Faith's First Mock Meet Level 7

Faithy had her first mock meet today. She has been on pins and needles because her coach had final say if she could compete today. She had an x-ray on her knee this week. She has tendinitis and water is starting to gather at the knee. Lately, she has been the Motrin queen along with ice and heat. She did compete but quite wasn't on her game. She had to scratch vault, but when they did awards they gave her an honary mention ribbon. We are taking some time off until after the first and give her knee some time to heal. The Optional season is starting and she needs time to heal. The first one will be Jan 19 and she will finish in April. She is starting culinary classes Monday, at Let Them Eat Cake. Chef Jason has some great classes and she went to his school for a week a few years back. This next week should be fun and she'll bring home lots of goodies. Monday we are going together for the mother/daughter class.

Today was the first time ever she fell on beam, but being the little trooper got right back up.

Ramblings of an Exhausted Wife

It all started a few days ago. My daughter was losing her voice, but I chalked it up to her competition and sleepover. By that evening, she was having a hard time swallowing. By midnight, she is in tears. She is very tough, so when the tears flow I know she is hurting. Gregg had to get up really early, so I decided to take her to emergency. The closest one is about thirty minutes away. I assured Gregg I would be fine and would call him when I got there. I knew that there was a children’s hospital past the Buccaneers Stadium. Walking from the parking lot to the hospital were some interesting characters. I kept my key in between my fingers just in case. She was treated for the onset of strep. I got about an hour sleep that night. I know Mom’s can relate when you’re worried about your kid.
She got a new puppy recently. Harley is a West Highland Terrier. He is an early Christmas present. He loves my daughter to pieces. They are attached at the hip. I had to kennel him because he would leave her alone. I decided to bathe him when I noticed these little black things on him. They were ticks! Not just one, like twenty. Poor baby, he was good as I used finger nail clippers to get them out. These were in the louse stage, so they weren’t burrowing as fast. Then I did what every person does, I start going on a cleaning spree.

I had to stop long enough to bring my hubby dinner. Of course, having an hour sleep from the night before, I had a hard time keeping my attention and it was pouring rain. Those who live in Florida know when I say rain… it’s like the gates of hell opened up!

Back home to more cleaning, ugh! When I get to my daughters room, what was coming from the baseboard and windows-ticks! She is lying on her bed and I spot one, I yell at her to get up. I give her the once over and have to move her to the couch. I went down to the maintenance guys place and had him come over. I think he even got the heebie geebies. We killed what we could see and then shut her room up.

Yesterday, I think someone really hated me. Have you ever had one of those days when nothing goes right? We talked with the general manager; she came and took a look. I showed her where they were coming from. She looked at us and said, “I don’t think you have an infestation.” At that moment, one was crawling on her pant leg. Really! We made a plan of action. At first, I wanted to move to a whole new place; because reading these things can hatch every 3 to 7 days, but agreed to try some things before packing up. So we have been moved to a corporate apartment. It’s nice we have a view of the Tampa Bay. Ours is just as nice, I usually view a beautiful courtyard.

As we are waiting to be moved, I decided to call my girlfriend Misty. I look at on our terrace and the pup is on the other side on the ledge! My daughter and I go out, trying to talk him back. I would have leaned over myself except I was working on 4 hours sleep in two days. I probably would have gone head first over. He gets almost back and then falls. My daughter screams running for the door. We are on the second story. Luckily, his fall was broken by the bushes below. When he hit, he barked then ran off…like what the heck? My daughter scooped him up. He was okay, thank God.

Finally, we get moved in time to take her to gymnastics. She wasn’t going to participate, except on beam. I had to make a payment, forgetting my check book I went to the ATM next door. It was broken, gee what a shock! So these last few days for me have been crazy with lack of sleep, sick kid, and being displaced.

It will be mid-week before I go back to see how my place is. They will have a cleaning service come in, I am going to help because no ever meets my standards of clean. Hopefully, all is good to move back. I just hope the rest of this week goes without a hitch. A girlfriend called this morning concerned. She told me I looked like the whole world was on my shoulders last night. I didn’t talk with anyone simply because I would have lost it. Today has been better- thank goodness.

Update

Faithy is winding down her compulsory season. Her last meet she took first all-around. She placed first on beam, second on floor, third on bars, and third on vault. They had a handstand contest with all the teams that participated,and she won! She will start prep-op Level 7 in January. Svetlana will be back to hone the routines they worked on. We are so ready.

