Lots of field trips

Today Maya was at the Art Museum and it seems like every day until the end of the school year she is going someplace. Tomorrow night is another soccer game.... We're very busy these days.

Saturday Bike Ride

On our bike ride Saturday we saw two reptiles, a snake and a turtle. The turtle was interesting the snake freaked both of us out.

Haylynn

Here's a picture of Maya's new cousin Haylynn. Of course we're all happy that she was born happy and healthy but I have to admit being a little put out by the fact that she obviously has no regard for the time and effort I put into setting up a countdown for her arrival - she still had 20 days to go! She may have gotten a smack on the tush from the doctor but frankly this webmaster feels he's taken a slap to the face. Oh well... Maybe we can set up a countdown for something else now, like her first tooth appearing perhaps... Or better yet the amount of time it takes for her to look Lisa in the eye and say, "you're not the boss of me." :-)

Lightning

Tonight we were upstairs looking at the approaching storm when lightning hit a tree somewhere right behind the house. Maya freaked out and ran so fast that she probably would have been hit by the lightning, but she was too quick.

Looking for rocks

Friday night we went looking for rocks and Maya found rocks, lots of rocks. I'm of the opinion that if you decide to collect rocks you should be somewhat discriminating in the rocks you chose otherwise storage becomes a real issue. Maya seems to like all rocks.

Lisa's Baby is Born!!!!

We're still waiting for the details, but the countdown is over - there is a new baby in the family.

First soccer practice

Unfortunately I read the email from the coach wrong and we went to the wrong field for the practice and by the time we realized my error it was too late to make the practice... What can I say... :-)

Next Thursday is her first game and I know where and when that is - I think....

Going on Nine

For her birthday this weekend she got a bat, ball and glove and we think she's discovered her new passion. What she lacks in baseball skill she seems to make up for with baseball enthusiasm - she even spits like a baseball player.

Cookies

To celebrate her B-day at school today Maya brought in cookies to share with the class. Tomorrow the plan is to go to her group violin lesson in the morning then Chipotle for lunch (and she wants chips too) - after we eat it's off to the store to look for a present.

Soccer starts tomorrow

Maya's new soccer coach called today and this year she is going to be on Team Chile (they name all the teams after different countries). We are happy with any team with the exception of France because, well you know.... the French.

Sunday to relax

Maya's grandparents went home this morning and we all got a lot of rest after a busy weekend. Next weekend is Maya's B-day, the big 08.

Rehearsal

Tonight Maya had rehearsal for the wedding tomorrow and is now all set to be a bridesmaid. We're all tired.

Grandpa's off the jury!

One of the perks of being a teacher for thirty odd years is that you get to know a lot of people, and if you know people who are accused of committing crimes they don't let you stand in judgment of them. All in all it worked out well for everyone I suppose - Grandpa gets to leave town this afternoon and some poor bastard doesn't need to worry about getting sent up the river for not reading "Where the Red Fern Grows" when he was in 6th grade.

Ah Spring

Or rather, ah... the Spring Concert is over. This year's concert was a tribute to the music of the countries in the Middle East, even those who due to their lunatic fanatical theocratic rulers have outlawed music all together... Maya's group sang songs from Sunnis controlled Turkey and the the 3rd graders gave tribute to Turkey's blood-lust neighbors to the southeast, Shiite controlled Iran. No mention was made of the Muslim oppression of women and their repeated declarations to kill us but... hey it's Spring, maybe its best not to think about these things. All and all it was a nice concert, and the Saint Paul School system seems doggedly steadfast in its desire to create the next generation of citizens who can one day grow up and drive around with "Imagine World Peace" bumper stickers on their VW Jettas.

Resting up

Maya's in bed to ensure she's well rested for the vocal concert tomorrow. Her grandparents may be here tomorrow afternoon however this rests on whether or not her grandpa gets picked for jury duty. In my opinion the best way to stay off the jury is to roll your eyes and act morally indignant about every question they ask - keep mumbling, "see this is what's wrong with this country..." Not only is this a good way to stay off a jury, but also a good way to land a nationally syndicated talk radio show.

Quiet Tuesday

Her violin lesson this afternoon focused mainly on polishing up Minuet 2 and completing Happy Farmer. Minuet 2 sounds pretty good she just needs a little practice performing it with the teacher doing the accompaniment.

Tomorrow is a rest day and then the remainder of the week is going to be very busy. Maya's school vocal concert is on Thursday morning and then her class is going to attend a Saint Paul Saints game in the afternoon. Friday is the rehearsal for Misty's wedding and then Saturday is the wedding. Yep, a busy week.