Echo doing roundoffs ...

Pee-u-tiful

A few years ago Wendy wanted to plant a tree that would give our deck some shade in the heat of the afternoon. After talking with the local landscape dealer we decided on the Ortmental Pear shown here. The tree has a beautiful white flower in the spring which unfortunately also has a evry stinky smell to it. Within a week or two the buds give way to a very hardy leaf that provides ample shade to the deck.

The kids spent Saturday night and Sunday with us. We went an a short bike ride to Elgin Community Collage after taking the dogs to the park. We discussed what movie we would rent with Tiff explaining that the only movies Cody likes is the "shoot em up, blow em up blood and guts" movies. Cody is quick to point out the only movies that Tiffani likes is the "horror, blood and guts scary" movies in which Tiff sheepishly replies "I can't help it I like them". After looking at what was offered for rent, in a four to one vote, Cody the lone no vote, the majority decided on the "March of the Penguins". Our reviews ended up with five thumbs up. An amazing documentary that must be seen on HDTV.

Easter breakfast at Rileys

Thanks to Wendy's sister Sue, and Terry, the Riley's annual Easter breakfast went off with out a hitch. The kids hunted for about 100 hidden candy filled eggs. The adult girls have as much fun hiding the eggs as the kids do finding them! bAfter the egg hunt everyone filled up on three different egg casseroles, link sausages slow cooked in beer, apple sauce, strawberries and whip cream. No one went away hungry!

Cody and cousin Mike doing what they do best. More pictures here

Cheeseheads, Flat-Landers, Snowbirds and Sand Fleas

Wendy and I spent last week in the company of Mary & Jeff at St George Island FL. with Mom & Dad as hostess and host in their nice little rental, the Teeni Bikini. The weather was warm enough for Wendy to swim in the rental pool each day and on one occasion Jeff and Mary joined Wendy for some aquatic exercises. Jeff was kind enough to hall fishing rods and reels through Airports so he and I were able to get in some fishing. The Red fish (see unedited picture) was a small example of what was taken. We used Sand Fleas for bait and caught Whiting and Crabs.
Mom prepared dinners that included a Shrimp Boil one evening and a Pork tenderloin. Dad started our days with breakfast then mixed some great happy hour drinks that caped each beautiful day.