We had a good Halloween, it was not a typical Halloween for us. It was still so hot at night that the kids were sucking on ice cubes. We carved Faithy's pumpkin two days before Halloween, and it was soupy with grey hair the day after...ick!

School has been going good this year, Faith started her own blog. We try to update every Wednesday. This last week, we got behind because my hubby celebrated his 51st birthday. We had an amazing day. I made him a really nice breakfast. We played 18 holes of golf, stopping to eat lunch. Then that evening we went to Bern's. This restaurant is an experience.

http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/

The menu was 20 pages, including a 60 oz. steak that will feed six for $230.00. They have a variety of foods. The service is amazing. The waiters have to train in the kitchen for two years before they are even allowed to wait on the floor. They cater to your every need, with knowledge of everything on the menu, and how it is prepared. When you finish dinner, they give you a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar. It was fun seeing all the action, in the individual sections. After the tour, we made reservations for upstairs to have dessert. You sat in huge tables shaped like wine barrels, with another 15 page dessert menu. The valet parking is nice, because you don't feel like walking far when you are finished. I personally, had a bad case of sunstroke, but I lived vicariously through Gregg and Faithy.

We are preparing for Gregg's trip. He will be leaving overseas again, the first week of December. There is a lot of things to squish into this month, but we will do our best to try. I will keep you updated.

Savenger Hunt

Faith updated her school blog... check it out!
http://weeziesblogspot.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy@ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/************************

Outside my window...it is sunny with a warm breeze. I can't beleive it's over 100 in October.

I am thinking...what I would like to cook for dinner.

I am thankful for...the smarts God gave me.

From the learning room...we went on a bird and insect Savenger Hunt today. It is great living in Florida.

From the kitchen...no one is in it yet...but I will be soon as I can figure out what to cook.

I am wearing...brown khaki pants and a silky fall top.

I am creating...this new post.

I am going...to have a pretty kick back weekend. Faith starts her Saturday practices. Five days a week for gymnastics...crazy.

I am reading...Blood Red- a vampire book. I am reading it on my Iphone Kindle.

I am hoping...we hear a date for Gregg's promotion pinning so I can start planning the party.

I am hearing...the new puppy bark. He wants Faith to rescue him from her bathroom.

Around the house...we have decorated for fall. We will get our pumpkin soon. I heard the dusting the lid in cinnamon keeps them from decaying faster. We need that in Florida.

One of my favorite things...writing. When I get a few quiet moments.

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow Faith has gymnastic practice. We had talked about going to the beach. Monday is a holiday...so who knows. We are very spur of the moment kind of people.

Here is a picture I though I'd share...Faithy sleeping with her new puppy, Harley. He is a little Westie that is 10 weeks old.

Faith Started Her Own Blog

Faith started her own blog today as part of a school project. She will be sharing exciting things happening in her life and school projects. Jump over and check it out when you have the chance.
http://weeziesblogspot.blogspot.com/

What is Normality?

I am sorry I haven't been around much to post. Things at the Ramsdell's have been so crazy and hectic, I can barely catch my breath. School has been going great and just when we were in the swing of things we got a call Gregg's mom had died. We left on the 6th and didn't return until 27th. It was an intense time of cleaning and gleaning. Long 10 to 12 hour days and long nights going through paperwork. Our daughter, Faith, is an angel. She never once complained and completely occupied her time.

When we got back, Gregg heard the great news that he will be promoted to E-8. He is now Master Sergeant. Whoo hoo! I will be planning a party. We are waiting on General Patrais calendar to when he will be available to pin Gregg.

After the party I will start planning the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be combined. Gregg will be leaving us November 1st for at least 90 days. Once again, please add our family to your prayer lists. We had a huge family dinner with all the kids when we were home. I will post some pictures when I get some time.

So much more is happening in our lives right now, in time I hope I can share. I am so happy I have faith (not my daughter) to fall back on. Because without God as my rock, I'd be a mess.

School Is Back In Session

We started school today and had a really great time. It is hard to get back in a new routine and start a new schedule. Faith loves school and is such a joy to teach. We are going to be going four days a week, taking Friday's off.

Wednesday will be our elective/project day. She wanted to take Typing and Spanish. We will also do a Bible study from Life Pac.

She started reading Ann of Green Gables. We will review chapters and do book reports, something new this year. When she finishes we will have movie days like last year, complete with all the goodies. It is fun to read a book and then see the movie.

