We thought the name of this place was funny.
KT and I went to the VA Botanical Gardens. Daylilies are KT's favorite flowers.
We spent a lot of time in the rose garden.
It was so hot, half the roses were wilting in the sun, but there were still some gorgeous blooms.
White rose.
KT amongst the flowers.
Orange rose.
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Yellow rose. (Not of Texas.)
One of the few bushes that was overwhelmingly ignoring the heat.
Multi-colored roses are my favorites.
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I took pictures of dozens of them. Aren't you happy I'm only posting a few?
Red rose.
I liked this silver and purple combination quite a lot.
This little plant intrigued me, as well.
The park was getting set up for an exhibit on African sculpture. ('Traditional Lady')
The exhibit didn't actually open until the next week, but lots of the pieces were already out. ('The Composer')
I might've given this one an irreverent alternate title. ('Cross My Heart')
Little purple flowers. Apparently purple was the color of the day.
I loved this 'bioroof' on the concession stand - cute and economical!
This sculpture didn't have a title plaque that I could find, and it made me feel slightly anxious.
Japanese garden, entry angle.
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Goldfish! (It was over 100. I wanted to jump in and join them.)
Waterfall in the Japanese garden.
Japanese garden, exit angle.
Did you know that ducks are a Chinese symbol of matrimonial bliss? I don't know if they mean the same thing in Japan, though.
Mermaids are ubiquitous in Norfolk. This is the one outside the gardens.
Penny graduated from pre-school on the 10th. The festivities started with a show by the 3-year-olds.
Then the graduates marched in to Pomp and Circumstance.
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Ms. Kathy, the teacher, read a speech.
She was so emotional, she could only read a few words at a time. It was very sweet.
Then the class sang songs. (See movie link below.)
During the second song, all the kids held up pictures of themselves as babies. There were not many dry eyes.
Penny did not like wearing her hat, but consented to put it back on for pictures. She refused to smile if she was wearing the hat, though.
Finally out of their caps and gowns... Penny with her good friend Dylan.
Penny and Dylan have some juice.
Penny with her buddy Peyton.
Look, Mom! ICING!
The cookie bouquet that Matt got for Father's Day.
The many moods of Alex: Happy!
The many moods of Alex: Hungry!
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The many moods of Alex: Sad!
The way Penny adores her brother still fills me with amazement and joy.
Adorableness defined.
Every day, I think how lucky I am to have such a great family.
Ray brought Penny a toy trumpet, and they gave us a concert.
Yes. Yes, I did let Alex have watermelon at the Summer Bash.
He seemed to like it quite a bit, until he gagged on a piece.
I really like the lighting in this, quite aside from the amusement value of Alex eating Elizabeth's shoelaces.
Whoo, I got all four kids in one picture!
Everyone make a silly face!
Summer Bash, whoo!
I think I was being attacked by power rings, here.
And when I was sufficiently subdued, they moved on to attacking someone else.
A rare picture of me and Alex.
