Shoes at the party....

Perhaps not obvious...but the girls who came wore tennis shoes, silver flats, suede boots, canvas slip-ons, etc. What a variety!

And yes, if you thought there was a boy in the previous picture, you would be right. Kyle invited himself to her party because he likes her.

Miranda's Birthday/Sleepover

Just a few of the faces who came to Miranda's 13th birthday. It was LOUD and GIGGLY. Brent was rolling his eyes...what an education in teen-age girls. How quickly they change!

I missed every squeal episode because it was SO loud that I was shocked into paralysis!!

Alan drove up and the house was closed, his van doors were closed and he could STILL hear the girls squealing!

Miranda and swim teammate, Bethany Aban

Miranda has grown a lot in swimming, partly from swimming next to Bethany (who is a year or so older). Miranda loves the challenge of competing. Today she said again that she wants to swim more days a week because she loves to swim and she loves to socialize with her friends there.

We were told that swim team was a great activity for teenagers...kept them out of trouble, gave them focus and provided a safer group of friendships to choose from. I think there is some truth to this.

Miranda from 2002

Barn Owl at High Desert Museum

This little guy would turn side to side, gently rocking his shoulders from left to right and back again. The caregiver told us it was his way of warning us off. That it was HIS perch.

She TOUCHED a snake !!!!!

I can't believe it! She TOUCHED a snake. It's true it was not a poisonous one, but it makes me break out in hives to think about it.

Mom and Daughter on vacation in Central Oregon