California Vacation June 2011, Day 1

We rented a house on Manhattan Beach because the boys keep asking, "When are we going back to the beach house?" This is almost two years since we stayed there. Our house was not as nice, but much closer to the water. Paul and TJ did not stop to change clothes from the flight, they went out directly to the sand...

We all went out in our travel clothes. At least Coker thought to grab beach toys.

Well, they didn't really need the toys.

Here's the view from the house. I hoped it would be right on the sand, but the walking path, parking lot and bike path were between us and the sand. Not too bad!

Kindergarten Splash Day

The kindergarten teachers know what kids love: shaving cream. This will not happen at my house, but boy did those kids love it!

They also had face painting, slip and slides, kiddie pools, a sand table and other water toys. I asked Paul if he wanted me to hose him off once he finished with the shaving cream. After he was rinsed, I had a line of kids. Some of them came through a few times. Paul said my hosing off all the kids was a tie with the shaving cream for his favorite part of Splash Day.

TJ Says

TJ wants a "granilla" bar for breakfast. I'm not sure if that's sweet like vanilla or dangerous like Godzilla.

I Am Not My Grandmother

How appropriate that the daily Bible verse from Biblegateway.com is Proverbs 31:10, 27-28. “[Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”

I think that would describe my grandmother very well. She was 69 when I was born, and I remember she was always working on something, Lord willing. I had to throw in the "Lord willing" because that was her phrase. She didn't make a promise without adding the phrase "Lord willing." He was willing to have her do a lot of work, because she did. She raised and tended the garden, cooked, sewed, crocheted, quilted, read her Bible, cleaned, and I'm sure did plenty of other work I know nothing about.

I keep busy, but I realized I am not my grandmother this morning. TJ's stuffed grasshopper, Cricket, lost his foot and TJ cried. I told him not to worry because I could sew it back on. He asked, "What does 'sew' mean?" I showed him, thanks to the lessons from my grandmother.

Triple Play Paul

This marks Paul's fourth season to play T-ball. He seems to be more into the game this year. I have a few ideas on the reasons why.

1. He's older and more mature. His ability to understand the game is growing, along with his ability to play.

2. His best friend is on the team. He can commiserate and compete with Alec.

Paul has made a few good plays this season, but today is one for the (well, my) record books. Paul was on the field covering second base. The batter hit the ball straight to him and he caught it! That's impressive enough. Next, he tagged the runner coming from first to second. Then, he ran over and tagged second base, earning a third out for the runner on his way from second to third.

After the game, the coach asked the team, "Who got three players out at the same time?" Paul was elated to be presented with a game ball.

On the way home in the car, Coker and I went on and on about how proud we were. Paul asked, "How'd I get three outs?" Coker explained and I exclaimed further. Paul answered, "I'm out of crackers." Well, baseball can claim only so much of his attention. He's still very proud and looking for anyone to listen to the story of his baseball glory.

Toothless

Paul lost another tooth last night. That makes five, I think. This picture looks more like a grimace than a smile, but it really shows off his teeth!

Easter

The Saturday before Easter is the "Nichols Picnic," which is a family reunion on Coker's mother's side of the family. This is Coker's grandmother's (Lemma Tharpe or Aunt Patchie)'s limb.
These sweet girls are playing peek-a-boo. Casey and Brynleigh are so cute.

Paul gave Casey a ride around the gym.

This is Easter morning after church. Paul won't smile.

Hunting eggs!

TJ loves the swing at Uncle David and Aunt Nise's house.

More hunting.

More swinging.

And falling.

Higher, faster!

I love to catch Paul smiling in a picture!

Isn't he handsome?

Fun, fun Easter in Belton!