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pile-it program

We've been making a list, checking it twice and then checking it again.  Also making piles of stuff not to forget.  Feeding just shy of 200 youth and ma's and pa's on the trail and just doing my tiny part to make sure trek goes well is a biggish endeavor.  We've got piles of pioneer clothes, food stuff, letters, camping gear and I don't know what else all around the house.  ....meanwhile we are trying to get the house clean and welcoming for Nana and Abba and UB.....meanwhile Grace is trying to keep herself occupied, to find stuff for me to do with her, to talk to me all day and pester me being a cheerful companion.  She finally broke out her legos and that has been a lot of fun....and there is nothing like a million legos laying around to really make a house look neat and tidy and company ready.

bird rescue

We did shopping today. A big check mark off the list of getting ready.  We dropped Z at the spa and almost stepped on this little guy who fell out of his nest.  A rescue effort was launched that took up a bit of our morning but who could walk away from a little feathered friend in need?

kings island

Hannah and Ethan got to go to King's Island today with Abba. I don't know for sure but I bet they are having a great time.

Grace went to Maggie's and I went visiting teaching late in the afternoon.

Grace shared with me an interesting although completely false memory she has.  She wants to be allowed to stay home alone for a while.  While trying to convince me she was ready she "reminded" me that last time Tate was here Dani and I let her baby-sit.  Oh really??

She claims that we were going to go to lunch but Tate was napping and she, Grace, didn't want to go, so we let her stay home but didn't even tell her Tate was home.  Not only that but we left her working with felt and then T woke up and wandered out and asked where everyone was so she, Grace, had to watch her unexpectedly until we got home.

False.

Yet she is insistent.

So, Dani and I left a 9 year old to baby sit a 4 year old without telling either one and further we left her with a sharp tool to stab away at some felt while we were out enjoying a leisurely lunch.  That's her story and she's sticking with it.

One more story, this one illustrating how much we love our dumb dog.  I was sitting on the couch sorting legos with Grace while Z was at the spa.  Grace sighed and said "I sure miss Z don't you?"  Yep.  (she had been gone about 2 hours at that point).  Crazy dog.

Sunday

This evening we had a welcome to the neighborhood dessert party for the Ely's at the Buxtons. Super fun.  I love our little 'hood and the good friends we have here.

This morning I went to visit the Anacostia Ward.  It is very special to go to the differnet wards and meet with the YW and their leaders.  I marvel at the wonderful people we have around the stake and the varied back grounds they come from and talents they have.  Each sweet sister brings something special and is magnified and lifted as she serves and shares.  It's a great and wonderful process and one I feel blessed to participate in for myself and to witness in others.

pink ladies, and black-eyed susans

We worked in the yard today. When I say we I actually mean I helped, which is not too typical. The weather was agreeable and our flowers are pretty so it wasn't too bad. Plus Bub is out of town so that left only me.

The Activity Day girls went to see the summer stock production of Grease. Grace said she loved it and it was sooo much fun! I love her A-day leaders they are so on the ball and sweet.

Maggie, Summer, Arden, Izzy, Jackie, Morgan and Grace

I did some more Trek sewing. I'm kind of the female version of the man who fixes stuff with duct tape and wd- 40 when it comes to sewing. It's a winging it pattern less ordeal.

This evening we went with the Zawadas to dinner then to Sweet Frog. 

In Ohio Ethan threw up. Big surprise. He is fine and they are enjoying their visit though we miss them.

Meanwhile

The children are enjoying what they consider the best week of the year. Nana and Abba week.

Hannah reports that Bub has been golfing a lot and that he and Abba are watching movies. She has been baking and shopping and they went to the art museum and have enjoyed a lot of swimming. 

Dresses

Our drive home from Michigan was long but we survived nicely.

Wednesday Grace went to Julia's ice skating birthday party which she reported  was super fun. We also took dinner to baby Alva and her family.

Today I've been working on trek clothing. I'm very worried about Hannah's fitting since she won't try them on until after I am gone. Hopefully they will get here early enough that Nana can make ajustments If needed.

Tonight we had our last trek meeting. Seems like all our ducks are lined up nicely. Now we just pray a lot and work hard.

Funeral

Today was the funeral of Francis Henry Thacker.  It was a very lovely service.  I actually enjoyed the stories and memories so much.  He was a good, hard working man.  I can't imagine living in the same place for 98 years.  He made such a impact on his community and in his family and did so much good during his 9 decades on the farm.

After the service the church served a very nice luncheon.  It was tasty and we had a nice time visiting with everyone.

I like this picture of me and Ethan and Hannah.  Ethan told me he has my eulogy ready.  "Mom, she was nice.  She was short, but her prayers were not  Thanks for coming. "  I laughed.

Uncle Brain, we love him.

Kids and grandparents.

After the service we all went back to the farm.  We did some more visiting.  The kids rode the gator around.  We looked at pictures. 

Michigan is gorgeous and the weather has been perfect.   It's so green and I love the wildflowers that are growing all over the place.  The sweatpeas are my favorite!

Michigan