Nilsson News

 It's amazing how the time flies and Addy finally pointed out that we hadn't posted on this blog since the beginning of November.  I guess we get so caught up in the daily routine it doesn't feel like there is much we can write about.  We had a wonderful time with all of you at the gathering.  There was great food, visiting, playing, and family history fun.  We've since been involved in the holiday doings.  We aren't quite as ambitious as many of you and we don't make Christmas bread but we had a Saturday afternoon where we dipped pretzels like crazy and decorated them.  Millie and Henry went a little crazy with the sprinkles!

We missed going hunting for a tree up in the hills but the kids decided it just wouldn't be the same unless there was snow so we went to the small town hardware store and picked one out there.  Garrett has been adjusting to his new calling as the Elder's Quorum president.  The "old men" just aren't as exciting as the young men.

Addy had her clogging recital and did a fantastic job.  They didn't have an official recital last year due to Covid so it was fun to be there again.  We were grateful that the Harts joined us and cheered Addy on.  Earlier in the week, we enjoyed a geography and Shakespeare day with the Harts.  The kids are starting to memorize the countries of Europe so we celebrated by enjoying some delicious, authentic, Belgian waffles.  Then each of the kids presented a Shakespeare quote.  It was great!

We've been working on finishing Eliza and Millie's bedroom downstairs.  It's the last unfinished space in the house so we are excited to get it done.  Yesterday, we got the closet built and started dry walling the ceiling which is always a tricky task.  I started taping and mudding and it's nice to see things taking shape.  We are hoping we can have it mostly done so the kids can have their Christmas Eve sleepover in there.

That is the report as of late.  Nothing super exciting but sometimes we like it that way!

Flake Fun

 The past month has been fairly decent.

As all of you know, James is now walking and I am having a hard time keeping up with him.  He and Rand like to play together sometimes and I have to remind both of them to be soft and gentle; Rand because he likes to wrestle and rough house and James because he has quite a grip and can really do damage when he latches on to a body part (usually the face). 

I was asked to substitute piano today in primary. It went well until about 15 minutes into singing time when I heard Robin wailing from nursery.  I waited but they didn't bring her so I motioned to Dona and she went, picked her up and brought her to me. So, nursery is still not going well, to say the least. 

We had the ward Christmas party breakfast as well as the Bailey family Christmas party yesterday so I am pretty beat but here are some pictures since a picture is worth a thousand words. 

There is a reason that these plants are struggling but he loves sitting among the pots and digging. 

Doing the dishes is fun to do...

"I'm making Daddy some zucchini"

He spent most of our tree decorating dancing to Christmas music

Flake Fun

 The last several weeks have been doozies to be honest.  We did enjoy a visit to Smithfield and seeing some of you wonderful people! The kids particularly enjoyed Grandpa's swing!  

As soon as we got home the kids came down with a stomach bug which was quite the adventure. I went 5 days before having a vomit free day. (I am sure that some of you are thinking "5 days is nothing!" but it was exhausting).  

All 3 kids are teething which comes with hair trigger emotions but we are getting through it.

Robin has been struggling with aggression and wild emotions and the last several days have put together a very sad and heartbreaking puzzle for me. Last Sunday was our week to teach Sunday School. I have had conversations with the nursery teachers about not letting the kids cry for more than a few minutes before they bring them to us.  I thought perhaps that it would be easier for Scott to take the twins to nursery and I would take James straight to class. Scott came in after a few minutes and said that Robin was pretty sad. I reassured myself that the leaders would bring her if she was sad for more than a few minutes. To make a long story short, there were 2 substitute teachers in nursery, one that Robin is afraid of, and that substitute had walked the halls with her for the duration of nursery. Needless to say, she went to Relief Society with me today and it could be 2022 before she will go back of her own choice. 

We went to the Mesa temple open house on Friday and it was a good experience.  The kids really loved the reflection pool on the grounds.  

Well, I'm heading for bed. See you all next week!!!

I knew that they were not feeling well when they climbed on the couch and zonked for 90 minutes less then 2 hours after they woke up.

Carving pumpkins with Daddy 

Victory! A successful table climb

Nilsson News

 I can't stop laughing at Lauren's post!  I love the simplicity of her schedule and maybe I should implement it at our house.  I think all my kids would be on board for the 30 minute run around, jumping, punching part.  Little kids are so entertaining!

