Road Trip with Grandma

The girls went on a road trip with Grandma Karen this weekend.  My nephew Dylan is getting married at the end of July.  The girls went up to his fiances bridal shower.  In any other time, this would be awesome.  However, this year it makes me nervous to send them anywhere.  They literally have bee confined to a very tight circle the past few months.  We weighed the risks, and they all went.  It was a small gathering in my sisters back yard.  I think they really needed the break, and it was good to honor Heather in a summer that has made planning a wedding incredibly uncertain.  It is such an uncertain year all around.  It is hard to know if one is being too conservative or not conservative enough.  UGH!

Of course, they had to stop at the mercantile for snacks.  It is our absolute favorite place to stop.  

Goofballs!

Enjoying the evening with their cousins.

Sidney dog whispering Dakota.

The girls and I had the privilege of making the cake pops for the bridal shower.  These are becoming a family favorite.  We already  have a request to make two batches for the wedding.  Yes!  Good thing I have helpers.

Horsin' Around.

More updates on Sidney's horse back riding.  She had the privilege of joining one of the local riding groups for an animal parade 'food drive'.  It was a great experience.  Her and Avery painted up the horses and helped walk them through the neighborhoods.

She attended a week long horse day camp last week.  Her trainer pushed her comfort zone and had her ride some of the more challenging horses, as the beginners needed the mellow horses.  Sidney's confidence took a huge boost as she realized that she was becoming one of the more experienced riders.

She sent me this picture of 'Mercy'.  I was pretty sure it was a picture of a horse she had pulled off the internet, until she sent me the other pictures.  Apparently, Mercy legitimately smiles for the camera. Hilarious!

The final day of camp, the kids did a demonstration.  Sidney was fearless while riding Indy.  She was flying.  Afterwards, she informed me that she was riding Indy on speed 3.  Horses have four speeds;  walk, trot, lope, gallop.  I hope I got that right.  Anyways, it was impressive and terrifying!

Happy Father's Day.

The girls and I hosted a barbecue for my Dad on Father's Day.  My parents decided to join my scooter gang.  By the way, it is a thing!

We also remembered Kevin and celebrated with his favorite dessert, pineapple upside down cake.

I flipped it over while it was still hot.  Despite the awkward shape, it was DELICIOUS!

I planted daisies and lavender in our garden last fall.  They are looking amazing.  I picked my first bouquet.  I enjoyed it for a day, and then took it up to the cemetery to share with Kevin.

I think he would be pretty impressed!

June Birthday's

The girls have been spoiling me this year with Mother's Day and then my birthday.  It was a very special day topped off with cheesecake - yes!

I can never sneak a picture of this sweet girl.  She is scowling at me from her computer screen.  She is such a thoughtful person.  She and Hannah have a very special friendship that began Day 1 for Hannah.  This year for Hannah's birthday, I asked if I could pick up a gift.  Kendall replied, "No.  I know exactly what I am going to do."

Kendall spent several days putting together this super awesome gift.

Here is to many more years of friendship!

Hiking in the Heat

We have had a very strange weather in June.  Of course, Sidney decided to pick one of the hottest evenings to hike Camel's back trails.  Well, we took our water and made a night of it.

She was so happy to show me around, as she had done this hike a number of times with Grandparents and neighbors.

Sidney has been saving her money for a GoPro.  This was the inaugural trip.

When it was all done, we recovered in the shade.  It was a great time.  There are more hikes in order for these ladies!

Happenings at 7204.

My parents neighbor hung a beautiful sign on his garage with his house number.  I remarked to my parents how awesome it was.  So, when they wanted to thank me for helping with the patio roof and shed, they surprised me with this awesome house sign.  When they asked their neighbor where he had purchased it, it turns out that his sister had made it for him.  He told my mom that he would make me one.  I love it!

Our little free library has gotten a lot of activity this spring.  The girls and I have been frantically reloading it with books to keep the neighborhood reading.  Even the birds have been enjoying it!

My mom, Sid and I venture out to Old Navy for summer shopping. 

Sidney and I scored these cute matching t-shirts.  We scored such great finds, that I was 'forced' to take Kendall out for a shopping trip as well.  Shucks!

I am not sure that I want to even post this picture, because Kendall looks way too old and way too gorgeous, but here it is.  She went to the Aveda Institute and had her hair cut and styled.  My neighbor saw me out on the scooter and mentioned that if I needed any help cleaning the shotgun, he would be happy to assist.  I think I may  need to take him up on that offer.

Class of 2020, Miss Hallie Bradbury.

Wow.  This year has certainly brought with it some unexpected challenges.  However, I have been super impressed with how creative people were in honoring the Class of 2020.  Hallie was a senior this year, and it did not end as expected, but was very special nonetheless.

The family of one of Hallie's classmates, had posters made for each of the graduating seniors, the Joshua Brandt Foundation.

The principal even loosened up on his 'no decorating cap' policy.  Hallie knew immediately what she would do for hers.

They held the ceremony at the fairgrounds.  The families were each allowed one vehicle.  They drove their senior to the podium, and the graduate was able to walk across stage and accept their diploma.  The girls and I had a facebook watch party.

Again, I know that this year is not what everyone expected.  I do believe that these will be some of the most memorable graduations ever.  One of my co-workers built a platform in her backyard and had her seniors grandparents deliver the commencement address.  The thought that went into making this graduation special is never to be forgotten!

Graduation Cake Pops.

My parents got the girls this cake pop maker as a thank you gift when they moved out.  I have totally commandeered it!  Hallie requested a batch of cake pops for her graduation party.  Thankfully, Kendall gave me a hand making them.

They turned out spectacular!

Where is Larry Crowne?

Well, I did it.  I bought myself a scooter.

I absolutely love it.  It is perfect to do small errands around my neck of the woods. 

I laugh and remember Kevin and I watching the movie Larry Crowne.  I totally need to find myself a scooter gang now!

Memorial Day Weekend

The Idaho Veterans Cemetery had to cancel their Memorial Day service this year, due to Covid-19.  Thankfully, the cemetery was open though.  The girls and I took a trip up there to pay our respects to Kevin.  It is such a beautiful place.  It is with great honor that he was buried there.

It is always a very emotional time for us.  The girls and I sat for quite some time and remembered some of the funniest moments we had with Kevin.  

Each of the girls asked for a few minutes by themselves.

I am so grateful that they have so many memories of Kevin.  We started this blog early on in their lives before we knew what our futures held.  Now they will have many stories; good, bad, sad and funny to look back on.