May Question of the Month

Why does coffee smell so good in someone's cup, but not on their breath?

Brotherly Love

Yes, look again. They are GETTING ALONG! Is that Brandon showing some brotherly love?

Stop looking at all the junk in the garage. Besides, it's gone now. The garage is clean. And that will last, oh, maybe until Wednesday (today is Monday)

And there's no shortage of love for the pets, either. Brian loves his dogs and they are so patient with him. Brian lays on Monty daily and I think he loves it, despite the "get this kid off me" look in his eyes.

Happy Mothers' Day

What more could a mom ask for than free bowling on Mothers' Day?

Samantha is always smiling.

Sarah and her daughters.
This is going to be my before picture. Why is it one never feels as fat as they look in pictures?
Hey, this looks like a real smile.
All the kids.

Handy Andy

Despite the fact that our neighbor Dennis implied Andy had a feminine side to him, I think he secretly proud of his handy work. These are cornices that I imagined and he made happen and I love them.

No parent can see enough of this

Brandon received an award in AVID Class for carrying a 3.5 or better. Sounds like he's doing well, huh? Well, don't let that fool you. He got it for the last semester of 8th grade. Let's just say his freshman year has been quite a challenge for him - although he just qualified for Honors English next year, so I'm still holding out hope.

Brian receiving an award for creative writing. They ask the parents to go on stage with the kids. I believe I've only gone up once, 6 years ago when Brandon was in third grade. I'm really shy. Yes, I AM!

We lucked out and Brian's class ended up sitting right in front of us. The kids don't know they're getting an award until they see their parents in the audience, so us in the front row right next to Brian was a dead give-away.

Oh, wait. Brian knew about this one. He brought home an envelope addressed to the "Parent's of Brian Lytle" and I, completely not thinking (yes, I've seen these before), told him to read it to us! He read along and stopped dead in his tracks when he got to the sentence, "This award is a surprise so please don't tell your child." Too late!

Travel Town

We headed over to Travel Town to celebrate Nicholas' 3rd birthday. It turned out to be a very nice day and most of the family was able to come, including Aunt Kathy and Uncle Gene from Ojai.

As you can see from Brian's smile, he had a blast.

As you can see from this "barely" smile, Brandon was tolerating having to spend a day with his family. I guess that's what happens when you turn 15.





Hannah and Nicholas

After the party, we headed over to the Griffith Park Observatory, since we were so close. But it turned out to be too long of a day and made for some very grouchy boys, who just couldn't pose for any more pictures.

New Pool Lytle Style

Lytle invasion of Jim and Mary's new backyard (Easter Saturday). Yes, we invaded, but Mary got us all back by refilling the Jacuzzi with cold water while we were in it!

Hannah, Samantha and Sam

Tim and Jim manning the grill.
The birthday kids - Brandon and Hannah, both born March 23rd. Mary, Kathy, Tim and Lauri enjoying the fire pit.
Cutie Sam.

Brian and Micah taking a Jacuzzi.

Mary and Kellie.
Lauri and Mary Alice

Dog Days of Summer are Here

Reading "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."

I may be going gray, but I'm still a puppy at heart.
Dead pupppies, aren't any fun. They don't speak, and they dont run . . .

What can I say?

If you leave your camera laying around . . .

this is what you get:

Nice underwear!

And he lands it!

Yup, that was fake!