Signs of Life

Well, we are more than halfway through Annie's first week at Pine Cove. It's amazing to think of how much fun she is having, and that is what is keeping all of us going because she is sorely missed at home! A very sweet letter (the first!) arrived this morning, and it sounds like she's having a great time.

Fortunately (thank you technology), we knew already that she was having a blast, because Pine Cove allows us to peek into the camp experience a little by posting pictures of the campers here. (Choose Towers, Week 9, and then a day to peruse.) Some of the Annie pics are...

Annie in the car heading into camp through the counselor gauntlet

Annie's counselor, Skrat Splat (her real name is Gracie!)

Annie's cabin

Annie and friends in camo

It doesn't look like the rain has slowed them down at all
What a great surprise it was to see that Mary Shannon and her Houston friend were also in Annie's cabin!

Two more days until we pick up the girl. Can't wait to see her!

Roughriders (Alt. hed.: Sarah G. is jealous)

Last Friday, I took Annie and Sam to the Frisco Roughriders game. We had a blast. There were hot dogs, cotton candy, Dippin Dots, and soft drinks galore. The park was very nice and they really try hard to make it a fun family atmosphere. Annie and Sam really liked the Diaper Derby, Sneaker Scramble, and the antics of the mascot. We also had the chance to meet a few folks from WFAA, Channel 8 at the game. We met Pete Delkus, Cynthia Izzaguirrrrrrre, and Chris Flanagan, and the kids had their picture taken with them! Link to the picture on the WFAA website is here.


Sarah G. was quite jealous that we got to meet her weatherman crush, Pete, at the game. Since she was sick, we got an autographed ticket stub to bring home to her! Pete was funny. When I explained that the autograph was for our neighbor who had a crush on him, he immediately asked "How big is he?"

Happy Birthday, Will!

Big Willie Hutton turned 6 today! Wish this growing boy a happy birthday, especially if you see him out on his new bike!


Just stay out of his way!

Galveston remote blogging: night 1 and day 2

Oy vey. Looking back at what I posted yesterday evening, in light of last night's events, I feel bad for ever suggesting that my eldest child and most precious daughter may have been left by the road yesterday. Long story short, dear Annie was riding her scooter and fell, breaking her right arm. (A new one for us as she's broken her left arm twice, but not her right. Hi, Dr. Sackett!) So that entailed a LONG trip back into Galveston for Cathy and Annie last night to get a dubiously applied splint, which is covered by the plastic bag you see here:


In any event, it sounds like everyone is making the best of the day, and I've seen some evidence of that...

...like Jack prowling in the shallows...


...and Will building a sand castle empire...


...and Sam asking, "Where's da beach?"


It looks like Mary Shannon and Annie are having a good time at the beach!


And this alleviates my concerns from last night and confirms that Will Tompson is still being taken care of well!

Here are all six of the big kids out in the water:

I'm headed down tomorrow! Yippee!