Maya's Girl Scout Promise

Lady Luck

Maya's record for winning tickets through the Hennepin County Libraries is now 3-0. Last year, she won tickets to the State Fair. She also won a free book for a book report that she wrote. This year, she won State Fair tickets once again, followed by a family of four pack of tickets to a Twins game....and, yet another book for a book report she wrote.

On Sunday, we took the train to the Metrodome to see the Twins play the Mariners. Since we hadn't paid for our 4 tickets at $30 each, we didn't feel badly spending money on snacks to keep the kids occupied.

Hotdog - $3.50

Popcorn - $4.00

Lemonade - $4.00

Snow Cone - $4.00 (It's ice, for goodness sakes!)

Having your daughter tell you that she thinks baseball is boring - PRICELESS

Maybe next time, we will bring her a book to read (from the library, of course!)

The things they say....

Last week, Rosie had a birthday. She is now eight years old. We got a cake in her honor (good excuse to eat cake, huh?), and while we were all sitting around the table eating it, we started explaining to Maya how old Rosie was in "people years." (8*7=56) She started to do the math and figured out that Rosie, if she is lucky, has about five years left before God calls her "home." The thought of Rosie leaving us made her sad, and she asked us if we would get another dog when Rosie was no longer with us. Michael and I looked at each other, and I said, "We'll see....," but the lack of enthusiasm in my voice must have indicated to her that it wasn't likely.....

Fast forward to yesterday. I took Maya to the allergist; her pediatrician had referred her there to see if she has any allergies that trigger her asthma (she doesn't.) The doctor asked her if she had any cats or dogs at home. She replied matter-of-factly, "Yes, we have a dog, but when she dies we aren't going to get another one."

A Happy Camper!

The first ten days of summer "vacation" (as a parent, the "vacation" part of "summer vacation" takes on a new meaning!) have been somewhat challenging for us here in the Bellowe household. While we had plenty of activities planned during the week to spare her from sheer boredom, the adjustment to a new routine away from her peers resulted in several meltdowns (hers and mine) over the course of last week. Needless to say, we were both looking forward to her first day of day camp at Camp Teko. She woke up bright and early, raring to go. We got her to the bus stop at 8:45, said our good-byes, and went our separate ways. Fast forward to 3:50 pm....back at the bus stop to pick her up. She was all smiles coming off the bus, chattering about all of the details of her amazing first camp experience. She got to go kayaking, which she described as being "like the bumper boats at the fair." She went on a speed boat with her group, and they even braved the cold waters of Lake Minnetonka to do a water treading test. She made a bracelet and did a leaf project in art. They sang a lot of songs, but she couldn't remember the words yet. She is definitely a happy camper once again....and so am I!

Debut Performance

Yesterday, Maya had her debut performance at Eden Prairie High School Center for the Performing Arts. Grandma Judy and Grandpa Doot were able to come up to witness our little star being born. She did VERY well and has come a long way with dance this year. She was proud to receive a "good practice" award, and her teacher commented to us that she was so grateful for Maya knowing the dances so well....she kept the other girls in line, knowing what steps came next, and pretty much stayed with the beat of the musi c (though she was sometimes AHEAD of the music...but that pretty much defines her....a little off beat and always a step ahead of where she is supposed to be! ;-)

Congratulations on your first stage performance, Maya! We love you and are very proud of you!