Swinging in Napa!

Andrea is the photographer...
Riley & Jim working on the rope swing. Do you think they are having fun? I think they really are, they just don't look like it in this picture.

Okay, the swing is up. Here's Jim 'making sure it is safe.' I'm sure he's not having any fun though.

Here's Jim again, 'making sure it is safe.' We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt.

And finally.... Riley gets a turn! :) (Lucky for him it was deemed 'safe'.)

Beauty & The Beast

The beehive class activity called for 'dressing-up'. These two decided that they would go as a couple-- not just two lame, lonely princesses. Beauty was a little scared to stand next to the beast, but she finally got brave enough.
I had to laugh after I took this picture when Andrea exclaimed, "Okay mom, now blog it!!" (maybe I need to get another hobby?)

SALSA!!

This is our beautiful tomato garden! This is Jim's baby. He takes very good of his tomatoes. He has done a great job, we have quite the crop of tomatoes.

Today was Salsa Day!! Everyone at home participates. (Too bad Jim & Marissa had to work) Jacquie was the photographer today. She helped a ton but didn't get in a picture. Sorry JQ. Here Riley and Andrea are chopping the jalapenos!
(Doesn't Riley look great?)

I got the fun job of peeling and chopping the tomatoes. Check out my awesome apron. Can you guess when I made it? Well, I made it in my home economics class in the 8th grade!! That was in 1981!! It really doesn't seem like very long ago :). On a side note, today my hygienist thought I was about 25 years old. She freaked out when I told her my oldest child was almost 20!!! She's my favorite hygienist. ;)

We told Riley to wash his hands after cutting the jalapenos. Under no circumstance should you put your fingers in your mouth. (or your eye!) Riley didn't listen. He had one burning tongue after licking his fingers!!

Here is the first batch!! Canning always gives you such a sense of achievement. Even though I HATED when my mom made us help her can (I'm now sorry I complained so much) I am grateful to know how to do it. My kids don't complain when making salsa because this salsa is THE BOMB!! (Thanks Lynne for the great recipe!) :)

Can you say 'RIPPED'?

Here is our little muscle builder... Andrea is working so hard in swimming. She is having a great season. If only I was better at taking pictures during the competition... I'll try harder. Andrea has a mean butterfly, freestyle and breast stroke. Race her if you dare!!

He's getting better!!

Today was Riley's follow-up appointment at UCLA. It was all good!! He weighed in at 102 pounds. That's a gain of 11 pounds-- so exciting! His doctor was very excited to see how good Riley looks and could immediately tell how much better he was!! We will now begin a slow process of reducing the medication. This will be much better than 'cold turkey'.

The best part of the day, according to Riley, was the stop at In-and-Out Burger on the way home. It was Riley's first time back to our beloved eatery... He SO enjoyed his cheeseburger with onions and no tomato!! He ate every bite and even considered ordering another-- for a moment or two (then he decided that might be pushing it... ) His doctor also signed his papers for Scout Camp-- Riley is super excited that he gets to go!!

The dinghy is seaworthy!

Jim & Marissa set sail! Look at those big swells!
Jacquie deems the boat worthy. Ella, however, is not willing to go aboard!

FREE!

You never know what a Monday morning can bring!! With the update from their dad (who let them know there was a great deal down by the mailbox) Riley and Andrea were up bright and early this morning. Down to the mailbox they went. To their amazement and surprise was a very cool boat.... and the best part was that it was FREE! They quickly grabbed the boat and carried it all the way home!

Now..... if only they could find some oars.