Cinderella recital

Beautiful girls and talented dancers all in one recital. Whew! Both girls did a fabulous job at learning their steps and moves. Their Dad and I are very proud as too are the Grandparents. We are never disappointed in the teachings of our friend and Teacher, Ms. Barbara Smith. She is a jewel and a treasured voice of guidance to all of the young girls. We love seeing them grow into young ladies with poise and grace who also serve the Lord with dance.

Geography Fair

Congratulations to Stephanie and Olivia for completing their co-ops with great success. It was a fun celebration of their work and efforts. Lots of family and friends came to share in the night. We felt the support and love of our friend's families. It reminds us of why we call this area home.

Salt Springs camping

Off we went for a camping trip into the Ocala National Forest. We invaded the campground with our crew of 8 RV's and 11 kids. Swimming at Silver Glenn Springs and at Juniper Springs were the highlights of the trip, but there were many great times. Good friends, canasta, good food, horseshoes, sand boils and just being together are things we will not take for granted because we know that someday we will look back at these times and miss them. I say it often, but with a depth of gratitude, we are blessed.

Lakeland fieldtrip

What a day! Both co-op groups went to Lakeland for a fun day of friends and learning. First we went to a great park on Lake Mirror. It had big and different objects to play on. It was clean and we had time for a yummy lunch. Next we headed over to the Exploration kid's museum. It had a kid size bank, theatre, newsroom and Publix. An orange factory in the downstairs was a hit with the whole crowd. Who knew we had a bunch of kids who liked to pick oranges? Finally we went over to the Dairy Factory at Publix and went on a tour. We saw the whole process. From melting plastic into jugs for milk, tea and water to making cottage cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Then we got to eat some! YUM!

Olivia's 5th birthday!

Turning five was a two week event for our family. Mostly because Olivia and Stephanie spent the first week of April at home with the flu and high fevers. We did miss all the early birthdays of friends, and celebrated a little ourselves. We had cake at both grandparents and opened presents too! Olivia got practice blowing out her candles.

Olivia's birthday bash was a roller-skating party. We had pizza and presents first and then headed for the rink. Everyone had a blast. Although there were some bruises, bumps, falls, and tears, there were lots of smiles. We were proud since most of the skaters were first-timers. We are looking forward to more skating nights. Thanks everyone for sharing in our little ones special day.

an American Girl play

It was Addy's birthday. The play was set back in 1865, and told the story of a young slave from North Carolina who lived on a tobacco plantation. She and her mother escaped to Pennsylvania and started a new life. The message of hope, love and bravery was inspiring to each of us.

This play captured our girls attention and left them questioning the past. Each girl brought their special doll and dressed up for the play. It was a lovely girls day out. Attending a play at Tampa Performing Arts Center offered them a chance to practice their social graces and manners. They all made us proud.

Myakka River

Myakka River State Park was our latest conquest in the camping adventure of our lives. We went with seven other families and had a fabulous time. Most of the kids became "junior rangers" before we left the park on Sunday. They all had such a great time exploring the "caves" (which were really hog trails), hunting down animal tracks down a sandy road (of which they found about 8 different prints), climbing over and on great fallen trees, bike riding, hiking, campfire time and playing games.

We also used our skills at finding hidden treasure through geocashing. We found the treasure and exchanged trinkets with others. Along the trail we walked on the great canopy walkway and walked up to the observation tower. There were a bunch of flies, but amazing. Dodgeball (which they all learned how to play) and the remote car "Rustler" provided great fun. The parents had a fun time playing cards and just being together. Steve and Conrad tented it the first night, and the rest of the time we wore earplugs in the camper. Bug bites, scratches and bruises did not even put a dent in the fun. What a great group of friends.