SPLINTER

Our sweet little Sofia is bold in her play and brave in adversity. A few days ago when she was visiting, Sofia was bothered by a splinter in her hand. With needle and tweezers in hand, we did a little minor surgery, successfully, and not a tear was shed or a complaint made. Bravo, Sofia. You are a brave little toddler and we're very proud of you!

4th of JULY

Meredith, Clyde and Sofia live in a Sacramento neighborhood teeming with adorable children, friendly, giving neighbors, lovely homes and beautiful trees. It's a great treat for us that every Independence Day, they invite us to join them for their annual block party.

This is one of America's pleasures:

Visiting and relaxing . . .

. . . games and swimming . . .

. . . barbequeing . . .

. . . sweet treats . . .

. . . good friends . . .

. . . pinata . . .

HAPPY 4TH EVERYONE!

SUGAR PINE CAMPOUT, year 13

Every June, Jon and Darlene organize and set up a group campout for their family and friends. We think we're so lucky to be among the invited. Here's some of what went on this year:

Group campfire every night . . .
. . . at which our camp host, Jon, entertains us with folk songs and children's favorites.

The only outing Dylan has each year where he gets to be leash-free. He spends most of his time hunting food . . .

I guess some people would like to travel Europe or go mountain climbing or head for the tropics, but I can't imagine anything much better than reading a good book, under the pines, surrounded by my favorite dogs, Ginger and Dylan . . .

Sofia and her friend Jake, share a bit of lunch . . .

Afternoon snacks and visiting . . .

Our other camp host, Darlene -- or is it Mother Goose with her goslings?

Sofia LOVES the water. Here she is in her wetsuit, ready to tackle the lake . . .

Hangin' out . . .

Pancake breakfast with the camp chefs . . .

Jon organized a horseshoe match with the young guys against the old guys. The old guys won. Yea!

More hangin' out enjoying the camp and good friends . . .

What a grand time with great friends. Can't wait for next year!