August 2021

 This year I planted hydrangeas. They have been so beautiful!

This sweet potato vine has gone out of control. As of the end of August it has doubled in size!

Dan's favorite activity: parents vs kids soccer games.

Alex has a passion for star gazing. We decided to go on a family trip to the darkest locale around, which was an area west of Wichita Falls, TX.

Dan and the boys rode paddleboards across this lake to help stay cool and to pass the time waiting for dark.

Alex's photography.

First day of 7th grade.

First day of 10th grade.

This also happened to be Alex's move to college day.

Lucy was a tad concerned about all this packing.

Thankfully our boy is only 45 min away, so we will get to see him from time to time.

Setting up his gaming station, I mean dorm room. 

Grandma and Grandpa came on move in day.

Among the many things on our to do list on move-in day, the most important was having Alex ordained to an Elder. We are so proud of his choice to continue to be a disciple of Christ and to take on the responsibility of serving others in His name.

One last look at our boy before we left. The first four days were extremely fraught with anxiety, but we all survived the weekend. Come Monday, Alex was able to take control of his situation and though he has had to change up his schedule, he is now on a path he is comfortable with.

One of the first things Dan did when Alex left was put a TV in his room! This was mostly done so dad wouldn't have to share his big screen with Ryan anymore, but others of our clan have enjoyed it too. Here Macers has 'borrowed' one of big bro's hoodies that he left behind. 

Here I am about to make a Shipt delivery. I am now the proud owner of hand truck/dolley. Why you ask? Because everyone wants a case of water delivered to their front door. Sometimes even 4 cases of water to the 21st floor! Like I said before, it's fine...

July 2021

Sewing camp prep.

A student with her star.

There is a bird on your head.

My happy birthday 5K. 

Dan got me this beautiful bouquet of my favorite flowers. He also got me a charm bracelet, something I have always wanted! Thank you, hubby!

For my bday activity, we went to a Frisco Fighters arena football game. It was really fun!

Uncle Mike came for my birthday.

And Dan brought John for my birthday. 

4th of July turned out to be the most beautiful day of the year! Dan got to spend the day playing with the people he likes most!

Here they are playing a game of 3 on 3 football.

Here they are playing paintball fight. These were squishy paintballs that you throw at each other.

Here he got to play 3 v 3 water basketball.

We nearly missed seeing the fireworks because of traffic delays (and leaving home a tad too late.) Here Mike is taking video for his friend in Vietnam. 

Macey loves swimming. She and I had a fun pool day together.

Ryan on his way to the dermatologist to have his moles removed. They were a safety hazard that he has started shaving!

Pond buddies.

This was Macaroni's favorite activity with us this summer; shoe cleaning!

Ugh, this boy had his wisdom teeth removed. 

And this boy had his ankle booted. 

I had to force Macey to the leave the house this summer. She only wanted to go to the mall to get cookies!

Alex and I on our way to college orientation. We drove 2 cars because he stayed the night. Guess who had the cooler ride? Top down the whole way! At this orientation we were supposed to meet up for dinner, but he politely declined. "I've got a group, mom." We moms had to stick together instead! Good thing I can make friends too!

Our joining fence has been in a bad way since moving in 6 years ago. The new tenant next door encouraged his landlady it really wasn't acceptable!

They had our fence tore out and replaced in 4 hours!

Let's go to Target and see what they have for college kids!

June 2021

 

Official graduation picture of our boy!!

Ryan is learning to drive. This lesson included a trip through a drive-thru!

Macey got to go to Young Women's camp this summer. They went to Hot Springs, AR and had an awesome adventure.

Ryan going for another flight with Young Eagles group.

One day he'll be a pilot!

When Macey got home, Macaroni had arrived for his summer visit with us.

Lucy is always interested in a winged guest.

The missing piece in this group is my sign that was a heart with a message saying "We love Alex". Alex endured some very hard trials this summer which included a solid week learning how to cope with his depression and anxiety. Thankfully, he was just in downtown Frisco so we could stand outside to send him some support!

I was privileged to make 2 memory quilts. I love the pop of neon in this one.

Macey wen to french horn camp for a week. It was just in the mornings, but it was in Wylie, TX (that's 45 min from our house). We got up early! I most days I just idled my time waiting for her to finish.

One trail had this unique sign. I did not venture into the grass.

Prepping for summer sewing camp.

Alex's summer hobby.

Another season of Dolphin indoor soccer.

Having dinner at Ryan's work with the family.

I have started doing on demand personal shopping with Shipt. I am good at shopping and good at getting around our part of the county so it's fine for now.

Macey and I made a loch ness monster! I don't know if we have a finished picture...

Our pet super cozy.

Our pet very clean, but maybe unhappy about it.

Hooray! The temple opened from Covid protocols. For about a month before it closed for 3 months renovation. Boohoo! We went with Macey for baptisms. Dan and I went for inititories. And I went for an endowment session. September 20th can't come soon enough!

Four square for the fun of it.

Four square in the rain!