Yesterday (Saturday) I left just as Justin arrived and started working in my backyard. After Thais took me to the airport, she went back to help him.Sunday afternoon, Thais sent me pictures of their progress through the weekend.It already looks great!

Zingo:

A park near Westlake Charter School:

Later, Avery practiced how to spin a top upside down:And, periodically, throughout the day, I would hear the call … “Penelope!” Eye roll.

This is a new version of Paper Rock Scissors:
The funny part, to me, was how the loser of a round had to pose, big sigh, oh no:
Then we went to:


All the animals here have been rescued.

Near the bear exhibit were life-size cut outs of three bears (smallest to largest):  black bear, grizzly bear, polar bear (this would become important later in the day).

Avery was great at showing me where I should be taking pictures. “Grandma, over here, the baby peacocks!”

Then we went to Parrot Planet:

After we got home, we played Bird Bingo, black-out of course.

Then the bears began creating their dens. The middle-sized bear:

Somewhere in this mess, under the small table?, was the den of Greta:

At first named Bob the Black Bear, Avery changed his name to Blue Bear.

Penelope the Polar Bear was relegated the kitchen/dining area – “Penelope!” was usually called 2-3 times before she responded appropriately. Smile.

Another Little League season came to an end today. The game took place on the “big” field instead of the t-ball field.

Thais and Lenin went out with friends tonight. Great idea! – I got to babysit. Lola joined us.Carson playing Hide and Seek:Under the leg bridge:

Thais and Justin came over to lay out the plan for the flagstone.Lenin brought the kids over for a while along with lunch for everyone.Avery wanted to sew on my machine!

Sophia and Avery had a minimum day and I got to spend the afternoon with them. Pillow fight, laughing all the time, each trying to strike a triumphant pose so I could take a picture. Later we drove out to Rio Linda to Summer Star Horse Ranch. We’re exploring the idea of taking lessons. We got to observe a lesson in progressand meet the ponies.

Avery found a bee on his sock on the floor of his bedroom. He decided to rescue it, so he got some paper and tape and made a bee trap. We cut some “pollen” – bottlebrush stems – to attract the bee, Avery set it on the floor about 3 feet away from the bee. However, the bee wasn’t motivated by the pollen. In fact, it might have been injured or dying. I scooped it up with a glass and card slid underneath. Outside, Avery put the trap is a good place and we put the bee inside the trap to be closer to the pollen.I would say that was a successful rescue!

Carter gave Brook Lynn a “kiss”. She winced somewhat but then went back to see if she could get another one. Carter wasn’t interested but it was hilarious to see her try.That was an apple pie from Freeport Bakery.

One very friendly lamb came running over to visit. His mom stood watch nearby.Uncle Justin trying to get close to the new calves.Pillow fight!Uncle Justin conquered!