Gone in a flash....... one camera

Alas, my poor little camera got caught in the car door and smashed. That will restrict pictures that we can post until I can save up for a new one. I can point and take "mystery pictures" but can't use the menu or see what I am taking. Hopefully someone else will have a camera at Cassidy's birthday party in a few weeks so we can post.

We got to go to Olive Garden and use my Mother's Day gift certificate. They have the best stuffed mushrooms!

Jamie and Lynn are about finished putting the first coat of polyurethane on the ceiling of their living room. Working above your head is very different than working on floors and walls.

Houston 2010

While in Houston we visited Grandma and Grandpa Keene. We found out their new dog Lexie barks at thunder. Which would not be so bad if it hadn't stormed all night.Grandma took us to the Art Car Museum and we got to see a pink Cadillac and antique race cars. We wiped out her fresh plums and all of her oatmeal cookies. Fortunately she made homemade rice crispy treats to fill the gap.

While we were in Houston we also went to the Holocaust Museum which was very educational. (I would like to say it was fun, but just can't) It raised a lot of questions with the kids about Grandpa Westerduin's heroic rescue of his family and others.

We visited the famed Galleria Mall where the kids got to go into LouisVutton's store. One belt was $565!  Needless to say we didn't buy anything but it was fun.

Slow and Steady...... glass breaks!

While we were in Houston we had the opportunity to visit Aunt Katherine and her friends for Memorial Day. While we were there the kids had the unique opportunity to go to Mary's jewelry making studio and make glass beads and flowers for themselves. blowing, melting and molding glass is something that takes patience (Timmy is lacking) and a steady hand. Jennifer definitely had the touch for making glass flowers better than any one else.

The Land of Peter Rabbit

Chris and Devin just returned from their European excursion. These pictures were taken in the Betrix Potter Museum in London. Devin says it was one of her favorite places in England.

Sea World 2010

After the long trip to Texas, graduation ceremonies, the Alamo and the Riverwalk in San Antonio we splurged on a trip to Sea World to see Shamu. The best show was the Azul show was definitely the best show with the high divers, beluga whales, porpoises, synchronized swimmers,  Parrots and amazing feats.

We had wristbands for all the food we wanted, the favorites were the turkey legs, pretzels dipped in caramel and chocolate, and watermelon.

Paul's favorite of course was the penguins.Although he enjoyed feeding the seals and sea lions. One seal would lay on the ledge and slap his fin on the water to get your attention for food. A sea lion had three fish in his mouth and would toss them up in the air and chase them back down to play some more with them. He knew he had three somehow.

The all time favorite roller coaster was the Steel Eel... agreed upon by all.

On the road again

Traveling with teens. Load them in the car, ice chests, suitcases, snacks, gps, books on cd. Cell phones to text and face book on of course. Head south through Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Twenty-two hours later arrive in San Antonio. Collapse in the beds and sleeping bags. Go swimming in the hotel pool. Eat at Denny's (on a budget) right in the hotel parking lot.

Note: Don't drink iced tea in Louisiana, they taste funky due to the water in the ice.
We are still trying to figure out what rights Alabama has been trying to defend.