the orange sled

This plastic orange sled is almost 30 years old! I rode on it when I was little.

See!

 I was so proud of both kids for getting out there and trying it.

 Especially proud of Ella because she normally passes on any activity that she doesn't think she can do perfectly on the first try (inherited this from me). And she doesn't like water in/on her face.

She even got up on her knees!

 Eric was his normal dare devil self.

 5 seconds into his first time on the orange sled and he was going for the standing position. He fell off and for the first time experienced bobbing in the water alone while the boat circled back for him. My prediction was correct. Pure terror and tears. Once we pulled up next to him, I said, "Why are you crying? Because you want back on the boat or back on the orange sled?" And he whimpered, "Back on the sled." lol

 I'm so proud of him for getting right back on!

 Eric is my extremely shy child... around people he doesn't know well.

When strangers speak to him, he will not even look at them, much  less speak. He hides behind me and when it was shorter he hid between my legs. Most acquaintances haven't ever heard his voice.

 But once he is comfortable around you, he is Mr. Personality, a comedian,  and such a charmer.

"How you do'in?"

4th of July

 Fun at Lake Jacksonville

 If you look very closely in the center of the picture you can see Patrick Dempsey. Seriously!

 Jen and I

 sideways picture...this is so annoying and why I don't like blogging.

 Gorgeous moon that night.

 Ella screaming on the jet ski

girl time

Eric spent a few days with my parents this week.

It has been such a treat this week to have some quiet time.

Ella has been begging to have "girl time".

We went to her favorite restaurant: Chili's

 We had the best time talking and laughing.

Then we went home and painted our own toenails.

Ella is pink and I'm purple.