We Had Such Great Hopes

Yup, that's our garden.  Looks successful, huh?  My grandfather would be appalled.

Square-foot gardening (or any gardening, for that matter) in Texas is a bust.  Now, it may have more to do with the excessive drought we are experiencing than anything.  Today is day 72 or 73 of consecutive temperatures over 100 degrees.

My herbs were equally disappointing.  I planted them in these cute pots, and they sprouted, but then they just wilted and dried up in the heat.

While we were mowing the grass and cleaning up the backyard today, I was just sad about our garden.  Tiffany said helpfully, "You just need to figure out the growing season there."  That's true.  Maybe we'll give it another shot in October.  I would sure love to have fresh herbs!  And lettuce, and swiss chard, and peas....

Ellie is 8!

Our little girl is growing up and getting baptized in two weeks.  She is so excited!  When Hannah was baptized and started attending Activity Days, it was so hard for Ellie.  It's been a long two years for her, waiting to grow up so she can do the same things.

The Big 1-0 and The San Antonio Cousins

Hannah celebrated her 10th birthday in real style this year!  My cousin Kimberly brought her family for the weekend, and we all had a great time. 

We started out with Josh generously sweeping the leaves off the trampline so that everyone could have a bounce-fest.  Yay, Josh!  You are the kids' hero.  (They won't sweep, so they never jump.)

On Saturday we went to Seth's basketball game, and then took the boat out for the day.  Seth told us he was ready to ski, and we didn't think he'd really do it, but he did!  Two great pulls.  We told the kids to stay on their heels--that they could ski around the whole lake without standing

up--and that's what Seth did!  He held on a long time.  It was so AWESOME!!

Then Ellie was completely fearless!  She got right out, too, and stayed on her heels quite a while.  Kimberly took the pictures while I drove, and she got a great one when Ellie finally stood up!  Again, AWESOME!

Hannah was a lot more nervous than the others.  But she also was successful, and had two great pulls too!  We are so proud of our kids!  This is the first summer they've been willing to try anything but the tube.

Josh was a Rock Star on the wakeboard and the slalom ski.  Really fun to watch!

And Caleb loved the boat, especially the horn.  How do they find the buttons so fast???  He was also a champion lake swimmer.

Sunday, before church, we had Hannah's little party.  Here she is with her stash of gifts and cards.  Thank you to all of you who sent something.  You made her day!

Happy Birthday to our Girl, and thanks to the cousins who made the trek from San Antonio to spend a lovely weekend with us.