There's no excuse for not keeping up with the posts, other than that I get tired of sitting at the computer. Here is a snapshot or two of recent things in the life of the Bailey Bunch.
1. Alice was invited to participate in the Kennedy Honors Orchestra held at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids. We left home at 7:15 a.m. and got home that evening at 8:30. LONG DAY, but the Alice had a lot of fun, and the end result was great music. She was placed as 2nd chair in the viola auditions--pretty good for a 6th grader (6-9 grades were involved)!
2. Then came the Trivia Contest on Homework Hotline. We knew we were in trouble in this second round when the other team, in their introductions, thanked a teacher who had helped them prepare. That wasn't Alice's and Lauren's experience. Our school had forgotten all about it until that very afternoon. As I drove Alice over to the location, I was trying to quick-imput some typical trivia, "who won the Super Bowl?", "who is the Sec. of State?" (And that question was actually asked). The final score wasn't pretty.
3. The ward talent show. We had a great time figuring out our costumes and making our wigs. We even talked Brian Sims into wearing the wig we'd made for him. He got the most laughs because it just isn't expected that a high councilman/pediatrician will stoop to such gimmicks. Costumes were great. The music was less than perfect, but our act was still enjoyed a great deal.
Have a nice St. Patrick's Day!
But there was time for just sitting in the sun--and getting a bragging-rights tan to show those back in Iowa.
And while we attended a session at the temple... 
...the babysitters had their own fun.
So, watching the killer whales was nice. Take note that the area likely to get wet in the shows from splashing is clearly marked on the benches. And although we were in the splash zone for the Shamu show, fortunately, we didn't get wet. It was still early in the day and not warm enough for wet clothes!
Taking a 22-month old to an all-day theme park is iffy. Especially when he throws up in the car just as we are arriving. But we found out that Alastair was great. We'd have to sit for 30 minutes or so before a show (to get a seat--there was a crowd. You'd think it was spring break or something), but we were able to keep him occupied. 
Once the show began, he was totally enthralled with it. There was nothin antsy about him!
A wide variety of sidewalk cafes lined the walk. But it was the trees and lush greenery that made it so satisfying. There were even a few flowering trees.
The water had some left-over green dye from the St. Patrick's Day flotilla parade. 
Catherine had saved her first visit to the Alamo for when someone came to visit, and that was us. Now she's a real Texan!
The weather was perfect--sunshine, 75 degrees, some new leaves on the trees to give some shade. And a perfect photo op at the well of the fort. There is something about be six years old that makes cooperating with a nice smile impossible. Or so it seems. At least you get the real Connor!
2. Then came the Trivia Contest on Homework Hotline. We knew we were in trouble in this second round when the other team, in their introductions, thanked a teacher who had helped them prepare. That wasn't Alice's and Lauren's experience. Our school had forgotten all about it until that very afternoon. As I drove Alice over to the location, I was trying to quick-imput some typical trivia, "who won the Super Bowl?", "who is the Sec. of State?" (And that question was actually asked). The final score wasn't pretty.
