Flash Back

 E - Why I have get off park?  That make me sad.

Me - I just want to get a photo of you before I forget.  I'm sorry it made you sad... I wanted you to smile for the photo.

E- Smile? (Okay, if that's all I can smile.)

Me - You can play for a few more minutes now.

E - You  take a picture?  

Me - Yes I took the picture.  Thank you.

E - Bye.  

Then he turned and gave me the thumbs up.  Our work was done.  

But I had a greater purpose.  

The shirt he was wearing had once belonged to Caleb.  However Caleb was 4 1/1 years old and not a just barely 3 year old.  It had been winter in Victoria and he'd been with cousins and he had in fact fed the seals.  Unlike Emerson who has enjoying summer in Utah and had just fed... himself.  

Those who knew Caleb... a few 17+ years ago, see Emerson and do a double take.  Their resemblance is uncanny. I thought I'd try to catch Emerson in an old outfit of Caleb's and put a comparison shot together... hence the photo shoot that caused him such sadness.... and happiness.  

However he was too happy... Caleb wasn't so happy in the old photo I had of him so we had to do retakes.  

Finally we captured something close to what we wanted.

So.... as their mother... I just see Emerson and Caleb... 15 years apart.

Barbering

"Life isn't perfect, but your hair can be."

Summer tiiiime and the friends are dying hair...  

'cause it's an outdoor group thing?!??

"Life is too short to have boring hair"

Never fear... even if dying your hair sounded like a good idea before hand... 

it fades over time.

it grows out quickly.

(especially if you have short hair!)

AND!!!

you qualify for a photo shoot.

But not everyone is interested in dying their hair.  Some are more traditional and prefer a simple cut from a competent barber.

"Some of the worst mistakes in my life were haircuts." 

~ P.G. Wodehouse

Case in point!  

Start 'em young.  

And, most importantly ...

find unsuspecting guinea pigs!

But beware!

hairdressers.., I'm told, are the temperamental sort.

"Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hairstylist you like."

Don't complain about the cut... it's too late anyway.. and tip well!

"You can't control everything.  Your hair was put on your head to remind you of this."

And of course there are those who just can't part with their locks... 

even when it's 100* and they're prone to perspiring.

Alas, hair....

it is our crowning glory....  

and at times the bane of our existence.

65 years of FUN

Summertime heat forces hordes of children indoors to find amusements.... I've offered chores but receive blank stares and eye rolling...

While some activities entertain for a while, some have stood the test of time.  Grandma's hockey game and the rolling moon have lived on the table for over a week and have been in almost constant play.  Young and old alike took on challengers.

Pros
-works when the power is out
-No batteries to charge
-Amuses players and observers
-Never seems to get old even though there is only one level of play
-No screen to glaze over the eyes

Cons
-small ball is often missing
-Only a two player game... often a dozen people watching
-Increases smack talking
-Fingers get sore after a while (hours)
-Disputes over goal keeping abound
-Disputes over one side being better than another

Who's kidding.... I had to stretch to make them cons.

Brace Yourself

Mackenzie has joined the heavy metal band.... and she was so cheerful about it.  Just look at that smile!

Try Outs

When it's 100 degrees outside and you've been partying it up for the 4th of July, then the wind picks up and the rains come down.... obviously that is the time to try out for the position of ....

Shasta mascot man!

Summer is a time for....

BFF's - The odd couple

Impromptu neighbourhood tea parties with our newest FAVOURITE Lemon Berry Pie Cake.

Many visits to the playground.