Road Trip!

On Friday we took a day off and drove to Spokane to see folks. We stopped at Kevin and Rachel's first and enjoyed their lawn and admired flowers.

Then we headed to LaVines and visited in the backyard for awhile. We realized the kids hadn't been together since before Christmas.

They enjoyed themselves and then we headed to Gram's.

Gram turned 94 and we celebrated her through the window.

Ryan and BettyAnn were in town visiting Angel and came over.

Mom and Dad drove over, too.

  Here's our crew.

We visited and sang to the birthday girl for half and hour an then Dad and Ryan got to sit with her on a patio for an hour.

The rest of us went to Hogues and enjoyed lawn games, appetizers and a rib dinner. Happy 94th to our Gram, a loving and wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother!

Memorial Day Weekend

We have been doing some fun things around the house: here are a few...

Working on the Westview Field with neighbor Jim has been such fun. It also means we have been on the tractor!

I got to be the farmer, too! After the goats and Bryan mowed down the triticale, I finished preparing the land for planting the peas and oats. That tractor moves at a whopping 1.47 miles an hour...

So much kitten cuddling! And these two might be a little related...

 This is a project we have been avoiding. We borrowed a sod cutter from Jen and started tearing out sod so we could dig down the soil and lower the grass to be flush with our patio.

 Dave put in almost 8 hours helping us - after an 8 mile hike that morning.

  Then Tempel came in as the closer. It was such a relief to get this chore done!

We enjoyed a campout to wrap up Memorial Day weekend - in our backyard! There wasn't a whole lot of sleep, but we had fun. June is coming...

Pool Opening

We are getting set to open the pool. Today was a day the kids were eager to enjoy - slip and slide!

 It was not warm, but the kids were super eager to jump in, again and again and again...

 They played for hours!

Such joy!

Kayaking!

When the Stay at Home orders first went out, the kids made a list of fun activities they wanted to do, and kayaking was definitely on that list. Unfortunately, parks closed and grandparents weren't totally available (for safety reasons). However, guidelines are relaxing somewhat and we've crossed over into some closer grandparent contact.

 That means we can kayak! The kids did double schoolwork on Monday so they were free to spend Tuesday playing. Of course the day began rainy, but the weather cooperated by late morning. They were picked up and headed to the lake!

 Shannon and Mitch have both outgrown the yellow kayak. Still, it was a fun diversion on the water.

 They both got in and did some COLD swimming. Grama had to rescue frozen children in the water!

Shan was tasked with starting the fire by rubbing sticks together...

  Costco dogs and a picnic ensued! They pretty much had the park to themselves, except for the many wildlife sightings (groundhogs, deer, turtles, trout, and birds galore).

Mitch brought his magnet and did some unsuccessful magnet fishing. On the way home, they stopped for ice cream at Dry Falls. It was a delightful outing - good for body and soul!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a good one this year. It started with donuts and bacon on the front porch, which I shared with Mama cat. Then the kids and Bryan had things for me to open.

 They have faithfully added to the Mom scrapbook each year and I always enjoy it.

 There were Baseballism themed gifts this year! If we can't watch it, at least I can wear it!

Snuggles with my "littles" are always welcome.

Shannon helped me make an apple rhubarb pie

which we delivered to Vicki and Dave.

 Shannon and Mitch wanted to play a game called Taste Buds that evening when Allstot grands came for dinner, and we all participated!

 Blindfolded taste tests and then describe the food to your blindfolded partner..

They did a pretty good job

 and provided lots of laughs!

 Grampa went for it with a gusto!

My dear children fed me cat food...Happy Mother's Day!

Into May We Go!

The kittens are growing and charming! 

 We have now found homes for all of them, including Mama. It's going to be hard to bid them adieu!

This is Buster. She and Bert are moving to Brownes.

  One of the reasons it's time to send them away is that Mama cat is starting to teach them about hunting in a very "paws-on" way. She delivers lessons in the form of mice...

and squirrels! It's nasty. 

So far they are all dead before entering the room, and none have been found outside of the room. Still, the need for a deep clean (and maybe new carpet) is very real.

We are continuing to work on the field behind our house. Bryan runs the water like a farming pro!

Mom and I planted sunflowers. The birds were happy to feast on the seeds, so it will be a wonder if any plants make it!

 May Day brought the usual flower delivery from neighbor children.

As we are beginning to empty the pool and prepare it for summer, the need to rescue frogs was upon us!

We saved more than a dozen from the chemicals and delivered them to Jim's irrigation pond.

 Then we went to Allstots for dinner and some fence chalk art.

We played an intense game of croquet, too!

Our Sunday drive this weekend took us over the top through Waterville, Chelan, Entiat, and to Grama's, where we visited with her (and Ella) from the balcony. We stopped at Phyllis and Sam's patio as well. Strange, but lovely visits! 

The Stay Home order has been extended until May 31st...