Caterpillar Update...

I was gone for a couple of days this week and boy, did they fatten up!  They've probably tripled in size in the last three days and seem to be pretty mobile.  The little brown specs are 'food' from the bottom of the container that the seem to be dragging around with them.  They are spinning more silk - can't really see it too well in the photo.  All five seem to be thriving - we'll probably have chrysalides by next week.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Philip Louis Rickel

Born september 8, 1945

We Love You!!!!

'Butterfly Bugville'

Gloria is a sucker for infomercials.  She has begged me several times to order 'Butterfly Bugville' among other things.    She has even called the toll free numbers herself, but once they figure out she's not 'over the age of 18', the conversations cease.  

Well, Gloria was successful in convincing her Gran to purchase Butterfly Bugville on their recent birthday shopping spree.  Gloria couldn't wait to open the box when she got home.  She was really disappointed when their were not any caterpillars in the box - she just didn't understand why she had to send a card in to order the caterpillars.  Well, one we sent in the card, she was checking the mail every day - several times. 

 Her box of 'live caterpillars' finally arrived on Saturday.  She has been so excited about her new 'pets'.  She is in the process of naming each of the five caterpillars.  They were actually about half the size shown in the photos when we first opened them.   They have become quite mobile and have plumped up quite a bit.   

I'll post updates as the little guys continue to transform into beautiful Painted Lady butterflies.

Happy Birthday Dad!

We spent the afternoon celebrating Dad's birthday, which is actually on Monday.  Dad cooked his own birthday dinner, chicken fried steak with green beans and mashed potatoes.  Boy, was it good.  When we got in the car, Lonnie said, 'I sure wish I would have taken some leftovers!'  We had a great cake from Babycakes by Angie, of course.  I look for reasons to order goodies from her.

Here's the proud Papa with his three girls.

What the soccer players' siblings do at tournaments...

The Greatest Shooting Coach in the World!

This is Teodoro Santana - we were blessed enough to get to know Teo over the last few months. Teo was a professional soccer player in Brazil, then played with the Dallas Tornados in the 80's.  He has an infectious smile and has a wonderful gift of relating to kids in a way that effectively  teaches them to love the game.   Teo was offered a job in Houston with a soccer club and has already moved to fulfill his position.  Emily was soooooo excited to run into him this past weekend at the Plano Labor Day Soccer Tournament.  

Teo defending against Pele in Brazil - early 70's