Every Friday, is Faith's day to cook. She got the Cooking DS for her Nintendo DS. She will plan and cook the meal. Although, her first menu cracked me up.

Appetizers: Chips with salsa and cheese sauce
Main meal:Beef Taco's and Dumplings
Dessert:Pound cake with strawberries and whip cream

Everything sounded good except- Taco and Dumplings? what?
So she will save the dumplings for another meal....she is so funny.

This year will be using: Saxon Math 5/4
Rod & Staff- English Grade 4
Editor & Chief- A book where she gets to proof read & correct articles and stories.
Spelling Power & Vocabulary by Beverly L. Gordon
Science Apologia-Exploring Creation with Zoology-
Creatures on the Fifth Day
History & Geography-Alpha Omega Life Pac-Grade 4
http://www.aophomeschooling.com
America's Story-American history covering Christopher Columbus through 1990's

We have a fun filled year planned with many new projects, but she can't wait. We planned the four day school year because her gymnastics schedule is increasing.

She goes Mon-Thurs. and then in January, Saturday will be added. So she will be spending 15 plus hrs a week in the gym. After school, she is still going downstairs to the office to work. She loves it, and the staff here loves her. I will try to post pictures with projects and things we are doing during the school year.

I also want to wish Cyndie, Sue and Camille a happy and productive school year.

Going Home

I went back home to Oregon for a couple weeks to pack up our five bedroom home and visit with the kids, and grand kids. It was a lot of work and very exhausting, but I had some great friends keeping tabs on me. I packed over 260 boxes filled with memories, antiques, family heirlooms and just stuff. We also moved most of the outdoor furniture and indoor furniture.

While I was home I did have a chance to get together with some dear friends. I went to Cyndie and Rame's home for a BBQ. I rode with Dev and Rog up to their home in the boondocks of Grants Pass. They have a beautiful ranch up there. Although, if you knew Cyndie she would never strike you as a farm girl. We had a great night up there, shuckin' corn, and spending countless hours laughing. Dev is very animated and tells amazing reenactments of stories. The kids had a great time swimming, doing nails, playing on the tramp and just running amuck.

I also got a change to have a couple dinners with Natalie. My son, Nick, and her son, Alex, have been friends since second grade. Her daughter, Maryssa and Faith have been friends since Kindergarten. Natalie and I enjoy a passion for cooking, and before I left to Florida we enjoyed sharing many yummy meals together.

Kali just started back bar tending at a small bar in Central Point. I went out a couple times to play some free pool and watch my daughter, no wonder she makes great tips, everyone loves her.

One night we took a break and Jerry brought over his two guitars, drums, microphone and we played until 3:30 a.m., it was so much fun. All the kids had a great time just letting loose. Kali and Jerry have amazing voices, it was fun hearing them sing together.

On the last night of our stay we threw a BBQ at the house. It was like a revolving door that day with visitors. My ex-in laws, Jerry & Dana, came to visit, whom I still adore very much. They have not seemed to age. Then many of Kali's friends stopped by. It made me feel old for the first time. Sarah came bringing her baby, Ayrabella, Kayla is pregnant with her second and brought Marissa, Crystal was there with Dayton and Kali brought Dominic out to play after his nap. These were all gals that spent countless hours growing up at the house and they are all mothers now, where did the time go. We had fun just visiting and watching the kids play.

It was hard to say good-bye to everyone. Walking through the empty rooms was a strange feeling for me. I know once Crystal and Jordon move in, the house once again will be filled with memories of fun and laughter.

On my way back home I stopped in Oklahoma to see Misty and Shannon. We have been chatting on the Internet and by phone for the last year. It was so great to meet these two in person. They are so much fun. Katie and Faith had a great time together doing nails, swimming and running around Celebration Station.

It was fun visit, but it was nice to get back home and get back into a routine. And I really missed the big guy.

Busch Gardens-Africa

First off, let me say I know "Super Freak" is probably not the best song, but I really needed to hear some upbeat dancing music...so be glad it's not Brick House. LOL We had fun previewing the video and dancing around the house. When watching the roller coaster video, turn down the sound...I did a little whoo hoo'ing for Faithy. If the music offends you-turn it off!

