Rug cleaning time

It's not really that we are super fastidious about wanting our rug to be super white....

It's that we have 2 geriatric dogs.

Come again?

Everly went in for her kindergarten physical and shots today. She was so brave and I am so excited that I never ever ever have to take sweet, trusting 5 year-old in to get shots ever again!

We also found out that both her ears are full of wax and she can't hear very well. So we get to loosen it up and soften the wax before we return for another appointment in a week, then she can be retested.

Puzzle Princess

I'm melting. She has the gene!

Pioneer Day Fun

We're hosting the pioneer activities at our house this year...

We are all about the bonnets!

Making butter! Just one pint this time. One can have too much hand-churned butter, you know.

Tin can lanterns.

Taffy pulling!

Yarn weaving

Track design, for those whose attention spans have run out.

And the very best way to end the day. Homemade butter on homemade bread.

Joyful Corner

When the tech goes away, joyful things happen. 

Is that what you do?

Oh, what do you do in the summertime? When all the world is green?

Do you fish in a stream?

Or lazily dream, on the banks as the clouds roll by?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime? When all the world is green?
Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool,

Or swing in a tree up high?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime? When all the world is green?
Do you march in parades?

Or drink lemonades?

Or count all the stars in the sky?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Mathew goes to EFY 2018

I got to drop off Mathew for his week at EFY! He was way less nervous this year. He knows the ropes.

He set to work organizing his snack collection. Do not underestimate the power of snack bartering in the boys dorms!

One quick hug and I was on my way.

I gave a salute to the telephone box on my way out.

And Mathew enjoyed his week with his flock of new friends!

Only teenagers can eat this way without immediate repercussions.

Time to ponder and study at Adam-ondi-ahman.

A twisted ankle...this will need to miraculously heal before the dance!

Time for group goodbyes!

Another amazing EFY experience!

SBL - Date night with Ethan

I love this boy! It would seem that we have weathered the rough teen years and come out on the other side. He is responsible and hard working. He is doing his best to be helpful and kind and it is making a huge difference in our home. 

And he's just plain fun to be with. He has a great laugh and we like a lot of the same things. He gave me a big squeeze this afternoon and said, "Wanna go on our date tonight?" 

I mean, come on. 

So, we left the girls in Megan's capable care (with a hot chicken pot pie right out of the oven) and we went in search of a "real burger". We've been settling for Freddy's lacy burgers for far too long. We ended up at Old Chicago...and he found his burger. I got a yummy apple chicken walnut wrap and we swiped each others fries and onion rings.  He stopped to talk to a veteran (always) and found out that the navy hat he was wearing was in honor of his son that died at the pentagon on September 11th. He is forever loving these wonderful men and showing them that their service and sacrifices are not forgotten. He's such a good young man. 

We wolfed down our food and booked it over to the theater to watch Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.  It wasn't terrible. But it doesn't really matter. It was fun to be out with my son and thinking about his senior year. So much is going to change for him and I'm going to enjoy him every chance I get!

Did I mention that he drove?!? And paid for dinner?!?

Young Men High Adventure, Colorado 2018

I did not attend and do not possess all the fabulous tales of their adventures, so I will post a few of the highlights and leave the stories up to the boys.

Day 1:

Travel day! It's a long drive to Colorado

Trey Stewart and Evan Smith, Noah Mitchell, Sam Peterson and Brett Stewart, Reuben Chestnut, Sam Mansker and Ethan 

Mathew was in a different vehicle...never disappoints with the selfies.

Stretching out and setting up camp.

Playing Bottle Bash Frisbee (or Frisknock)

And Exploding Kittens

Another sweet Mathew selfie to end the first most excellent day!

Day 2:

Harnessing up for a zipline adventure!

Brother McCauley snapping photos.

Safety first!

Mathew learning how to start and stop...

Yikes!

Ethan heads out....

Mark's turn:

Mathew reaching the bottom with finesse!

Back at the camp and enjoying the cool river.

Panning for gold flakes in the river...

And throwing rocks at trees.....

Visiting St. Elmo's to see the tame chipmunk colony!

Chillin back at camp..

Entertainment in any form.

Mark giving the devotional around the campfire.

And our goodnight selfie!

Day 3: 

Hiking Mt. Shavano!

But first...we must work on our Polynesian sharpie tattoos!

Hitting the trail and taking lots of breaks.

Getting higher!!

Do you see the bee?

Victory!!

Tired, tired boys.

The perfect post-hike activity...soaking in the hot springs.

End of day Mathew selfie!

Day 4:

White water rafting!

Ethan's group:

Mark's group: (he's the one with the muscles)

Mathew's group:

And then it was time to pack up and drive home....

How about one more selfie, Mat?