The latest happenings around here were Addy, Emerson, and Garrett's trip to Oregon.  They flew up there and met up with Garrett's parents.  It rained every single day but they were able to enjoy plenty of museums, aquariums, and when the clouds let up, walks along the coast.  They learned a lot about Lewis and Clark at the National Park there and were able to visit the Columbia River and see the salmon in migration.  They were also able to attend the Portland temple to do baptisms and that was a highlight.  I challenged the kids to try some fish since they were at the coast and it tastes good there.  Emerson was not super keen on the idea but did try some really good fish and chips and reported that they tasted like chicken nuggets.  That's not exactly what I had in mind but it is a small step forward.  Other than Emerson, they each had a day of not feeling great with fever, chills and aches.  They didn't know it at the time, but it was Covid.

The little kids and myself, stayed behind and tried to entertain ourselves.  We ended up going down to Mom's while Jenn and her kiddos were there and that was so much fun.  I had a small cough and debated whether I should go, but after weighing all the symptoms, decided it was safe.  We visited with Emma and Cam and briefly saw Lauren and her boys.  After returning home, and a couple of days later, I lost my smell.  Mom's crazy immune booster goop was our smell test with all it's apple cider vinegar, garlic, horseradish, oregano and who knows what all, and I couldn't smell a titch.  I went to get a test and it came back positive.  I felt fine other than my tiny cough and no smell!  Garrett and the others came home that night and the next day, Addy reported she couldn't smell nor could Garrett or Eliza.  They all took the goop smell test.  Garrett called his parents and they tested positive for Covid as well.  So quarantine, here we come!  I don't know which is worse, to be cooped up for several days feeling totally fine or at least make it feel productive by feeling horrible?  We missed out on the trick or treat festivities which was a big disappointment for the kids but luckily they had been able to attend a Halloween party earlier in the week.

We survived and are in the clear zone now.  We can't figure out how Emerson escaped without any symptoms whatsoever.  Maybe it's his steady diet of hamburgers from his trip and one serving of very healthy fish.  We are hoping this keeps everyone healthy and good for the Thanksgiving holiday and gathering!  Can't wait!

A bat, cowboy, and ghost, oh my!

Manning Males and Mom

 I need help with our title. Lots of M's.

We have had an interesting week. School has been very fun and the boys are learning lots of great things. We got supplies to make rockets and that has been a blast, literally. We have to balance everything out and it usually goes something like: 10 min. reading, writing or math, 30 min. running around, jumping or punching. repeat. 

The boys had fevers this week and it caused Chet to have a night terror which was terrifying. I don't think I've recovered from that! They also started a Parkour class and it is hilarious to watch but they love it. They try to climb our walls and everything. 

Unlike many of you, we have enjoyed nice weather but it is getting colder. I really like the heat:)

There isn't a whole lot to report but all is well.

Flake Fun

 James is making great strides these days and loves to walk most of the time.  He gets downright angry when he falls and can't see any reason that he can't do everything that the big kids can. 

On Wednesday Rand fell and hit his face on the corner of the speaker under the computer table. Withing 60 seconds his cheek was bruised and the blood finally stopped after he ate a frozen GoGurt. He had a fat lip and cheek for a few days but now his little face is back to normal except for the nasty yellow bruise that is lingering.

Robin has recently started a new comedy routine that keeps us chuckling. She'll pucker her lips up, furrow her brow and then start to talk about whatever is on her mind: "Mommy has jammies on?" "Daddy likes broccoli?" It is hilarious and so spontaneous that we haven't gotten it on video yet. 

Hope that you all have a great week. Love you all!

Flake Fun

 I'm sorry that I have only been writing once a month.  Sundays just fly by.  I'll be glad to have morning church in a couple of months. I hope that it will be easier for naps and meals!! 

I don't feel like there is much to report so here are some pics!

The twins are doing really well at nursery. Robin has no problem but Rand still has a hard time letting Mom and Dad go to class.  He is doing lots better though. 

It has rained a lot lately so we've played in a lot of puddles.

A new favorite activity- yogurt painting!

James' 1st birthday party. He insists on feeding himself.

Our weekend activity: replacing the chimney 

Smithfield Scoop

 Since our last writing several weeks ago, things have been a bit slow-going around here... It turns out that sitting around recuperating from a broken rib is not exciting at all. No walks. No drives for fun. No dancing (not that we do much dancing, but absolutely not right now). No holding babies. No ping pong. Not even walking down the steps in our backyard to check out the swing. Not much besides sitting in the chair reading and making lists of things to do when I feel better. 

