National Poem day

The Duck

As I reached the crest of the bridge

I saw the most magnificent duck all alone

I watched the duck making slow progress against the rough current.

I think how overwhelming life can appear at  times

It takes a little determination to get where we're going.

I was intrigued as the duck at the bank of the river

took time to bob and flip over

seemingly unaware of the cold brisk wind ruffling it's feathers

teaching once again it is not the destination that is important

but the journey we all travel.

Suz 2011

Now Ray Man wants a turn at writing.

the wishbone

one day it was thanksgiving

and lildan always win`s the wishbone

but this year im gonna win for a fact

theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnndddddddddddddd

by rayman

Have I said lately I love my son.  Precious first poem.  By the way today is National poem day.  So write one yourself or read one.  All this triggered by a walk downtown on a brisk day to get a manicure.

Dan's new Haircut

All ready for his first meet in track.  Yeah!  I'll miss those curls, but he is blessed to look great no matter what.

Rick's new glasses

Rick's new glasses look awesome.  Plus he was finally reunited with his favorite jacket/ suit coat.  Court went well.  We have a 3 month continuance versus 6 months.  I had told him a week earlier that were all waiting for him to get things going in the right direction.  I guess he took it to heart he is quite a bit into his life story, this time actually telling it versus glossing over it.  So we are pleased.  And as you can see from the picture so is he.  There is so much hope for a new beginning.

Spring Break part 2

 Jonah lives the turtle

 Creating clouds

 The shocking tube.  They loved it.  Stands your hair on end.

The floating basketball doesn't work as well with Dan covering the air flow.

 The air cannon just punch and your friends are hit with a burst of air.

 The hair was also straight up but the camera didn't capture it.

 The arch blocks.

 Zach and Carrie joined us.  Yipee

 The moving ball and table.  Try to make it go across straight.

 Spin ridiculously fast to make yourself ill and stagger.  What can we say it's a favorite.

 Touch and see if you can recognize what it is.

 Ball crane ~ I like this one it doesn't cost 50 cents a try.  And because they're good it doesn't stock pile toys at my house.

 Tea paper that burns to nothing.  We also got to see deflated Marshmallows and over inflated ones.

 Heat a pop can with a little water ~ boil.  Add to cool water and it crushes the can instantly.  Note Crush can works better than coke.

We loved ice skating.  I got to walk, they were able to skate.  In 3 days they became quite good.  I wish my camera had worked for the children's museum in Iowa City.  That was pretty cool.  Fires at our friends house coupled with air soft wars = a great spring break.

Spring break 2011

 We took the McFarland's to the Phelp's youth Pavillion

 Ray Man loves to drive the tractor.

 The boys painting.

 Sydney tries out the drums

 Fishing

 Jonah needs to give it a try.

The famous Mexican Bus a favorite when we go.

 Finding artifacts and Sydney's phone after Mr Dan hid it in the rubber soil

 Painting on the big screen

Love this shot!

 Planting

 Eddie Ray's pic

 Checking out the river.

Nap time for Bonzo

 Tag in the stairs

 Dan & Jonah

 The boys found they loved ice skating.

 Celebrating My Nephew Brandon's Birthday.

 Dad and the boys by Dad's plaque.

 Marianne was kind enough to take Alec Ray Man Dan & Dad to the Veteran's museum

What a week we were also at the imaginarium & more ice skating but I cant find the cord I need for those pictures.  It was a fabulous week ending with ice cream at Dairy queen