We ended Elliott's vacation here with a trip to Busch Gardens. We all had a great time, spending almost eleven hours in the park. Elliott rode all the main roller coasters. We all rode the water rides-G is NOT a huge fan of roller coasters, so I hung with him and looked at the animals. Faith experienced her first roller coaster ride, "The Scorpion" and was hooked. We ate lunch in the Egyptian part of the park. The food was really good and they had a show with great music. Everyone was dancing and trying to eat at the same time, including us. Faith was in a hula hoop contest and was one of three left. They had them turn opposite ways then the hoop was spinning and all kind of fun things, the gave away beaded necklaces as the prize. Faith ran into her old coach Miranda and 'Uncle Jerry', it was nice catching up. We all had a really good time, just wish some of the other kids could have been there too.

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/
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Outside my window...it is dark, but you can hear the storm.

I am thinking...it's late. I should try to get one night of good sleep, but I am not tired.

I am thankful for... good friends...new and old.

From the learning room...it is quiet. Florida starts school mid-August. I think we will wait until after Labor Day.

From the kitchen...it is closed. Although, Elliott is going through the cupboards for munchies.

I am wearing...sweat pants and a tank top.

I am creating...this new post.

I am going...back to Oregon at the end of July for two weeks. It will be fun to see everyone. Cyndie put the 101 in the freezer... LOL. Then off to Oklahoma to see Misty and Shannon.

I am reading...other people's blogs. That is all I have had time for lately.

I am hoping...I can maintain or lose more weight in the next couple weeks.

I am hearing...the sound of the television and Elliott humming tunes.

Around the house...spic and span. Next week, I will be precooking meals and freezing them, so Gregg doesn't starve or eat cereal every night for dinner.

One of my favorite things...spending time with family.

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow Faith finishes her OGC camp and will be performing a dance routine. Thurs. & Friday are up in the air, other than normal everyday stuff. Saturday-Busch Gardens and Sunday-BBQ with some friends from France.

Here is a picture I though I'd share... Elliott is into rock climbing. We found a place called Vertical Ventures. He has gotten to go a couple times. I really enjoyed watching him.

Summer Aquintances

We love the place we live right now. The Casa Bella is a gated community and consists of mostly higher ranking military or professional business people. Faith being the outgoing little person she is makes friends instantly. It seems daily she is bringing someone new through the door she just met. Because it is gated and all the staff knows Faith, from her "part-time" job in the office, she has free reign within the confides of here. What is also neat about Tampa, is it is a melting pot of people. Faith has made friends with girls from Kentucky, Tennessee, Hawaii, England and her latest girlfriend from France. Maria has really taken to Faith-and is a great person. She speaks some English with a great accent, but also speaks Dutch and Spanish. Elliott has come to stay for the month of July and they have been all gathering in the pool room for some late night tournaments. I caught some pictures the other night, there was a lot of boasting and teasing go on, when the opposite team got up, they would whistle, bark...it was so funny. I also included a video of victory...when you see Elliott, all I could think of was the guy from Lucky Charms saying, "It's magically delicious."

4th of July Trip

We had so much fun this last weekend. Elliott, has come from Oregon to visit for the month of July. We picked him up Wednesday night and it has been a whirl wind ever since. We left Friday for the Keys for the weekend. The ride there is beautiful and we passed the time with stories, the kids watching Seinfeld on the DVD and listening to Blue Collar radio on Sirius. One bridge we cross is the Sky Bridge and it is so awesome. At night the rods light up, but if you fear heights not a good one to go over. It gives you a great view of the bay.

Along the way we passed several signs you would not see in Oregon, here are a few.

For those who know Spanish... where you wouldn't want to live.

We stayed in at the Oceanside Motel in Islemorada. It is owned by former football player for the Steelers, Gary Dunn. It is a local favorite and during football season many ex-football players stop by. It was a nice place and the food and hospitality great. I included pictures on my video portion. It was cute the first night we were there looking at the menu. Elliott saw dolphin and he immediately said,"I'm not eating flipper!" Dolphin is a fish that is big in the area as are conch.

I happened to have the opportunity to capture a live conch on the beach. They actually have eyes where you can see the pupils. Elliott took him back out when were finished taking pictures.

Faith loved being able to go up to the outside bar and order Shirley Temples. I loved the sign that is hanging where she ordered the drinks. Hurricane Warning-If the beer bottles break, there is a hurricane.

We ate breakfast one morning at a place called Mangrove Mike's. The restaurant is very popular with the locals. You can buy these visors with fake hair. Gregg tried one on...NOT! But we had a good laugh.