But it hasn't been all bad! Jenn was here for a week, which was delightful as always! The children were very patient with a grandma who couldn't do much. We did get to go to Aggie Ice Cream, as per our tradition with these Flake grandchildren - always fun and yummy! 

We loved having Harts come to visit for the day. They invited Aneesa's family to meet them here instead of going to their place in Idaho. It was like the good old days to have Aneesa and some of her boys here! Their oldest boy was just getting ready to leave for his mission in Armenia (where Aneesa's ancestors are from!) and he wanted to see Elise before he left. 

Other recent happenings include Dad going up to see the salmon run up by Porcupine Reservoir - such beautiful fish! He also picked lots of apples at an orchard owned by some friends from Hyde Park, and he's been doing all of the applesauce cooking and canning by himself. I am so slow and after a few appointments, I get worn out and just sit and watch him. 

My sister Rhonda's oldest son, Christopher, came to visit. He is on a solo motorcycle cross country road trip to figure out where he'd like to live. I think he's looking for some meaning to life and I really hope he finds it. He may end up living in St. George or somewhere in Arizona for the winter. Eventually, he said he'd like to go to Florida. He stayed for about a week and it was fun to have him here, though we didn't see much of him.

It's been fun to get acquainted with Oakley, Em and Cam's new arrival. She's a quiet, energetic, loveable little creature! It's fun to see Emma and Cam be so watchful and concerned about her. They are doing a great job being new puppy trainers and seem to be enjoying the challenge!

One of our favorite parts of the week is meeting with the family on Zoom for our Family Matters discussion. We really hope it becomes something everyone looks forward to and can participate in. We don't plan to stop doing that any time soon! Thanks for attending and listening and connecting. We love seeing you all!    

We are in the throes of trying to plan some kind of family gathering for November when everyone is home for Thanksgiving. We are still trying to locate a place where we can all stay together for some activities we hope to have everyone participate in. We will send updates as they become available.

I also wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts on what you have learned from the pandemic. It's been insightful to read and talk with you about how it has affected you. I thought you might enjoy reading what others in the family have learned...

- "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." I'd heard this a ton but never until last year had I put it to practice. When I went shopping for a few things, I was amazed to see the panic in so many faces when I was incredibly calm. I had what was needed at home.

- Being unprepared is a scary thing. We were okay on most things, but I hadn't thought about getting a good supply of baby things.

- I learned that I had become reliant/dependent on others for my spiritual uplift. Losing the church associations and lessons was very difficult because that was the only spiritual nourishment I got each week. I'm aware of it now, so hopefully things will improve.

- I've been trying to think of positive things that we've learned from the pandemic rather than mistrust in the government and experts and frustration. I've recognized recently just how grateful I am for things that I've taken for granted. I couldn't believe how happy I was when primary started again. I think I didn't fully realize how great the programs of the church are and the opportunity to serve. I also went to the temple and felt a similar gratitude for the ordinances there. We went to story time for the first time and it was so happy! Gratitude for those things have been brought to my attention.

- Heavenly Father will always prepare a way. I need to trust in His timing. He is eager to bless his children. The pandemic has helped me step back and see Heavenly Father's plans more clearly. He will never leave us in the dark. When he gives us challenges, He will always help us overcome them through the Savior's atonement.

- True happiness and those things that are most important happen in your family at home. I loved how everything was cancelled and so much learning took place at home.

- It used to be a bit of a hassle to get to the temple. We went every week, but had to arrange things and find a time to go, get a sitter or go separately. Now, we are very grateful to go and appreciate being there much more. 

- When our children couldn't go play with friends, they had to play with each other. They seemed much happier and got along better with each other. It was more peaceful in our home when we just had to stay here. Now options are opening up again and we are getting involved in things again, and it is feeling busy and not as peaceful. We loved having everyone here, just us enjoying each other.

