Rollerbladers

When we lived in East Asia, the girls really took to in-line skating and got pretty skilled dodging people and cars in our apartment complex.

So they were thrilled to refresh their skills here in Indiana.

Great Blue Heron

We had a fun Independence Day nature surprise.

We live next to a retention pond, and in some tall grass next to the pond, a 3-foot tall great blue heron stood motionless.  In a blink, its head and neck snapped into the water.  It came out with its prize -- a good-sized fish.

I spooked him by getting too close so he flew with fish in grip to the other side of the pond.  Can you guess where the fish is now?

Piano Recital

Lia and Val capped off their semester of lessons with a recital.  It was a nice recital as the fourteen pianists ranged in ages from eight to sixteen.  Lia and Val practiced hard and did a great job!

And they had a duet.

Relieved to be done …

Kelly Springs Park

This is one of the best places we've been while in Florida.  Totally fun and relaxing.  It's a natural spring that flows from a cave -- crystal clear and refreshingly cool water has an average depth of 3 feet.  A slow, 25-minute tube ride takes you the length of the stream that's open to the public.

We went with our good friends, the Reddy family, and had an excellent time tubing, relaxing and picnicking.

Here's the crew …

The middle section for swimming and lounging.

Kids try to corral some little fish.

Ethan has his eye on a big one.

Tubes are ready.

Enjoying the spring …

Emma and Elsie

Hanging out with Elsie …

and Emma …

We're going to miss these sweet friends!!!
(But we're so glad they'll be in neighboring Ohio.)

Val and Meg turn 10

Val and Meg turned a decade old!

Val and Meg have been into owls recently so Lia crocheted two of them based on two owl characters in a book series.  Val and Meg were thrilled.  Well done, Lia!

I love their expressions as they open their gifts …

More Spring Sports

Picture day at soccer

Lia and her team won their last game against the top team!  (They had to get the scoreboard into the picture, too.)