The main reason we went was to snorkel and Bahia Honda is one of the best. You have the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. We had to deal with a park ranger who definitely took his job to seriously. They had raised the rates since last year to ten dollars a car with four passengers. We were two cents short. He would not budge, so I had to pull out the visa...what a jerk! I thought Gregg was going to lose his temper but I kept putting my hand on him and telling him it's okay. We had a really great time snorkeling. I didn't get to do a lot because I am still battling with this stupid eye infection. One eyed-Suz, I should have bought a patch. They saw lobster, cow-fish, and other many beautiful fish that swim by you even just sunbathing in the shallows. Faith was catching the hermit crabs and amusing nearby kids. That evening we went to Lorelei's for dinner. Faith and I both thought about Gilmore Girls when we saw the name. It is open seating right on the beach. In one of the boat slips was a car converted to a boat...what a great imagination.

After dinner, we watched a great firework display from the safety of our motel.


On the way home we stopped at the Everglades Park. The air boat ride is amazing in itself. The beauty of the Everglades and seeing the alligators in the wild. I included a separate video. On the way home we were on a portion of the trip called Alligator Alley and yes, there a hundreds hanging on the banks when it is sunny. They have fences on both sides of the highway but occasionally they escape. In fact, one trip down we saw one doing the death roll in the slow lane, everyone was swerving everywhere. We were diverted because of an accident-80 mile detour. The one perk was Diary Queen where we stopped for ice cream. The kids had to let out some energy...

Then we ended our road trip with another beautiful sunset.

Our Trips in Different Directions

Faith spent this last week in Texas at Karolyi's camp. She left very excited to meet Bela and Marta, as they are icons in the Olympic world. When she got back she was full of stories of camp life. They spent about 8 hrs a day practicing gymnastics and the other hours were filled with activities of swimming, learning dances for the talent show, horseback riding, lake activities, and other fun camp things. She did come back with many new skills...which is exciting for her starting Optionals. Faith also brought back several items signed by Bela...a water bottle, Karolyi Good Luck Bear(which I loved... my little girl at heart), and a leotard. Faith said, when she was being hugged by Bela and having her picture taken, her heart was beating so fast with excitement. The only bummer for her, was this coming week Nastia Lukin, Shawn Johnson and many others were going to be at Karolyi's to train for a upcoming event. She can't wait for next year, she said she wants to go for two weeks... I better start saving now.

Bela & Faith. Her coaches from home being silly-Dan & Christain

Gregg and I also took a vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was our first vacation without any of our children. We spent our first night in Savannah, Georgia. It was beautiful! And the food and people were great. We ate downtown on the Savannah river, at Huey's, where we sampled the local cuisine...yummy. I also had Beignets, which I love. The Italian's make a similar dessert called Zepole's. It is a warm piece of fluffy dough with powdered sugar. After dinner, we walked along the cobbled line streets where I busted my high heels. Luckily, no ankle injury. I ended up buying a pair of flip flops...so much easier to walk in. We also watched huge carrier ships come into port. It was amazing seeing them make it under this one bridge.

Downtown Historic Savannah

The trio of guys singing were awesome- the harmonized so well together.

The next night, we spent in Georgetown, South Carolina. The people were not nice and the food stunk! Definitely, we will pass this town up next time. I did manage to get a beautiful sunset picture though.

We spent the next few days in Myrtle Beach golfing different pro courses everyday. We played Indian Wells, Burning Ridge and Wacchaw East Plantation. They were all beautiful and challenging.

We stayed at the Springmaid Hotel on the 6th floor. We had great views and the beach was just below our hotel. Gregg and I enjoyed walking in the evening looking for sea shells. One night, a storm came in quickly and there was going to be a wedding rehearsal. In one quick gust of wind, half their chairs went down.

I also got to cross another item off my list of things I want to do. I have para-sailed in Mexico and bungee jumped from my ankles over a pond. Gregg took me on a helicopter ride. It was so much fun and I sat next to Jack in the front seat. We talked through our microphone headsets. I am hooked! I would love to go again. Now, if I can just talk him into letting me parachute from a plane. He doesn't trust anyone enough to let me go, and I don't think the Army will let me be a guest for a day.

