Zoo Be Or Not Zoo Be

Are you a Zoobie? Someone who loves going to the zoo and goes often enough to know the names of the animals and their particular habits. I would like my grandchildren to be Zoobies. 

    I have a grandparent pass that allows five grandchildren free admission each time I go. We often go in shifts and mix families.

  The two elephants there are awesome. The keepers have told me they defer to all their particular tastes.

               Here is a sample of breakfast. Organic and wholesome; it should be my breakfast, as well.

                             And God created all creeping things on the face of the earth…..

               To meet the measure of their creation...

And have joy therein.

This 1000 pound Polar Bear was joyful in the water with his ball. I loved his gigantic tooshie!

                                            Our zoo has a baby Sumatran tiger born in April. 

Kali was only the third born in North America this year. 

                  I purchased a little stuffed tiger to remind us of our visit to Kali. Gabi is in love.

                       The older cousins have a love and patience for the youngest in our pack.

                                                I love their kindness and special caring way.

It was especially nice to have our Auntie from Dallas along.

To be a Zoobie is a good thing; it keeps me hoppin'.

Notable Events

Alex turned eight and was baptized. What a radiant smile he wore all day!

    This day turned out so warm and fun, thanks to his parents. Grandma and Papa accepted the request to speak and we reminded Alex of the name he carries and the new name he is willingly to carry as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

         Grace invited us to attend her first ballet recital. She was so very excited and felt so beautiful dressed up in her costume.

    Flowers given are rewards for the effort to be part of an ensemble and fulfill her part in the ballet.

    These two sisters are the talk of the town lately because they are moving here with their parents. We are very thrilled to have another family close by us.

  The Mama Daughter celebrated with Emma and all the family by going to Disneyland Paris. Their travels around Europe are such an opportunity for education and insight. These are the perks of being stationed in the Army overseas.

Oh, What Do You Do in The Summertime?

    Do you march in parades? Amazing Grace did, just this last Saturday. Her Karate Dojo marched in the community summer festival parade. Yes, Amazing Grace has become a Karate Kid.

The Parade was colorful and the spectators were enthusiastic. Several bands marched and played with pizazz.

    Then over the hill we spotted the little group, all dressed in white. Amazing Grace was front and center walking with poise and confidence.

How cute was that?

They all posed together at the end of the parade.

So what are you doing this summertime?

Whatcha Readin' This Summer?

Hey Cousins, I was just wonderin' what you all have been reading?

You all know I love Curious George but just recently I found a new sizzler.

Here is a beautiful book about fairies, you'll love it.

So leave me some comments below and let me know what you have been reading.

Please?

What Are Your Cousins Doing This Summer?

Strawberries are plentiful around here. I found a few yesterday in my bedraggled garden. I have had them on yogurt, over ice-cream, an in smoothies. I'm not tired of that sun-kissed taste.

I found our cousins in Germany, having the same wonderful harvest.

Fill the whole container?

Oh, my aching back!

What do you mean, where are the strawberries? Look how many I picked.

Three in a bush is better than seven in a tree?

I found the best one!!

Oh.oh, did you say pick strawberries?

One last strawberry on the edge.

In Germany our cousins are picking strawberries. What are you doing this summer?

A Cascade of Cousins

Summertime is a season to visit family. Reunions are planned and great effort is expended to bring old and young together. It is a grand time to have cousins. I did not have many cousins and the ones I had were not close to my age. That is the problem with being a child born late in the life of my parents. I developed an interest in my cousins when I became an adult and when I realized that they knew many valuable things about my family.

A Burgess Bunch

My grandchildren are now exploring their cousins and I find it fascinating how their perspectives are always in flux depending on their ages. We bring these children together and tell them that this group is different from other children. This group is special because they are related to you.

Kolditz Klan

This group of children will be your friends forever even if you don't like them today.Their parents are your aunts and uncles who like you because they like your parents, mostly.

Some Titze Tots

So, when I plan an event with children from more than one family I put aside the extra work and commotion and try to concentrate on the anticipation that these encounters will provide lasting memories. That knowing about these people will help define who they are.

Under the Titze Tent

Happy Fourth of July and happy family reunions everyone.