Wichita Tea Pary

Chuck went to the tea party in Wichita last evening and snapped a few pictures of this historic occasion. There were about a thousand people there.

 
This woman was handing out copies of our constitution and crying, "The taxes are coming, the taxes are coming."
 
Senator Brownback taking advantage of a group of possible voters. He wants to run for governor, but someone in the crowd criticized him for his part in pork spending. Brownback countered that we need to get involved to change the system and the man adroitly pointed out that he is the system. Doh!
 
 

Baila!

Our dance studio hosts a mini production on the third Saturday of each month to give students a chance to show off what they have learned and to gain experience dancing in front of people in ridiculous costumes. Bailas are a lot of fun and the audience is generally forgiving. I did two dances in March, a veil dance with a green veil that kept slipping down. Fortunately the camera caught me in a good moment. I was actually smiling and it looks like I know what I'm doing. The other dance also has a veil but it is black and heavy and has it's own name, malaya lef. I like this dance and in this picture, Angie and I are synchronized. That doesn't always happen.

 
 

Visit to Texas

Chuck and I took a quick trip to Texas to visit our son and his family. Chuck and Keenan, with the help of neighbor Al, spent most of the time erecting a fence to enclose an area in front of the house. This will provide a small, protected area for the children to play. It was a lot of work, welding, measuring, digging, and finally, cementing in the posts. It looks great! I spent my time getting to know my newest granddaughter and playing with Ari. I got lots of smiles from Keira but she kept a close eye on Mommy. Ari and I had fun playing with a water gun and bocce balls, examing worms dug up by the guys, reading books, and playing with toys. Ari stole my heart! After visiting a friend in the hospital, Sara and I returned home. Ari jumped into my arms, hugged my neck, and said, "I love you today, Yia Yia!" Wow! It's good to be Yia Yia!
 
Sweet Keira!
 
Serious Ari.
 
Ari watering the magnolia.
 
Keenan and his new fence.

At the zoo

 
 
 
 
February 7th dawned a beautiful, 70 degree, and rare windless day. Chuck and I decided to visit the zoo and found lots of people out enjoying the sun. Later, we took a drive in the Speedster and saw local parks full of families grilling and playing in the fine weather. Chuck took these pictures at the zoo, of course. The wild turkeys were especially fascinating as they strutted around getting their groove on for the hens, who didn't seem interested at all. The swan cruised by several times hoping for a handout. At least he didn't get out and chase us as he does sometimes. Chuck took several pictures of the turkey vulture before he finally turned and gave us the eye. Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo. Go for a visit, the animals will love it if you do.

Vietnamese sisters

Last Friday, Chuck had some business to take of for Lynda, our friend. Her sister was visiting from Minnesota and wanted us to bring Charis along. She had fun helping Vin sort through plastic containers and running around on Lynda's red carpet in the basement. There was a small shrine set up by the fireplace with a Buddah. Charis stared at it for a while and then proclaimed it was Santa. Lynda and her sister are teaching Charis to say a few things in Vietnamese. It give them great pleasure to hear her say things in their language. Charis became ill later on the day this picture was taken. Kelsey and I were on our way to a party at the dance studio and Charis started spewing. Not a fun evening. She is all better now.

In the big tub

 
 
Charis loves her baths! She is playing in our Japanese soaking tub. Mommy is in there too but you can't see her. She is playing with a play bathtub.

That's Mr. Roach, to you

Yesterday evening, Kelsey and Charis stopped by for a few minutes. I was cooking up some mac and cheese for dinner and when it was ready, I called out, "Mr. Roach, dinner is ready". We sat down and ate and later, when Charis was ready to go home, she looked at Papa and said, "Bye, Mr. Roach". Two year olds are just too much fun! They see and hear everything.