Mom Moment ...

Why can't kids just do what they're supposed to do? (Notice the solitary child's footprint? I'm guessing a parent snatched the child back quickly.  Sometimes I feel like that's all I do!)

Truly Mobile Pics

I have discovered that I can take photos while driving (yes, I am bad that way) by referencing my rearview mirror! Awesome.
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I've Got Crabs!

These were my little friends in Hawaii. I showed M how they would bring sand out of their holes and toss it. Even last night she was saying that she kept thinking about the photo of that and laughing (little crab with an armful of sand - next shot, TOSS!). I don't know what it is about them, but they can be funny! The mornings on the beach were both relaxing and entertaining. Maybe that's what I'm searching for today.

Peace ... Interrupted!

NO! Not the Bible! HAAAAANK! Hank The Tank, aka Runs-While-Peeing, has left his mark again. My tranquility from a lazy morning is now severely challenged.
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Twirl & Swing!

Suddenly, she is herself again. All it took was a few twirls and swings! Amazing.
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My "Little" Dancer

I am amazed when I look at the photos to see what a young lady she has become. My "little" dancer is not so little any more! She is growing up beautiful and brave. This was her first dance competition! Her dance studio did not do team competitive dance this fall, but she WANTED to compete ... and so she did. All on her own, she danced for the crowd. Her first solo. Her first competition. She placed 6th her first time out and received a ribbon. Of course, I am proud. We all are.

My Own Tears

Evidently, my own love of dance is still alive. Through all the admirable antics of leaps, hip-hop and every other dance form I don't know how to spell (krunk???) ... by the end of the night, two pieces touched me inside. This particular one was my favorite. I don't recall the name. I don't even recall the music. But it was about addiction, and it moved me. That abusive manipulation personified shook me. I kept trying to keep my camera shooting through the tears. And when it was over quietly wiped my eyes hoping the girls didn't notice. But I was glad for those moments. When I feel deeply, I feel alive.

So You Think You Can Dance Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... 10 YEARS! M and a couple of friends had quite an adventure at "So You Think You Can Dance" at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. I think we were all singing "Battlefield" and "Thriller" (a couple of the featured numbers) for days afterward. As we left downtown with the glittering skyline, the girls sang (I use that term loosely) Thriller at the top of their lungs with the windows down and sunroof open. They laughed and screamed and dance and sang ... which makes for the best birthday ever!

Stash ... Dog or Girl?

A trail of toys led to this corner behind some ornamental grass. Not sure who is behind the collection or dispersion, but it wasn't me! That leaves a little girl or dogs, and I am guessing both!
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She asked for it!

"Mom, I'm gonna bring my skateboard out front. Will you bring a camera and Blog it?" She is a girl after my own heart!
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Art Show!

Thumbs up for thumbody's beautiful thumb art! Their after school program had a cute art show for parents ... Complete with cookies!
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Happy Birthday, Michael Jackson!

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First haircut at age 10?

Let me clarify ... First haircut by MOM! And thankfully, she loves it! My baby is almost 10! Monday marks the end of single digits. But she already looks older than 10 with this haircut!
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New Nicknames

After too much caffeine, we have been renamed. Magician and Goofy (pictured) tried to keep Gyro in line while Showtunes (yours truly) gave musical commentary.
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Family Game Night ... Kids and 1 Brother ... Good Times!

It feels good to laugh together. You can see who the goofball is!
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Stairstep airport kids ...

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Pizzzzzza!

Little M and big P ... As in pizza at our favorite place in Tulsa, NYC Pizza!
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Last Morning

I have been spoiled the past few mornings! Who wouldn't with a daily view like this?

From the romantic moments of young couples to the funny ones of older couples and their dogs (especially the little pom who was skidding along trying to stop but was being bounced along by leash and a seemingly oblivious owner), this has been a great time to relax and take it all in.

The skittish sand crabs and I have been bonding over sunrise, and I will even miss their creepy, crabby faces!
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Heroes Hands and Unexpected Rainbows

Interesting how an oil spill can be both black and beautiful and in this case harmful (I would think) and significant. We visited the USS Arizona today and there is STILL oil bubbling up (and has been since December 7, 1941). Look closely and you'll see the ship under the water's surface.

It was yet another day of history coming alive to me. While I didn't gravitate toward the subject while in school, as an adult I find these things far more significant. One of the best moments of the day was having Kevin point out a Pearl Harbor survivor. It was surprising that no one seemed to be talking to him or even noticing him! Kevin tracked him down, thanked him and shook his hand. It was a pretty special moment. It seemed disrespectful to pull out the cameras, so I shook his hand, too. We talked for a moment, and I felt a sense of awe to be in the presence of a man I would consider to be a hero.

Pretty amazing ... I feel like I grew up a little today.

For Your Entertainment ...

Doing a jig in Dole Plantation ... Hawaiian style!