One Crazy Afternoon.

Today I was in my office on a zoom call, when I heard a bunch of commotion outside.  I looked out the office window and saw three county sheriff's blazers, a fire engine and about 20 people standing in my driveway.  

Off to the right I saw black billowing smoke.  I jumped off the call to see what was going on.  As I walked outside, my neighbor across the street was packing up her car.  Everyone was on their phones.  One of the  neighbors told me there was a fire spreading quickly across the field behind us.  

I asked if we were supposed to do anything.  He said they were waiting for direction.  I went back into the house to make sure the girls were alerted and ready to do what was needed.  We headed down the stairs as the doorbell rang.  They told us they had gotten the fire under control.  Here are the pictures of what went down.  

This is taken from the construction site looking at the back of the houses in our neighborhood that are directly across the street from our house.

This picture is not very good, as I was not tall enough to really see over the greenery.  The fire essentially went right up to my neighbors fences.  Yikes.  It was a surreal moment.  As we go outside this evening, we can still taste the smoke in the air.

Here is a link to an article about the fire 27 acre fire.

Ramblings.

My dad looks a bit unhinged in this picture, but it was too funny not to post.  He grabbed Kendall's Echo bucket hat and though he was pretty swag.

The other morning I woke up to find the dog kennel's empty.  As I walked into the kitchen to start my morning cup of coffee, I looked over to see this.  Kendall had literally slept on the dog bed overnight.  

It is the small things in life that bring my joy.  In particular this paper towel rack I put up in the laundry room.  

What is a catch all post without a bouquet of flowers.  This is a mix of flowers from my garden (purple) and a supermarket bunch (white).  Love it!

Lessons for Kendall and Gma.

Sidney has been giving my mom and Kendall riding lessons.  My mom is doing great.  Her form is coming along nicely.  She told me the other day that she is not sure she wants to move past the walk stage.  I told her that was perfectly acceptable and most people never do.  The Eh Capa riders are a rare breed with their bareback, fast riding, no hand jumping craziness.  She was relieved to hear that most people just enjoy a good trail ride.

Kendall is another story.  I am pretty certain that girl does not have an ounce of fear in her body.  She has been trotting, loping and falling off without a care in the world.

Owning this horse has brought us an empty pocket book and a life full of joy.  Now it is my turn to get on.  The unfortunate thing is that I have zero interest.  However, I love my daughter, and that is all the motivation I need.

Boise Music Festival.

Sidney has been having an amazing summer.  She went with her friend Nellie to the Boise Music Festival.  They rode the carnival attractions, bought trash and trinkets, ate junk food and danced the night away!

She saw Walker Hayes, Lady A, Tate McRae adn Tag Team.  She showed me the commercial that Tag Team does a million times and kept asking, "You recognize them now?"  Nope.  Click on that hyperlink to have a smile.

This picture was just too cute not to include.  

The herd at the ranch.

She has been working with Pigeon on jumping, both on and off his back.  He is such a willing and athletic little guy!  I am excited to see how far these two can go.

We went to the Eagle Rodeo.  The sunsets were gorgeous!

Everything Under the Sun.

Oh my goodness what a great end to the dance year.  Kendall had two days of recitals, and it was a blast.  She has grown so much as a dancer this year and has made some amazing friends.  

During the Saturday matinee show, Kendall helped out with the teeny ballet dancers she assists with.  While she was doing that, Sid and I snuck away to watch Hello Dolly with our friend Valerie.  It was a fun, action packed weekend.

Below is a picture diary of Kendall's recital dances.  Yes, I think she had even more fun than it looks.  She was elated and exhausted by the end of the weekend.

Hip Hop.

Competition Jazz.

Competition Hip Hop.

Lyrical.  The picture makes her look like she has devil ears on, though I cannot attest she did not.

Ballet.  This is where she saw the most growth.  She is stunning!

Acro.  She got her aerial just before the end of the season.  What a big accomplishment!

Jazz. 

Ballroom.

Hannah, her ride or die, came to cheer her on.  Her little sister, Sid, is her biggest fan.

The studio has an adult tap class.  They performed that night as well.  It was absolutely awesome to see those women up there showcasing their talent!

As a follow up, Kendall made the competition team next year.  She was hoping to make the studio company team.  It is very competitive.  After a millisecond of disappointment (literally), she realized the blessing in being on team again next year.  She will continue to grow, and we even put in for her to compete with a solo.  She is going to rock it.  Her great attitude is something to be emulated.

The Big 5-0!

Even though I do not feel a day over 80, I cannot believe I turned 50 this month!  My parents and the girls took me out to my favorite mexican food restaurant to celebrate.  I was mortified when the staff decided it would be a good idea to sing to me.  I told our waitress that we certainly could not be friends after that!

Reminiscent of my 10th birthday party, my mom made me the cutest Pacman cookies.  I was only missing the Big Wheel Pizza and roll of quarters for the arcade!

I am a sucker for fresh cut flowers.  Terrell had these delivered to me.  They are gorgeous!

My sister had my mom pick me up these beautiful flowers.  Spoiled!

For the actual day of my birthday, I was hosting my work team here in Boise.  We did a cooking class that night and they sang Happy Birthday to me.  Little did they know that I was planning my own birthday party when I invited them to town that day:)  Just kidding!!!!  BUT, it was still fun.

Well, it is all downhill from here.  Hang on and enjoy the ride!