2010 GV Football

Football season is over and I can truly say that I am going to miss watching these guys play every Friday.  What a great team we had this year - these boys are such great friends.  (The rest of pics are posted in the photo album).

Good job, Grizzlies!



Madsen Cycles

Madsen Cylces

I love my bike, but I really want one of these!!!~  Oh, so many possiblities on what I could put in the bucket.  Dogs, picnic basket, recylables, snacks for the football team (maybe next year) . . .

Kayaking - July 25, 2010

This turned out to be our last active weekend before school starts.  We spent the day kayaking at Castaic Lake with our neighbors, Cathy and Jamie Conlin.  Sadly, Brandon could not get in the water because of his open wounds, but he was a trooper and joined us anyway.

This is a photo of Brandon after he took on a mountain.  He flew over the handlebars and down the mountain about 40 feet.  The pebbles are still slowly coming out of his palms - almost three weeks later.  Most of the road rash is gone, but he still has a few patches and playing football again is not helping them heal.  Eeuuw!

Me and Jamie

Brian and Cathy

If you look closely, you can see some of that road rash on Brandon's arm.

Brian Graduates

Brian graduated from 6th grade on Friday, June 11th.  We are very proud of him.  He received a President's Education Award and medal for Outstanding Academic Excellence, signed by President Obama (he pulled a 4.0) and he also received an Oustanding Citizenship award. 

After the graduation ceremony, we celebrated with a potluck picnic at the park, hosted by us, the Campos' and the Green's, followed by s'mores back at the house.  The kids had a great time playing basketball, football and swimming.  It was a perfect day - perfect weather, good food and great friends.

Principal Isa De Armas

Brian's teacher Mrs. Titiriga (in pink)

Brian and Jermaine

Showing off his certificates

Javier, Brian, Devin and Kyle

Brian and Jamie

Brandon (no more braces!) and Dallas

Minnows

Okay, what is going on with the layout???!!!  My photos are all over the place!

But on Saturday, June 5 - Nick and Samantha spent a super hot Saturday with us.  We started with a little child labor and washed the van, then washed a dog, gave the fish a "bath," then we hit the pool.  Now keep in mind that neither of the kids can swim.  Nick is fearless.  He was jumping in with the noodle.  I only had to rescue him once.  Samantha was not as brave as Nick.  When we first got into the pool, she wouldn't let go of me.  But after about half an hour of working with her, she was comfortable enough to go it alone, with two noodles.  And that was it, she was in heaven and never left the pool. Nick gave me several practice swims without the noodle (there's one photo below).

Hiding from Aunt Marie, who is armed with the hose.

Trying without the noodles.

Cannon ball!

Look at me!!!

So brave in the middle of the pool all by herself!

No, I was not washing his mouth out with soap!

Bye, Ronnie.

Ronnie, our very nice neighbor, is moving. I don't know whether to be sad for us or happy for him, as this lucky kid is moving to Hawaii!

Ronnie, you'll definitely be missed around here. Please keep in touch with us.

The Lytles

Water Drops

Drew, the budding photographer, has been trying to capture water drops. It's not as easy as one would think. After many, many shutter speed adjustments, this is the best he came up with. But he's still tyring.

Calfiornia Poppies

On Sunday, May 9th, we decided to check out the poppies. Unfortunately, it was very windy and cold and most of the poppies weren't blooming. But we made a day out of it - had a picnic in the car, checked out an antique shop and then visited the animal shelter on the way home. They had the cutest pit bull pups and of course Drew said no. There was also a gorgeous, super affectionate calico cat and Drew again said no. He said no to the horse, too. He is no fun!