- I’ve learned a lot. But the thing I’ve learned the most about is that…. IT ALL WORKS OUT. (Elucidates many challenges and how they worked out...) And here's the real clencher! Yes it worked out, but Every. Single. Time. It worked out better than I could have ever imagined. It’s not like sure, it worked out alright. It worked out wonderfully and amazingly and better than I could’ve worked it out on my own. And that’s the perfection of our Heavenly Father. We get so stuck on our littleness - our worries, occupations, technology, vacations, and even our good desires - and I’m sure Heavenly Father rolls His eyes and chuckles and says “just wait, it gets better.” And it does! And it keeps getting better! And that’s what I’ve learned. And it hasn’t just been in the past two years, it’s been taught to me over and over and over again. And I’m sure I’ll continue to learn it. Every single one of the things I mentioned either happened because of the pandemic, or were a result of the pandemic. So, pretty much it’s a huge blessing in a really good disguise!!

Nilsson News

 Well, I'm sitting at home with Millie who has been sick since yesterday morning.  Henry started to complain that he didn't feel well either so we all stayed home from church.  What better time than to post on the blog?  I honestly don't have much to write about.  We are slowly adjusting to our school routine which has been good but on occasion it will be interrupted by more harvesting.  I love the fact that in Shelley, a small town just south of us, they cancel school for three weeks because so many people are involved in potato harvest.  There are a lot of potatoes around here!

Yesterday, we began demo on our garden.  It is so much work taking out all the plants!  I'm always amazed to see how much a plant can grow in just three months from an itty bitty seed.  The kids have enjoyed letting the chickens out everyday to allow them to scratch around in the garden.  We love these beautiful fall days!  

On Friday, we were able to go to the Pocatello temple open house.  It was absolutely stunning and I highly recommend you visit it if you can.  Earlier that day, Addy and I went with Ian and Elise on our fun annual outing to the Parade of Homes.  There wasn't anything too outlandish and we gleaned some good ideas like always.  When we were on our way home, Ian remarked that as pretty as those homes were, they paled in comparison to Pocatello temple.  We have to agree!  Hope you are all doing well and enjoy next week's General Conference!

Apple Harvest

Eliza and her turban

The barn makeover, before and after!

Nilsson News

 This time of year seems to fly and it is hard to believe are nearing the last few weeks of September.  It is harvest time galore!  We were able to freeze several bags of corn, bottled peaches and pears, spaghetti sauce, and now our apples are ready to be picked.  Our watermelon harvest was a success though we ended up just giving away the melons rather than selling them.  In my opinion, this was much more satisfying!  Our little plum tree is loaded so we have been eating those like crazy as well as drying them.  Our neighbor let us have free reign of his elderberry shrubs so we were able to make a lot juice with those.  We also picked several buckets of currants and blackberries.  Crazy busy time but we are truly grateful for such an abundant harvest.

Somehow we were able to start school though it was interrupted by fruit needing to be canned.  The kids have started their extra curricular activities so everyday is pretty packed with events.  Addy decided to learn the cello and has been enjoying lessons.  She also has started going to seminary each morning which is a joy for her.  Emerson has decided he wants to learn how to play percussion and after much searching, we found a teacher who will start lessons in October.  Eliza is still taking fiddle lessons and has also returned to doing gymnastics.  Henry has really enjoyed his soccer games and is the fastest player on his team.  His games are slightly agonizing to watch and I have to remind myself that these are six year olds.  Millie has been delighted to be learning the handbells on a prodigies music program and she also loves to sit at the piano figuring out how to play small tunes.  Garrett has returned to college along with the BYU-I students and his first day of classes was a success.  I have been trying to keep up with everyone and everything.  In my stressful moments, I slip outside and plant something.  It seems to be the best way to calm my nerves.

Today was cold and rainy and it definitely felt like fall.  Hope you are all staying cozy!

Hyde Hilarities

 Hey y'all! sorry it's been awhile since I wrote, but there wasn't much change happening until recently....

School has gotten more busy for Cam which is... not fun.  He also starts a new job tomorrow with a custom carpenter guy out of River Heights, which is totally awesome and fun.  So we're both pretty excited about that!

