Wednesday, September 25, 2013

HULA HULA





Happy 5th Birthday, Estrella!

Friday, September 20, 2013

LONG TIME COMING


I think this trip was back in May, 
but with all the computer issues and then not having my camera hooked up..
well, here are the pictures anyway.

Turtleback Zoo
Always a fun place to visit.



Sea Lions



Touch tank
containing sharks and sting rays




Monkeys




Can't miss the train ride!




Reptile house.



Peacock in full display.




Big Cat Country



Last but not least,
the Bald Eagle.


We're looking forward to our next visit.
The zoo was under construction for some new exhibits!

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

At the end of June it began.


Many thanks to the crew of family members and a few friends on the fire department for all the help.






Ready to fill?



Or not.
We had it partially filled, but there were some big bumps in the liner..too many people pulling in different directions (not that we're complaining!)..so we pumped it out and smoothed the bumps and filled again.



Getting there!





The first swim was in the second week of July, just in time for the HOT, HOT weather!
As you can see it was still pretty green.
We went with a salt water filter rather than the regular thing.
A little bit more money up front, but more cost-effective in the long run.
No chemicals and we LOVE it!




Two days later, it was crystal clear!




The kids made such progress this year!
It was worth it just for that.

Carina is not afraid to get in and is doing well, ..Michael is comfortable swimming under water and above (doggy paddling)..Rian can swim with no "swimmies" if there is someone with her and one "swimmie" with no problem on her own..They jump in and go underwater..etc.  
Having a pool has made a HUGE difference.
  I'm sad that we have to close it up for the winter..and already looking forward to next Spring!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

SUPERHEROES


GOIN' CAMPIN'

This weekend we took our first family camping trip.
We went local..ya know..just in case.
3 nights and 4 days of dirt, fire, no running water and uncomfortable sleeping..
;)
Nah, it wasn't that bad.  Note, Jared is the wrong age to go camping.
The little ones would either have to be walking or content to stay in one spot, in my opinion.
He is neither.  

Rather than give you a running commentary,
 I'll just let you enjoy the pictures.





































































Towards the end, there my pictures got out of order.
Sorry.
Have a good night!