On the way home we stopped in Jacksonville, Florida because we were having golf withdrawals. I looked up this place on our Garmin. At first, we were a little nervous. The area was not so good and I think we were the only white people in the neighborhood. I am sure they saw our license plate and thought for sure the dumb Oregonians were lost. I am not a prejudiced person, so I could care less if we didn't fit in. It was called First Tee and we had so much fun on this course. It was like playing in your backyard. You had to guess where the golf paths were and the holes weren't really marked. The people who ran the course were fantastic and accommodating. I would love to go back. We found out the course was used primarily for kids struggling with criminal backgrounds. Funny, it was located right next to the work release center. They had guys that mentored these kids. The rules were posted on the cart, which included dress attire and in bold letters no foul language...so I whispered(LOL). Golf is not relaxing like people say. It is frustrating at times and you get a work out in. Especially, balls you shank into bushes, tree lined areas and ponds. Overall, our trip was fantastic. Gregg and I got to spend some quality time together. Now, I have to do the all the laundry in two days and repack. We pick up our son, Elliott on the 1st and then we head to the Keys for the 4th of July. Hurrah, another adventure.

Simple Woman

Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

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Outside my window...the palm trees are blowing gently in the wind. There is a lizard basking on my patio.

I am thinking...of what needs to be accomplished in the next couple days for Faith's trip and ours.

I am thankful for... for such a good husband. A man who pampers me and puts up with my spunky attitude. Who is patient, trustworthy, an incredible lover and my best friend.

From the learning room...today is the last day for CAT testing and then we are done for the summer. My daughters reward for such a great attitude and diligence through the school year, is a new Vera Bradley purse...she is so excited. She gets to pick it up tomorrow.

From the kitchen...I just made a cup of Chai tea. Faith is still sleeping but soon, I will be making the breakfast of her choice.

I am wearing...sweat pants and a tank top.

I am creating... a new habitat for Mako...Faith's new leopard gecko. We just bought a new 10 gallon cage. We added red colored sand for a desert look. We have several tiny pieces of wood arranged so he can hide and climb. We plan on adding another rock and some plants. It is fun to watch him stalk the crickets and munch them down.

I am going...to Savannah, Georgia on Monday. Then on to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for almost a week. This will be the first vacation with just my hubby in many, many years. Taking a trip with Gregg is so much fun. We stop at different little shops along the way that look interesting. I have found some great gifts at little roadside stops.

I am reading...lately, just magazines. I haven't really had the time.

I am hoping...that Faith has an amazing time at Karolyi's next week. Prays that she doesn't get injured but can learn some fantastic new skills.

I am hearing...the air conditioner blow. The house is still quiet because Gregg's at work and Faith is still sleeping.

Around the house...there are suitcases being prepacked for this next week. The house is clean and the laundry caught up. Whoo-hoo!

One of my favorite things...yahoo chat. I love being able to keep up with friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish testing today. Friday- oil change on the car, my day to carpool for gymnastics. Saturday & Sunday- finish shopping for our trips and celebrate Father's Day.

Here is a picture I though I'd share...

My Dad- taken at Shoshone Falls, Idaho. Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Meet Mako

This is Faith's newest pet, Mako. We had to come up with a non-gendered name because you don't know the sex until they are older. We had gone into Pet Smart to get another crabby, because Hercules died while molting. The crabs only molt when they are happy, well both decided to molt at the same time and only Blueberry survived. We started to look at the lizards, they had Bearded Dragons and Leopard Gecko's. We talked how it may be fun to get one...my theory is, not a lot of maintenance, we travel quite often. We talked awhile with the employee, who owns several of both. The bearded dragon eats pinky mice as they get big, no thanks. They aren't so cute as they get older, but the leopard gecko changes colors as they mature and are docile. He recommended they are great for first reptile pet. Faith has done a great job with her crab, but you can only interact with it so much. She lets it crawl around on her and her bathroom floor. With the gecko, she feeds it live crickets(which we bought a special cage for) and mealy worms. We switched around the cages but are going to get a new enclosure for Mako. This will be good for Faith because we are studying Life Sciences next year. Faith spent the first hour we got it home on the web learning how to care for her leopard gecko...it should be fun watching it grow.

Faithy's Giant

Faith got her giant, it is a huge skill for a gymnast. She is strapped to the bar at her wrists. Then she hangs straight down and swings, until she builds enough momentum to continue going around and around. I wanted to add video, but haven't had a lot of luck. The first time I tried to video, it wouldn't work on my camera, the second time my batteries ran out, and the third time, I got the beginning, the middle disappeared, and got the end. So I have decided to put on a few pictures. It is fun to watch because when she gets to the handstand, she sometimes changes and goes backwards. She usually goes around 5-10 times. Once you get this skill, they never want to be off strap bar.

Lindsey, her team mate gets ready when she comes back down to pull the strap in... helping her to stop.