BECCA LEARNS TO MOW THE YARD!


Dad went out the other day and began mowing the yard at the new lake house and Becca decided it was time to learn how to mow!  Because the yard is smaller than the one at Yellow House, Dad had to get out the electric push mower. As you can see, it can be pretty difficult to mow while trying to drag an electric cord behind, but Becca manages to do it.

Now, everytime Dad mows, Becca is right there to help.

MOWING THE LAWN AT SUNNYBROOK!


Right after Memorial Day, Biz and Charles closed on the lake house they've been trying to buy. The grey house in the back, now dubbed "Sunnybrook" as in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Cottage" is the new summer vacation residence of The Ratliffs.  If you look closely, the brown house on the left is the cottage occupied by Biz's Mom and Dad, the Sanders.  We were lucky enough to buy the house right next door so that we can be close to Mom and Dad.

Becca has decided that one of her new chores at the lake house is helping Dad mow the lawn. Dad is happy about that!

As you can see, she is also happy about helping out. Life at the lake is not all about swimming! As Mommy says, "First, we work, then we play!"

OFF TO THE CONCERT!

Here, Becca is wearing one of her favorite dresses as we get ready to attend the Spring Choir concert at Knox High School. Among the many things Becca enjoys, besides dressing up, is listening to her mommy's students sing and perform concerts. Every time Bizzy says its time to go to a concert, Becca is in her closet looking for the perfect dress to wear.

Off to the Zoo!

For the end of the year field trip, Becca went with her class and the entire first grade to Potawatomie Zoo, in South Bend, for the day.  She had lots of fun petting animals, exploring the habitats, and being outdoors. Here she can be seen with her friends (from class and the zoo:).

Biz measured her the other day and noted that Becca has grown a full inch just since early March - in two months!  Becca still remains nearly a full head taller than most of her classmates.

Happy Birthday Bizzy!

As my Momma always said, "Never send a Bundt to do an Angel's job!"

For Bizzy's birthday, Charles tried to bake Bizzy her favorite cake - an Angel Food cake. So, rather than use one of her two Angel Food cake pans, duh!, he poured the batter into Bizzy's fancy swirl Bundt cake pan. . .

The cake batter overflowed in the oven, puffed out of the pan and refused to pop out when it was done cooking. Luckily, Charles had the foresight to put a cookie sheet beneath the cake, so cleanup was minimal.  The result, however, can be proudly seen in this photo.

Bizzy says this one takes the cake!

BECCA EARNS ALL As AWARD!


The first grade held their awards ceremony and Becca earned all As for three of the four quarters!  Becca did get one B during the school year, in one quarter, but the award is based on three quarters during the school year.

Here, Becca is shown with her first grade teacher, Mrs. Brown. Becca has loved being in Mrs. Brown's class.

Next up: Second Grade!

 

A Bald Eagle rested on a tree branch on Grandpa's  meander land.  Rumor has it that it is nesting near the train tracks a few miles away by Yellow House.  We're keeping an eye out for it to see if it comes back our way. Grandpa says its watching the Carp as the fish come in to the shore to nest.

BECCA AND GRANDPA

Becca and Grandpa share a moment prior to Becca heading off to Blue Room to watch a movie. She really loves all the old-time Musicals Grandma has on the shelf. Her favorites include "Singing in the Rain" and "42nd Street" both of which she had watched several times.

BECCA AND GRANDMA GOOF OFF!

Becca and Grandma goof off at the lake.  Becca is in her jammies and getting ready for bed (albeit early!) and was in the process of saying goodnight!  Bedtime, however, was still a couple hours off as Becca goes into Blue Room, relaxes on the bed and watches a DVD of any one of a dozen musicals Grandma has on the shelf.