Remembering the summer...

I'd be remiss if I didn't post a few pictures of the girls' summer "improvement" adventures.

In June, the Pooch wrapped up yet another year of piano lessons with the infamous annual piano recital. She delighted us with the sweet sounds of Arabesque and friends, Kitty and MJ, also played beautiful songs. Mammy and Pop came over just for the event, so it was an extra special recital. We enjoyed listening to all of the children, especially the ones we'd heard play last year. It's always so diverting to behold the improvements that just one year of careful study provides. Great job, Pooch. Keep practicing!

In July, we quietly celebrated the Elf's birthday (hard to believe she's already 14!). Though it was hot on those July Thursdays, the Elf, Ladybug and best friends Rudy, Bee, Kitty enjoyed "slaving" in a hot kitchen. More acurately, they participated in a culinary school offered by our dear friend, Rebecca. They came home each week with yummy samples: homemade plum preserves, a spicy fritatta (which soon landed a permanent place on the menu), a delicious pear pastry, and a baked french toast casserole with praline topping. Their last assignment was for each sister-team to prepare a "fancy" meal for their family, using a rather involved recipe that they'd never tried before. The girls recently (when Bebe and Poppy were here) perpared this very meal and we were all quite impressed. It was sooooo tasty!

In August, Joe enjoyed her own lessons...of the aquatic kind. She and one of her best friends, Olivia were treated to swim lessons with "Miss Tichany," who is the Founder, President and Lead Instructor of the Fancy Fishes Swim School. Tiffany patiently instructed, encouraged and reminded the two girls to swim with their "face in the water," to push the water and kick hard. It was a challenging few weeks with many smiles, and only a few tears. Labor Day weekend was the graduation celebration. Each girl passed the class by completing at least one pass across the pool. Cheers rang out, diplomas and fishy goggles were distributed and we all enjoyed fellowship with cute "fishy" themed foods. Bebe and Poppy were in town, so they got to enjoy the day, as well. What fun!


Okay. I think we're mostly caught up now. ARRRGGGHHH! The evils of procrastination!