Last Home Game

Bryan's team finished up their season today with a state playoff game against Harrisburg.

We sported our colors!

Bryan watching Bryce dealing.

Grandpa and Grandma Johnson came to watch and did some wrestling!

It was a heartbreaking defeat, but they will be back strong next season.

Mom's Retirement Banquet

This evening we celebrated my mom's impending retirement in Ephrata at the Retirement and Recognition Banquet.Mom and Sally Kaatz were the only two retirees in the district and the event was a very special recognition of their years of work.

Mrs. Kaatz is retiring after 40 years of teaching, 7 in Ephrata.Mom has taught (in the U.S.) for 37 years, with the past 27 in Ephrata.

One of her current ASB officers spoke about her ability to connect with students, know their names and their stories, resist the urge to talk down to them, and how she guides them to be thoughtful about their choices. He said she "enlightens" him with just a short conversation.

A former colleague and friend talked of her ability to be part of everything and to do it well. She read thousands of senior papers, wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation, and will certainly be missed.

Her building principal likened her to the glue in a laminated beam - that which makes the unit strong, but whose work goes largely unseen. He was very sincerely complimentary.

Mom had a new aide in the library and computer lab this year and she was wonderful - a perfect working complement.

Russ and I surprised Mom and enjoyed hearing about her from people who appreciate the time and effort she's given over the years. We enjoyed a slideshow, visiting with former teachers, and watching Mom feel like Tom Sawyer at his funeral - uncomfortable with the praise and wishing to be off making mischief! We are very proud of our Mother.

A Bit of the West Side

We spent the weekend on the west side . . . doing baseball and hanging with RP.

The kids played on the swing and kept an eye on the dogs.

Booth discovered a love of bubbles and we obliged, enjoying his high-flying antics.

We went to several parks, including Bush Park in downtown Salem. Shannon was very angry to begin the jaunt. Awesome.

Uncle Russ helped me warp another generation of kids by putting a flag on Mitch's bike. It's from RP's 4-wheeler - which makes it somewhat cooler - and Mitch still thinks it's great. I love the visibility is allows, especially since Mitch is now very speedy sans training wheels!

Excellent balance after the pout fit ended.

Back from another walk.

Shannon wanted to walk Booth and, for the safety of his poor neck, Russ was the middleman. Shan would be pulling backwards while Booth pulled forward and Russ was quite literally caught in the middle.

Then Booth made a break with Shannon running behind.

Mitch and Lumen did their best to catch up!

And a final trip to the park to hunt for badgers. It was a fun weekend!

Mother's Day

 She's fierce, opinionated, curious, a mimic, and a beauty.

 He's courageous, creative, impish, sensitive and a handsome boy.

They're my favorites.

Weekend in Hood River

The kids and I spent the weekend with my family in Hood River, celebrating Russell's birthday and enjoying relaxed time together.

Friday afternoon was a bit hectic, but it ended beautifully with a front porch, overlooking a pond with hundreds (thousands?) of serenading frogs.

The weather was a mix of sprinkles and sun on Saturday, but we did lots of exploring.

We crossed the Hood River and investigated outdoor museum parts,

posed in the posies,

and stomped around the confluence of the Hood and Columbia Rivers.

There was lots of rock throwing and minimal getting wet and muddy, thanks to Uncle Russ.

Shannon brought some binoculars and investigated little daisies.

The rental house had ample pastures, very overgrown, and an entertaining tire swing.

The pond was also fun - more rock throwing.

Mitch picked me a bouquet of flowers and brought them to the door proudly.

After a fun dinner downtown, we returned for gifts and cupcakes for a 31-derful man!

Shannon used the ribbons to become a wild, caped hippie. Saturday marked her official status as a 2.5-year-old. May we all survive this phase!

Story time with Grama preceded bed and another relaxing evening with the fire and frogs.

Our motley crew.

Our digs for the weekend near Neal Creek.

The ride home was blessedly peaceful with two conked out kids for the whole trip. It was a great weekend!!!