STOP THE PRESSES!!!

Because of the intense venom (that's an understatement) the "Solo Recital" photo inspired, an elaborate last minute photo shoot had to be arranged (inconveniencing several tired grown ups) so that a new photo (one more representative of the artistic genius that is Thomas) could be taken and used as a replacement. Here it is: Apparently (according to a certain percussionist with a long-standing artistic temperament) this photo offers potential audience members a better idea of what is in store for them.

Thomas's Solo Recital

Yes, that's right, 30 minutes--30 minutes!!!--of Thomas, and ONLY THOMAS, on a variety of percussion instruments: Put this on your calendars immediately.

NOW it's summer!

Normally we set up the pool on May 9th, both as a celebration of Frederick's birthday and his love of swimming, but as the official start of summer. But this summer has been SO COLD (last week we have several nights in the mid-30s and we were back to lighting fires to keep warm) so the pool just did not get done. This week, it is going to be in the 80s and hot and steamy and a certain somebody looked rather sad this morning while swinging in the hammock, staring at the pool-less circle of sand in our backyard. Once Simon brought the pool out into the backyard to be inflated, Frederick knew just what to do: he bolted into the house, got on his suit, and stood in the pool waiting for it to fill. The pool is about half full now but it is bedtime so we have shut off the hose. Tomorrow we will continue and it will probably be full enough (though rather too brisk for my comfort) for a good dip.

Frederick Loses His Last Tooth!

This tooth has been slightly loose for months and months. I was beginning to think that this is just the way things were going to be in this house. Finally, yesterday Frederick asked for baby carrots to chew on. He worked at it all day but at bedtime, it was still hanging in there. Finally this morning it popped out (with only a little help from Simon): So we are finally, FINALLY, done with all the tooth anxiety...until wisdom teeth start to grow.

Frederick is 12!

Another birthday gone by. Simon covets Frederick's new Yellow Submarine pool towel.

Emily was here for the fun (that's Greg in the background having more gf cake).

Ava discovers Frederick's secret stash of guitars and ukuleles of all sizes.

Frederick plows his way through his present pile.

Thomas's trip to Bore-Onto

Last summer the plan was for Thomas's wind ensemble to go to LA. However, with one thing and another, the trip costs began increasing and it just became ridiculous. So, instead they headed off for Toronto Canada at about 1/4 the cost. Because of the change, though, the FIM had to get recommitments from the kids--"You agreed to go to LA, but we aren't going to LA now but Toronto--are you going or not?" Thomas (of course) procrastinated (much in the same way he is procrastinating getting two letters of reference and copies of his music for the judges for his ensemble auditions which are TOMORROW!!) and the FIM called one Saturday morning to find out what his deal was. This was about 9 am and I went up to his room to shake him awake just long enough to get an answer out of him: Me: "Thomas....Thomas....THOMAS!!!!" Thomas grunts: "Whuh?" Me: "Do you want to go to Toronto or not?" Thomas: "More like Bore-onto." I took that as a "yes" and the name has stuck.

Interesting times...

So, this happened (the photo's taken in the parking lot of the closed Family Video next door, and as the first commenter says, the article should say May 4).  We heard it happening - thought it was a firecracker going off.  Then a couple of hours later, Thomas was looking out of the window and he said "there's that guy walking his cat again!"  And sure enough, there was a man with a cat on a leash walking past the house.  So, we've got all sorts.

[Later:  The whole police report/Flint Journal article is weird: I clearly saw a body being loaded into an ambulance from a car that was parked at the corner of Court and Franklin, which is at least 500 yards from the bus stop.  (And, as Simon pipes in, if she had a car, why was she waiting at a bus stop?)  Moreover, 5 police and sheriff cars, a fire truck and an ambulance were all circled around the car at that intersection and none were parked near the liquor store.  So I don't know what that story is on about.  MEANWHILE: I got a text from a neighbor who currently rents a house two houses down from Court and Vernon, which is a stone's throw from where a certain grandma used to live.  He got home from work about 8 and saw someone shot at right in front of his house--rumor has it that it was a retaliation shooting.  Exciting times indeed.]