Lucas Family: A complete profile in three photos

This about sums up the dynamics of the Lucas family--an essay of sorts in three photos.

1. Mom and Dad are nowhere to be seen:  We are old and tired and would rather die than post in public a photo of us in our swimming suits.

2. These photos at a hotel pool in Seattle:  a) We are slacker parents and rarely take our kids swimming at home.  Thus, they are swimming deprived and want to live in the pool even when there are tons of other cool things to do.  b) We let them because sometimes doing tons of other cool things is just too much work.

3. Matching floral suits:  We have super nice friends from Hawaii.  Thanks Laurie.

4. There is a line to push the elevator button:  My kids fight about EVERYTHING.  GRRR.  It takes an excell spreadsheet just to keep track of who gets to push the button to call the elevator, the floor number and the "close door" button. 

5. Allie has a purple hat on:  a) She didn't choose pink b/c she thinks it's a bit immature--can someone tell me why the pre-teen stage starts at five? b) She wanted the hat to be like her dad.  He's her superman.

6. Asher has the most mischevious smile and is checking for escape routes:  Self explanitory to those who know him.  He takes a while to warm up, but once he does, watch out. And NEVER underestimate how high he can climb when there is chocolate involved (future post needed).

7. Naomi's eyes are covered with hair and she's taken a defensive stance:  a) She will NOT keep ANYTHING in her hair.  She pulls her hair out in order to remove even the most innocent ponytail.  b) As the youngest she's developed a stradegy of self preservation that involves running when she thinks her siblings want to hug her.

8. Life jackets:  a) The kids are fearless and although they love to swim and are somewhat capable, think they can do more than they can.  b) We really do love each other and value each other's safety.