Big Kick, Sam!

Here is Sam's backstroke contest.  We have been working all summer on perfecting that kick and by the time the Championships rolled around, it was much, much better!  

Botanical Garden Camp

Tyler loved botanical garden camp.  He learned all about bugs, gardening and conservation.  When I joined him in class, they were learning about ladybugs and got to put real ladybugs on the tomato plants and watch them at work.  He enjoyed eating like a ladybug, with his 'antennae' and not his hands, which was like watching a bunch of kids at a pig trough!  All in all, a great week.

Sam Swims

Here is one of Sam's swim meets.  As you can see, stiff competition, but a great showing from Mr. Sam.

Chewing Gum

I love this video, not for the idyllic scene of three boys reading a Lizard book, but instead, of three boys enjoying chewing gum and the few words that get read in between.  What patient children!

Random Summer Shots

Here are some random summer pictures.  Tyler with his friend, Zachary, and their bear from school, Dubie, who comes over homes for the weekend to celebrate Shabbat with the kids.  Dubie has his own bag filled with Shabbat candles, a kiddush cup, a challah cover and a few Jewish books.  Then we have Tyler looking like a bandit during an outing to the Witte Museum where they had a Western festival.  Then Sam holding a Madagascar hissing cockroach, enough said...Then Sam and I had a date spent enjoying his favorite restaurant, Souper Salad, and then to the library where he needed to find books on reptiles so we used the "card" catalogue.  Ben came to visit which was great!  Then Clara and Tessa and the boys shared some pajama time together after picking blackberries and peaches at a local orchard.  And lastly, Tyler enjoying some necessary 'spa' time after swimming all afternoon in the pool.

Steve Wins the Swim Race

Joc and Steve and Ben came over last month and we had a swim-off with Steve, Liz and Sam.  Steve could not help but beat us all...the North Carolina champion!  We Texans need a rematch!

Sam's Piano Recital

Sam did a great job at his first piano recital with his new teacher, Ms. Gaye.  He was in a real piano studio in front of lots of people and despite being the youngest one there, played like a pro.