The biggest happening happened on Thursday.  We woke up and saw that Amy, Cam's aunt, had posted about some puppies.  Amy is a dog breeder.  She breeds Cavalier's and Cavapoo's (Cavalier/Poodle), as far as I know.  She sells them mainly so other people can also breed them.  Anyway, she had a litter of 5 Cavapoos and everything was fine and dandy, until she noticed that some of the puppies would run into things and trip up pretty good.  She took them to the vet and turns out, they have cataracts.  What does that mean? they're not breedable.  You can't breed any dog that has defects :/ She wasn't aware at the time that the mama dog she bred with had cataracts.  So, she wrote this long post about these sweet puppies that couldn't see and needed homes that would be nice to them.  These puppies are worth $4,000 so I mean, it was a pretty big let down for Amy, and for the people that had lined up to take them to breed.  There were a few comments from people who wanted them, but honestly not many.  We looked at it, and I just thought that's ridiculous, why would we get a puppy? but secretly I really wanted one.  Cam went to the gym and I couldn't stop thinking about it.  He called his dad on the way there, and his dad of all people said it would be a missed opportunity not to take one.  Which is interesting, considering he's a vet. He told Cam that cataracts really wouldn't be that bad, and if they were, dogs adapt and can figure out life pretty well.  So, Cam came home and we talked about it and I was like seriously?? you want one too? (I kept my cool though, I didn't want to get too excited too soon).  Cam texted Amy and asked if any were still available and she was shocked.  She thought we'd be the perfect candidates and told us absolutely, and we could have the favorite of the litter - a little red cavapoo with lots of personality and barely noticeable cataracts.  So that was awesome.  We dropped everything and went shopping to get a kennel and some dog bowls and a couple toys, and then drove to Kaysville to pick up the pooch.  My goodness she's a sweetie! when we got there, all four of her siblings were still there, and she was the rowdiest of all of them, but Amy assured us she was just showing off for us.  Anyway, she hardly has any problems with her eyes at all (she just can't breed because of the possibility that they'll develop further as she gets older), but her other siblings had some issues.  One little guy couldn't see hardly a thing and kept bumping into things.  It was kind of tragic but also adorable because he'd follow your voice really well and that's the best he could do.  ANYWAY.  Why did we get a dog? well, we wanted one and it was a "free" $4,000 puppy.  Does our landlord know? no.  Does he need to.... technically yes because he could kick us out for violation of contract, but we're going to have her registered as an Emotional Support Animal because ya know, I have some pretty intense uh.. um... oh yeah, anxiety.  That's the one ;) haha, mom doesn't think it's very honest, but if I didn't have anxiety 3 days ago, I do now lol.  But honestly, she's a super sweet puppy and is really really smart and has picked up on a lot of things already! Sorry that was so long, but people have been asking, so that's what I tell them.

What does she like? being outside! she loves it! We took her to see the Salmon run up in Porcupine and she whined the whole time she was held because she just wanted to explore and wander around.  We took her on about a mile hike (maybe a little more) yesterday, and she kept up and squirmed when we tried to hold her over rough areas.  She's a champ and we love her.

What does she hate? the wind.  The car.  Having to go back to bed when she wakes up at 2am to go out.  

She's a smart lil gal, and is already better potty trained than Chess, so don't you fear ;)

Manning Male-ness

 I think the title says it all. And it is really great. I wouldn't prefer anything else. We have lots of sound effects, jumping, gymnastic tricks, snacks and more snacks.

The big thing lately is starting a little school. We use that term in the loosest possible sense. It is a very low key and no pressure time to do school! I just think about basic reading, writing and arithmetic and it keeps me slightly sane to plan something. Chet is learning letter and numbers. He loves to write and draw and pretend. Wesley is reading pretty well and writing and doing math stuff. Their favorite activity is jumping on the tramp while they shout what their flashcards say. It is super cute.

Little Gus is adorable. He is the smiliest baby! He snuggles and sleeps for the most part. He doesn't like the car seat so don't plan on any visits for awhile!

Nick is enjoying teaching. He has started teaching guitar in a group lesson form and seems to enjoy it. We have been talking about the best way to fit our family in our house and have talked about extending out home or moving. I keep thinking that the Harts went for 10 years in their little house with 3 boys so maybe we can do that too!

That's about all!

Flake Fun

 

What an eventful month it has been! The highlights:

James is crawling like a champ and worked his way through the scoot (still his favorite mode of transportation), army crawl and has finally mastered the normal crawl! He is also starting to walk around furniture.  I remember being concerned when Rand started to climb. James has already put Rand's climbing to shame!  He loves to climb the stairs and has required last second rescues when he tries his hand at climbing off of the couch arm and back.  Climbing onto the couch poses no problem to him.

Robin and Rand are chattering away and love to repeat anything that they hear. They had quite an enjoyable time at Grandma and Grandpa's house picking berries, going on walks and swinging on the swing.  They are still talking about the tiny snake we saw on our walk there and about the owl in the backyard.  They were also quite enthralled with the large gopher snake in our backyard.  I'm sure I am exaggerating but I'm pretty sure it was 6-7 feet long! 

