look so forward to the summer months because the daily routine slows and I get to spend more time with the children. This summer just seems to be going too quickly. We have gone on a few little day trips with the kids but it seems like there is too much work going on and not enough play. I will have to try harder to relax and have more fun. We came home from the cabin so the kids could have some time with friends. They spent today at a friends pool. Hopefully we will go on a ferry ride and a movie this week and take Mom to San Francisco on Sunday. That will be fun.

The Fountain of Youth

It's funny when we are young we can't wait to grow up and when we are older we wish to be younger. I was pondering this while I walked my little Vadim up the stairs of our house this morning. I thought it was not too long ago I walked the very same way with his Grandmother. I carried him up the stairs when he was too little to walk. I carried her up and down the stairs when she could no longer do it herself. My little boy reminds me so much of her. He loves bananas, walks with his hands behind his back, he has a dirty little giggle and sometimes I have to spoon feed him. I am grateful for the gift of this child and his bright sunny smile. He helps me to remember the lovely things about his Grandma. So I'm learning be as patient with our old as you are with the young and they will most likely reward you with sunny smiles and unspoken gratitude.

Way to beat the heat

Trying to stay cool in unseasonable hot weather. I love the box above his head that says keep frozen. If only we could.