Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch..........

Summer is in full swing here on the McBrayer Ranch. Lots of doings. Lots of going ons. Kaelan is enrolled in a few classes to keep her busy on these ridiculously hot, sweaty, record-setting days. Perhaps mom should have thought out the whole transporting in and out of hot cars when she came up with the bright idea of taking indoor classes and staying out of the heat. Can you say, "Hot leather?" Ouch!

Much to Dad's delight, Kaelan is a "Little Ninja". That's right, we are paying for our daughter to go to a class and learn how to kick, back fist strike, and round house other children. Sure, she spends much her time spinning around on the floor and bossing Darian around, but if you could see her spar......I just know Bruce Lee is smiling.

Cooking class. This sounded safe enough. She loves to help me cook, and in a few months, she will completely surpass me in cooking capabilities. Yep, it's that bad. Anyhow, the kids have created some REAL masterpieces in this class. In yonder days, Kaelan and I participated in cooking classes that included conquering recipes such as "Ants on a Log" (celery, peanut butter, raisins), and "Haystack Cookies" (coconut, melted chocolate and nuts). That was the kind of stuff I figured we would be making this round, but I was sadly mistaken. The teacher in this class has gone for it, and gone for it BIG! Week 1 was Paella. Week 2 Crepes and Strawberry Compote. Week 3 Greek Pita Bread and Homemade Hummus. Week 4 Ravioli

Seriously.....forget paying this gal for teaching the kids how to cook. I'm hiring her to work at my house!

Ahhh.....the pool. With all this crazy weather we are having in Austin....and by crazy, I mean friggin' hot, the pool is a necessity. Kaelan really wants to swim, she thinks she can swim.
In reality, she can doggy paddle like a poodle on steroids, but she goes nowhere and sinks quickly. So, after some very unsuccessful lessons last year.....you know, the kind where her face never touched the water.....we decided to give it go again this year. So far, she is doing well. She goes underwater, and floats in "blue-fish" for 5 seconds. I am very pleased with her progress.....she totally doesn't freak when I rinse her hair in the bathtub anymore,either. Money well spent.

Parks, indoor playscapes, playgroups, visitors.........summer has been good. Now if we could just do something about this weather............

P.S. Psssst....One more special little secret to share....my girl is reading. REALLY! We'll share more with you later. Just had to brag on that gal of mine!