A visit to "Perfectly Good Airplane"

 

 

Gene had to stay over the weekend for an extended trip to Chicago this past weekend.

He saw a coupon for skydiving at a place called "Perfectly Good Airplane", it's something he says he's always wanted to do...so, he did. The "Air Force flyboy" has come alive!

 

 

Gene all geared up with tandem buddy "Niko"

It was a bright, clear sky at 18,000 ft!  This part was a little scary.

The wind forced a smile....dried out his mouth really fast.

The landing was "lift the feet up" and land since he was taller than his tandem buddy.

Whew!  Made it. 

Quick trip to Iowa

My niece Marisa is headed to Brazil, Forteleza on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We wanted to see her before she left and hear her speak at church and wish her well.  So, we made a quick (12 hour) trip to see her and her family.  It's always fun to catch up and spend time with cousins.  Even though school had already begun, we decided to go. 

This was right before church. 

All the girls are so pretty and unique!  Marisa 19, Kayla 17, Tara 13, Emily 11 and Alayna 10.

Playing the card game "fast sundaes".....nothing like a little reverent competition to begin a Sunday morning!

Saturday night running around after showers.  It's never too late to be goofy!

If we couldn't find anyone, we'd just look outside to the trampoline!

 Ribera cousins in birth order Marisa, Kayla, Tyler, Tara, Emily, Alayna and Jacob

(not pictured:  Brielle, Elijah, Brynnlee, Hailey, Brooklyn, Simon, Marcus and Sammy)

My sister Kristina, Marisa and Bob Hart!

Tyler sporting his new CTR tie from Ghana Africa (gift to all boys from grandparents just returned from their mission to Accra.)

Start of school -how is it here so fast?

Emily had a morning 6th grade orientation on Friday (the day we after we got home from the beach).  She was able to meet all her teachers, walk to each of her classrooms and meet the kids in all of her classes.  She came out smiling.  The teachers this year are going to be great!

Some other 6th grade friends that came from WHES ....all the moms were waiting together at the back parking lot .  Just after this we ran to the pool for one last summer swim with these girls.

This is Jacob's first day of 5th grade.  He has a great teacher and a really good class.  Only 7 boys this year (compared to the 18 last year).  He says it's much more quiet.  Mostly it is still a review of last year.  There are so many more  rules this year.  Jacob likes following rules.

The first full day of middle school for the girls.  Peace on Emily shirt and peace on Tara's earrings.  Peace everywhere!

We already have homework-one week in.....Emily says "I thought for sure we'd have more time to get to know each other (kids and teachers) but No!  It's straight to work."  She's getting the hang of it and just got her locker (and got the locker partner, Janie,aka: giggles, that she wanted!)  Her cello lessons are coming along....her pinkie finger hurts (it's hard to hold down that string).

Tara is already creating a digital story book in her tech class that will be used at the Elementary.  She tried out for volleyball but, didn't make it.  I'm proud of her for trying.  Girl's ensemble tryouts are next week. 

Sand and Waves

A Wave
I sat on the beach and a beautiful wave
  Came tumbling right up to me.
It threw some pink shells on the sand at my feet,
  Then hurried straight back out to sea.
It ran away swiftly and leaped up in foam;
  It bumped other waves in its glee.
I think it was hurrying to gather more shells,
  To bring as a present for me.

Gussie Osborne

 

Jacob was nervous about going into the water.  These photos show how very sweet Emily is....she loves often and much!

Seaside
Sand in the sandwiches,Sand in the tea,
Flat, wet sand running
Down to the sea.
Pools full of seaweed,
Shells and stones,
Damp bathing suits
And ice-cream cones.
Waves pouring in
To a sand-castle moat.
Mend the defenses!
Now we're afloat!
Water's for splashing,
Sand is for play.
A day by the sea
Is the best kind of day.
 

by Shirley Hughes

Sand

Sand in my swimsuit,
Sand in my hair,
When I go to the beach
Sand gets everywhere!

I wonder, I wonder,
Oh, how can there be
Sand left at the beach
When there's so much on me?

by Helen H. Moore

A Grain Of Sand

 

If starry space no limit knows
And sun succeeds to sun,
There is no reason to suppose
Our earth the only one.
'Mid countless constellations cast
A million worlds may be,
With each a God to bless or blast
And steer to destiny.

Just think! A million gods or so
To guide each vital stream,
With over all to boss the show
A Deity supreme.
Such magnitudes oppress my mind;
From cosmic space it swings;
So ultimately glad to find
Relief in little things.

For look! Within my hollow hand,
While round the earth careens,
I hold a single grain of sand
And wonder what it means.
Ah! If I had the eyes to see,
And brain to understand,
I think Life's mystery might be
Solved in this grain of sand.

Robert William Service







 

Family photos

The lazy river, pool and hot tub

We had such a great (sand free) pool just outside our condo....

Jacob found a happy place.

Making a tiki face....

The umbrella waterfall was wonderful.

                                            Gene and I found it to be just as relaxing....

My view from my chair of the lazy river

It rained everyday but, it was gorgeous sunshine for part of the day. 

 

Our last night on the beach

Our last toes in the pool.....tired, but very happy!

 Our last trip to the beach.....needed proof that we were there.  Pictures of us and the water and sand.

We decided to bury Jacob, then Emily.

The best place to fly a kite.....cuz you get it up in the air and then just hang on.....the wind does all the work.

Emily drew pictures in the sand with her feet as she held on to her kite string.

I loved the light at dusk.  The hard thing was getting them to stand still....

Our t-shirts we got from the gift shop "tropical waves" (well, Emily's pants say Ft. Walton Beach)