Traben Family Adventures

We are in the full swing of summer with baseball pretty much every night, some swimming (it's recently turned cold this week though!) and family parties. The girls started their gymnastics class yesterday and really enjoyed it. On Sunday, the girls had their big dance recital. They were so excited and both if them did so well in going on stage and dancing in front of a ton of people. What bravery! They were sooo cute! The girls looked so cute in their special dance recital outfits.
Here is a short video of the girls after their recital:


Today, Elliot is 7 weeks old! He smiles and babbles, but is reserved about doing it...he doesn't give out his smiles and babbles to just anyone...it's got to be a special time! He is a very well behaved baby though and is not too fussy. Often, he spends his time being held or just sitting in his bouncy chair, just happily watching all the commotion. I find that I am holding him quite a lot, not out of necessity, but because it's throughly enjoyable. He loves to snuggle and has such an easy going, calm personality.

The 3 boys finished up with "Grandpa's Baseball Camp" this week and they enjoyed it. Isaiah was awarded, "Mr. Daddy Long Legs". Jeremy was awarded the "Speed Demon" and Oliver was "Mr. Most Improved". All 18 kids in the camp received some kind of award. It's such a fun time for the kids every summer. Next week is Grandpa's Basketball Camp! The boys (and Kateri) with Grandpa on the last day of Baseball Camp.

We have a new foster dog. YES...it's another Beagle! She is an owner surrender and was dropped off at our home last Sunday, on Father's Day. The owners complained that she barked too much and they just had too little time to care for her. She has adjusted here just fine and I don't notice any problems with her. I do like her a lot. We've advertised her on the Rescue website at www.rosesrescue.net Her name is Happie and she is just lovely. Here's Happie!

Speaking of Father's Day, here is Ken with the kids (and Fatsy) on his special day. Happy Father's Day Ken!! Ken was more than thrilled that we aquired a new foster dog on Father's Day (note the sarcasm). Well, he does like Happie though and true to a typical female beagle's form, she LOVES Ken too. Isaiah just loves his baby brother Elliot and often comments to me, "Mom, he is just soooo cute, I can't stand it!" I told Isaiah to remember how cute and loving Elliot is when he gets older too...and maybe gets into all of Isaiah's toys and stuff!

We had a big retirement party for my Dad on Saturday. He retired from teaching after 40 years! He taught math at St. Ignatius high school. He's only 62 though so he will still be teaching part time at JCU and working on his sports statistical business, which is www.BGSD.com And, also, hopefully teaching my kids math through homeschooling!! We (the 8 kids) got him a cool BGSD jacket and some spiffy business cards. He was thrilled and we had a fun time at the party. What a cool cake! Dad was surprised and thrilled with his BGSD jacket. My Mom and Dad with 7 of their kids. We are missing #8, Vince, who is a priest in California. But, he'll be visiting us soon in August.