Bicycles and Scooters and Running

Fun summertime stuff. 

Sierra has learned how to keep the pedals moving in the right direction and how the handlebars work.  She wants to ride all the time now. 

Sean loves his scooter as much as his bike.  Here he thought he was really beating Braden in a race.  Braden was being very nice. 

Every once in a while, we see this one running barefoot in the neighborhood. 

On Saturday, Sean was Daddy's big helper all day.  They disassembled an old doghouse, moved a bunch of bricks, nailed down nails on the deck, etc.  It was a big day. 

Craft time.  If Sean had his way, we would do crafts and science experiments all day every day.  Sierra is wearing a patch on one eye to help the trying-to-be-lazy eye work harder so the brain will not stop sending signals to it.  She's been doing well with it.  The hardest part is when she gets sweaty from playing outside and the salty sweat stings her eye.  I think the adhesive is starting to irritate her skin so we will be looking into alternatives for that also. 

Flutterbies, Butterflies

 

It was really neat to see this exhibit.  We've been to a butterfly exhibit before but it did not even compare to this one.  We could easily see the butterflies drinking nectar from the flowers and the feeders. 

 
I really like this picture. 

There were several hanging baskets of petunias which the butterflies apparently loved.  See this one taking a drink. 

Notice the proboscis (what they drink with) all curled up.

I had told Sean I didn't think we'd see any chrysalises but obviously I was wrong.  Wow. 

More Zoo Pics

I'll share some of the animals this time. 

Sleeping Koala.  Since Koalas sleep 18-22 hours a day, it's not easy to see them awake. 

The sea lions were fun.  They have a lot of personality. 

Callie's favorites.

My favorite. 

Zoo Field Trip

We took advantage of the wonderful weather this weekend and made a trip to the zoo.  It has been a while since we've been to the zoo in Indy.  As a matter of fact, it was the first time for Sean and Sierra.  A couple years ago we visited Brookfield Zoo in Chicago but they do not remember that.  We also visited Cincinnati Zoo about 4 years ago.  Anyway, the Indiapolis Zoo has changed some.  Here are a few pics that I took. 

 

Callie would set up a tent and live at a zoo or any kind of place that has animals.  The goats were a bit spoiled, I think. 

Sierra loves the animals.  She chose to wear pigtails because she thought the animals would like them. 

This was taken at the Butterfly exhibit at White River Gardens which is next to the zoo and no extra cost.  It was spectacular.  It was the favorite part of our visit for most of us.  I will post more pictures later. 

2008 Olympics - My Observations

We are enjoying the Olympics on NBC. First, we were awed and amazed by the Opening Ceremonies. The thought that comes to my mind is that I would not want to be the country that gets to host the 2012 Olympics. They have a tough act to follow.

Today and this evening we watched some men's gymnastics, women's beach volleyball and swimming. It was fun watching Sean and Sierra really getting into the events. Sean is all about voting for Team USA. Sierra loves the gymnastics.... says she loves all those guys. :)

Michael Phelps rocks. We hope to see him win a few more gold medals.

I find beach volleyball interesting. I don't understand why all that sand does not bother the players. I cannot stand to have sand on me like that. It also interests me how their uniforms cover less of the body than the men's swimsuits. Men's swimsuits have definitely evolved. Some wear long swim pants. Some wear something like a jumper. Definitely suits that cover more body than the vintage Speedo-ish bikinis. Is this so they do not have to shave their body to acquire more speed?

Well, this is your unofficial Olympic commentator signing off. Good night and God bless.

Hot Days Cool Treat

We had some pretty hot days recently.   The water felt good to the kids. 

We have a nice break right now from the humidity and heat.  3 1/2 of us are recovering from a summer cold virus.  I have evaded it so far and C isn't sure she has it or maybe she's is in denial so she can go swimming tomorrow with her 4-H club. 

 

Summer Memories

Sean loves tennis just like his daddy. 

 

We had a nice visit with Mrs. R (preschool). 

Looking for butterflies.

Just a swingin'.