Paintball

Isaac introduced his buddy Camillo to paintballing.  I'm pretty sure that they had a blast because he wants to go again.  Isaac is really enjoying the paintball action.  He's been a few times this summer, I pick him up at lunch, drop him off at Scary Creek Paintball, and pick him up when they close.  Works out pretty good.

Isaac and Camillo.

Their friend from school Trent was there as well.

Begin in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Go Go Go...!!!

Old Pictures

I really like old pictures.  Something about the history, the work that went into getting it together, the simplicity of back and white or sepia photos.  I just plain like it.

This photo was shared with my by a friend here in WV.  It's a picture of the law gathering up a still in the woods.  That is some pretty sweet history...!!

Planting at The Payne's

Once the Payne girls say Lexy's flowers they wanted their own as well. Mr and Mrs Payne weren't interested in planting flowers, so the girls, Lexy, Isaac and I went shopping for plants and put it together. 
We got two small planter boxes from their garage and make these nice little arrangements for their front porch. I'm saying that the girls enjoyed themselves.
The other request was a salsa garden at the Payne Residence.  That took a bit more work. We put together a little planter box using the scrap wood from last Memorial Day's tree house project.  Dug up the soil, added two bags of garden soil from the store, and then about 6 trips with a 5 gallon bucket from the woods behind their house.  I am pretty sure that the forest duff will be great for growing a salsa garden.  Fingers crossed, we'll see how it all turns out.

Lexy's Flowers

Lexy has planted her flowers again this year. We went shopping at the Capital Street Market to find the best flowers we could for her flower bed. 
Look at this little flower.  There is so much color and detail in this flower that we couldn't leave without buying a plant that grew them.
  We even tricked Isaac into helping a little bit to get started on planing the flowers.
  Almost done.
  Ta-da... All done.
  And the lower portion.
These flowers got out of control big last year.  I hope that they do again this year.

Camp Amadeus 2013

Both kids got to do the Camp Amadeus Strings Camp at UC this year.  And they both seemed to really enjoy it.  The camp runs for a full week from 8:30am to 5:30pm.  What great times...??!!  It allows for a parent to actually go to work for the day. They, of course, learn new music, play in small groups and big groups; but they also have art classes, tie dye concert shirts, make videos, compose new music, etc.  It really is a great camp.   Here's a pic of Isaac post concert.  I love that design on his shirt.
Here is Lexy back stage after I caught up with her.  She had already put her cello away and was socializing.  Check out Lexy's shirt, who would have thought that she would have made hearts on hers...??    Our friend Ciara came to watch the kids play.  It was fun to have her come support the kids.  Ciara skates at the rink, sometimes coaches Lexy and often watches the kids for me.  She is ALWAYS a big help...!!
Here are the chamber music bits with each of the kids. Lexy was somewhat featured with her group. Isaac was the leader of his group. The highschool councilors for the camp put together this little bit for the show. I sure love to listen to the kids play.  They both have natural talent for music.

LAX Last Game

Well, a good season of Lacrosse has come to an end. Isaac ended up playing with the Middle School B Team. He was a great asset to them on the defensive end. He got that long pole out there and disrupted everything. No more running down the middle of the defense zone. He'll drop you for that. If'n you have the ball of course.
This was the team picture at the last game of the season.

Here is a post game (season) picture of Isaac with Coach Dave.  
And one proud papa pic. Isaac really enjoys playing lacrosse.  He doesn't enjoy the running at practice so much, but the playing is fantastic.

Live on the Levee 2013

I love live music. I would rather hear a good cover that the original recording any day. So, Live on the Levee is perfect for me. AND... (extra bonus for me) the kids love it. 
This is from a few weeks ago when Toothless Ruth played. They are a great 70's, 80's, 90's Rock cover band. They are local and have a pretty strong following.
In this photo of the stage the far right is the guitar player, who is also a local wastewater treatment and collection system operator. Great guy..!!  And he can melt a guitar...
  Lexy was looking super cute as always.  I got such a great surprise with they starting playing Ozzy's Crazy Train and she squealed, "Oh, I love this song."  That's my girl...!!

Good Kids

Isaac tried out to move up a level in the WV Youth Symphony.  He did not make it.  When I got home that evening l found that Lexy had put this together for him, unsolicited. 

How sweet is she....!!??