Getting ready for the semi-annual brush pickup

Papa Tom cleared out a lot of trees for the brush pickup that starts May 29.

Theater awards (May 28, 2017)

Emma's ready for the theater awards ceremony

Otis's ninth birthday party (May 27, 2017)

Only 7 more years, Otis, and you'll behind the wheel of that Camaro.  Unless we use driverless cars by then.  Would be so wrong!

Msky, Otis, and friend and Otis's birthday party.  Does this mean we can now call you "Misky," Micah?

Otis's Dodge

"Into the Woods" and Patches art (May 27, 2017)

Emma's portrait of sweet kitty Patches

Emma played the part of Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother and Cinderella's mother in the May 27, 2017 performance of "Into the Woods" at Midway High School

Two grannies and P. Tom

Jump Gymnastics awards show (May 27, 2017)

Fox is moving up to the blue group.  Congratulations, Fox!

Fox and her coach.

Spider web

Do you see the spider web?

Splash pad (May 22, 2017)

We picked Fox up from school on Monday, May 22, and took her to the splash pad at the Triangle.  Need to remember to put a towel in the car for next time!

Soaking wet!

Emma's been busy! (May 16 and 18, 2017)

Many congratulations to scholar Emma for receiving the All Academics award at the May 16 awards ceremony.

Don't mess with Cindarella's mother!  Emma has been cast in two roles for Midway High School's performances of "Into the Woods."  P. Tom and I look forward to seeing her performance on May 27.

Emma's musical and acting background

Happy Mother's Day, Joyce! Happy Birthday, Al!

Happy Mother's Day, Joyce!  And what better way to celebrate than to enjoy Emma's voice recital?  Joyce sent the YouTube link of Emma's performance.  I'll forward it to everyone.  Thanks, Joyce!

And almost Happy Birthday, Al!  I believe you spent the big day (Monday, May 15) in Las Vegas.  I hope you had lots of luck!

How does your garden grow? (week of May 15, 2017)

Can tomato pies be far behind?

Already enjoying mint in my tea

Will we have watermelons by July Fourth?

Who knew gardening could be so dangerous? Papa tripped on a board and the garden rose up to whack his arm and clock him in the chin!  

Papa's smiling because it could have been worse.  No broken teeth or broken nose, thank goodness!  

Painting pottery at Mozart's (Monday, May 15, 2017)

Fox and I spent Monday after school at Mozart's.  She chose to paint a chihuahua for her Mom.

Getting the nose just right.

I painted a flower vase.  Fox took flowers from the vase on the table to try out in mine.

Meet Rosie!  We'll pick up the finished, glazed pieces in a week.  They'll look much more shiny and the colors will be brighter.  Stay tuned!

Last day in Asheville (Monday, May 8, 2017)

While all three kids were in school, the grown ups sneaked away to explore downtown Asheville, including a stop at the gourmet chip shop.

Homework time for Brandy, River, and Mya.  Playtime for Ryder and Piper.

Sleepy afternoon (Sunday, May 7, 2017)

Having fun is so tiring!

Lunch and bluegrass at Sierra Nevada Brewing (Sunday, May 7, 2017)

Beautiful sunshiny day at Sierra Nevada Brewing

Mya stopped Papa in mid-step.  A caterpillar was crossing the path!

Mya saved the little guy.

She even let him crawl on her nose!  Then, we found a nearby milkweed plant for him.  Not sure if he's a monarch, but we've heard that butterflies-to-be like milkweed.  And now he's off the sidewalk!

Two sisters and a brother in the sunshine

Happy Birthday, Piper and Mya! (Saturday, May 6, 2017)

With birthdays just 6 days apart (April 29 and May 5), Piper and Mya had a joint birthday party at a local gymnastics studio.  Piper's about to leap into the foam pit!

Flexible Mya!

River "No Fear" Lewis.  Do you see Ryder, Piper, and Papa?

Piper demonstrates her upper body strength.  Do you see Papa?

Close your eyes and make a wish!  Do you see Mya?

Happy Birthday, Mya!

The birthday party crowd.  Do you see Mya, River, Piper, Brandy, Ryder, Papa, and me?  Brandy's Mom Mimi is flashing the peace sign.  Can you find her?

Hanging out (May 6, 2017)

Papa's trying to figure out River's magic trick.

Piper tried on one of the yard sale princess dresses over her clothes.  Ready for drawing!

Mya's art.  I think you really, really like kitty cats, Mya.

Silly Mylo!  What are you looking for?

Annual yard sales! (May 6, 2017)

We were on the lookout for other men's treasure at the annual yard sales held throughout the neighborhood.

My find: favorite childhood cartoons on DVD.  Yes, I still have a DVD player.

Brandy scored with a beautiful knitted scarf to use during newborn photography sessions.

Mya's birthday dinner and pie: May 5, 2017

Mya chose to celebrate with dinner at Asiana, a Chinese-food buffet. Friend Clara came along.

Nothing like a flight of pies for birthday dessert!  At Baked, you can order pie by the piece, the entire pie, or, if you can't decide, by six sample pieces: a flight.  Do you see the tabletop design?  Lovely!

Papa Tom and I did our share on the flight.

Piper can wink!

Four-fifths of the Asheville Lewises.  Where'd that River run off to?