FUN AFTER SWIMMING LESSONS

On your mark . . .
Get set . . .

\
Go ! !

The Charge of the Flight Brigade

Isn't this guy the cutest example of perfect "boy-hood" you ever saw.
I just love to watch Joshua Nail; he makes Dennis the Menace look like a sissy.

HOW ADAM SPENT HIS SUMMER VACATION . . .

"In a non-descript shed in suburban South Park in Seattle, a team of brilliant young Boeing engineers oversee an experiment that provides a startling glimpse into the future."

This is one of the opening quotes from an article appearing in an Australian periodical. If you would like to know more about what Adam has been up to, it is recommended reading, since I certainly can't explain it all.

He should be home on August 17th, to much rejoicing amongst his family, especially his younger siblings, who are pining away for him, and counting the days. I think it speaks well of someone when he is missed greatly by the 3-8 year old crowd.

This tall summer phlox, currently blooming in my garden, is a variety called "David". It has a fantastic scent, and is a delight to be near. It makes me think of King David, who was spoken of a "a man after God's own heart". How pleasant to be in the company of a heart of purity, like a beautiful scent. My reading this morning was a lovely aroma:

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peaceloving, considerate, submissive,
full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace
raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This is one of my all time favorite pictures we've posted.

That's one tired baby!!

(The boys cleaned Glory up before putting her to bed; Keith and I were on a date night.)

SUMMER SOFTBALL !

It's All-American !

It's Fun for the Whole Family!

It'll Put a Smile on your Face . . .

. . . but you have to hold your mouth just right.

Nate and Amy were here this last week and we had a wonderful time with them. We had a very full schedule of lots of fun things, including multiple different dinner guests, auditions for Twelve Angry Men (our fall play), a read-through of a Pride and Prejudice script (our spring play), hauling hay (whoohoo!), celebrating birthdays, fixing lots of stuff (Nate is really good at that), etc. But one of the things I think we all enjoyed the most was the family softball game. We played several innings with everyone, and then several innings with the more competive guys (who were gracious enough to include a few females.) Many thanks to Amy for taking the pictures, and to Nate for suggesting it in the first place.

MORE PUPPY PICTURES

BROADWAY COMES TO ROLLA

We were recently suprised and thrilled to find out that Robert Anthony Jones from NY was in Rolla for the summer to play Psuedolus in OAT's "A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum" Mr. Jones is the actor that played 3 of the major parts in the Lamb's Theatre Off-Broadway production of "The Prince and the Pauper". We have listened to his voice many, many times from the official cast recording.

We contacted him about meeting with our cast for lunch, and he graciously suggested that we put together a number from Prince and Pauper for the OAT Follies, a summer talent showcase. Picture here is the group that sang "Simple Boy" with him. (Nisbetts, Lights, Hamachers, and a Wegner) It was a delightful and memorable experience.

Last night we went to the opening of "Forum". It was a treat to see Robert Anthony Jones perform. He is a exceptionally gifted singer and one of the most enjoyable actors to watch I've ever experienced. The rest of the cast were terrific as well. Forum will be playing at OAT this weekend and the next, and ticket information is available at ozarkactorstheatre.org

"A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum" is a PG rated show. For a synopsis of the plot click here.

THE CHAMPIONS

John's baseball team just finished their season and won 1st place in the season tournament. John played well, and this mom had a great time going to all the games.

Baseball is such a great game. Most sports consist of your side and my side. I try to kick, or throw, or shoot the ball or puck or whatever through your goal. You try to stop me. Football, basketball, soccer, hockey, polo, etc. all follow this basic premise.

Baseball is radically different however: you throw the ball at me, which I hit back to you, and then I run in a circle until you catch it and tag me.

That is the simple version. It is a very mental game, intense strategy, and requires real concentration on the part of all the players for it to happen properly. A well executed double play is a beautiful thing. We saw one last night, the weather was perfect, friends were among the fans, we could ignore Obama's Health Care plan, and enjoy a small piece of what is right in America.

PUPPIES ! !

Nikki's Puppies have been getting more and more adorable each day.

I really think they look like a bunch of GUND teddy bears or something.

They have excellent temperaments already.

We are really dragging our feet about advertising them, I don't think anyone wants them to leave!

WEEKLY MEETING OF PYROMANIACS ANONYMOUS

Our summer has been very full of important, significant, substantial activities. This is not one of them.
Since Nate and Amy were here, the boys wanted to recreate their amazing explosion of several weeks ago using wax and water. Here they are posing in front of the fire before their exploit.

Don't try this at home (even though they did.)

Although, the handsome young man in the green shirt looks a lot like Adam, it's really our replacement son: Matt Brown. We've enjoyed having him around this summer.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL PATRIOTIC DISPLAY

BABIES, BABIES, EVERYWHERE . . .

My sisters, Julie and Kelly were here for the Fourth of July Weekend. We enjoyed hosting them so much, and especially getting to play with their three adorable babies. This is Jordan, lounging in the hot tub.

Luke followed suit with enthusiasm.

And Willa, though a little more sedate, joined the fun.

After a dip in the hot tub, they chatted a little on the couch.
What a threesome! Julie, Jon and Jordan are returning home to Atlanta today, but Kelly, Eric, and the twins will be here for another week+. We hope to post more pictures soon.