Our garden struggles along. We have had a few good tomatoes, a small harvest of potatoes, some large zucchini and loads of cherry tomatoes.  Hopefully next year we'll have a better garden. 

The neighbor's house has started and it going up really quickly.  Scott has spent a couple of Saturdays helping them.  The other day Rand told me that he was building a house. I asked him what kind of house and he answered, "a neighbor's house!"

Well, I hope that you all have a great week!! Love you all. 

Manning Madness

 It has been way too long since I wrote but we are alive and well! The big thing at our house is getting to know little Gus. He is one sweet, happy guy. He is smiling a lot and loves to grunt and talk as much as possible. He loves to suck his thumb and his brothers just adore him. My respect for Elise has always been way high but it grows each day! Our house is a mad house! I cannot believe the volume level and energy level around here.

So the boys move from one passion to the next. A few months ago the passion for alligators and crocodiles started and we had a mud puddle or two for catching alligators. Every string like substance became an alligator catcher including the strings from the rug! Well, that has died down slightly and we have moved into science experiments. Specifically explosions. We watched some Mark Rober videos to get away from the alligator videos and they particularly love the elephant toothpaste and Devil's toothpaste. So our mud puddle expanded to the whole yard because they are throwing water into our kitchen containers and seeing the explosion! They honestly did that for 6 hours a few days ago. But it is an obsession and we have run out of vinegar and soda a few times. 

Nick started teaching school this week and it has been very busy. It is always a little bit of a shock going  back but it is ok. I decided to start a little more organization with school like activities.  It has been pretty good but we have a lot of learning to do; mostly in the realm of human decency. Cute little people.

Well, we sure love you all and can't wait to see you soon!

Smithfield Scoop

 Mom has been very busy and apologizes for taking so long to contribute to the blog.  There have been lots of moms and babies to take care of - our own little "Gus Gus" being the most delightful experience of all!  Expectant moms and Covid are not a good combination, but things have calmed down a little bit as this post is being written.

The hot weather all summer has put a damper (or drier) on the garden and the lawn and lots of other things.  When it appeared like it would rain in the valley on a few occasions, the clouds would seem to split and bypass Smithfield.  In fact, we had some flooding in the northern and southern parts of Cache Valley, but very little rain in Smithfield.  Thankfully, there is enough water for now and we are healthy.

We have been happy to visit several of our families and enjoy any and all visits immensely.  And we are delighted whenever any of you are able to come to our place.

Emma and Cam are trying to teach us how to play pickleball and we have enjoyed that.  Yesterday, they came over and helped us prepare fresh corn for the freezer like we used to do in Hyde Park.  That was a delight and we were so grateful to get finished with the project in half the time it would have taken otherwise. We were very sad to have Emma and Cameron come after their rock climbing accident to see if we could help repair some of the damage - but it will definitely take time to mend her sad fingers!

We have enjoyed reading and reviewing family history material for our Family Matters Zoom meeting each week and we are grateful that you have taken the time to join us for those.  We hope the grandchildren are learning a few things about their wonderful heritage and that their hearts will continue turning to their fathers.

Dad has been making several batches of hummingbird food each week to keep the little feathered friends fed. There was an unhappy time when a flock of very beautiful but grumpy, stingy little guys flew into town and thought they owned the feeders and would attack any who came to receive refreshment! They have since moved on and peace has been restored, thankfully! One of these days, we may get some photos of them on the blog. 

This pretty little guy is the mean ringleader who would hide in a 

nearby tree, then dive in to attack any little bird who dared to try to get a drink. 

He didn't even stay on the feeder himself to get some food, but would 

simply keep everyone else from sipping. So silly and mean! Urrrrgggh!

We thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful production of "The Play That Went Wrong!" Everything about it was entirely delightful! The plot was fun, the acting was superb, the "wrong" things were hilarious, the supporting crew (Addy) was amazing, and it was overall such a great show! Thanks to Ian for writing and organizing and presenting a memorable, fun, exceptional play!

It has been lovely to take walks in the cool of the evenings, that seem warmer than usual. And to enjoy some amazing sunsets (in the north) from our windows and deck. We are content and at peace for the most part, most of the time. We love you all!!

                                                                First time fair showman

                                                           The Orangeglo melon- Yum!

The Monster!  73 pounds!

Happy 12th Birthday Emerson!