Uncle Joe

I've written about the Anderson reunion before. It never cease to amaze me that I belong  to this kind and welcoming family.  

These are some of my mother's cousins. They wanted me in the picture to represent her family.  I would rather not be in the picture, but they asked.

From left to right, Terry and his son, Andy's son, Jack, Forest, David, Steven, Casey,  Ron, Devon's sons, Gary and Jay, Cy's sons. Front row is Elaine, Jill, Janette and Lu, the rest of Devon's family and me, Alta's granddaughter. LaDell had two sons there, but not in the picture. 

The ranch was beautiful...

Like always....

Never tire of the view.....

Scott came with us. He smiled. It made my heart happy.

I am grateful that they invite me to a reunion of some one who I have never met, but has given me a ticket to spend time with these sweet people, who are my family. 

Families are everything....

God is in the details....

Wild Week with Lots of Kids

Todd asked if I would watch his kids while he and Katelyn went to Copenhagen for a conference. Then Keith and Courtney decided to come down so the kids could play together. 

Cousin Power 

They love the cats.

Lots of backyard time...

An outing a day helps keep boredom away...

Hunt Interment Camp 

Bowling.....

Dairy Queen...

Priene Bridge...

CSI Harriet Center...

Banbury Hot Springs...

Hagerman Fossil Center....

And lots and lots of food, play time, and more food time...

It was a really good week. The kids hung out

 Wes was gone for most of it, so Keith , Courtney and I fixed meals and kept an eye out for weird behaviors. I went to the store every day...we were always out of something. 

I'm still working on laundry, bedding and towels and taking a couple of naps every day. It is all worth it. Watching the kids get along and enjoying the summer makes my heart happy. 

Families are everything...

God is Good....

Retirement Party

When they wanted to have a party for me at school I said absolutely not. I only wanted one with my grandchildren. 

Well, we were together this week and I asked my 12 year old granddaughter to plan it. 

She made this adorable poster.

The kids decorated glasses and had a photo booth. (I apologize for the photo dump here, but they loved doing this) 

How did I not get a picture of Peter?

We played games from my childhood including Red Light Green Light, Twister, jump rope, and hopscotch. 

She also interviewed me. It was perfect and oh, so much more fun than any school party. 

It was perfect. We had a good time. Cake was served that evening.

I love these kids. Hopefully I will be a better grandma now that I'm not taking care of 20 kids at school. You know remember their birthdays, go to a performance, send them cards and notes, those kind of things. 

Party like 1960....

Cousin Power....

Sister Q

We drove to Yuba City for the funeral service of this sweet lady. She was kind and busy and a very good mother and friend. 

Wes and his friends, Eric, her son and Scott, and Bruce, not pictured, have been friends forever and text most mornings. They are good men, but you know what? There moms were Rockstars. I am so greatful for their kindness and friendship. 

I learned of her death last week on the way to Canada. I knew we had to make every effort to go to this funeral. I felt in my heart. 

So we drove out to California. We picked up my sweet friend Lea Smith. We were sitting on the back row and as people from Yuba City would come in they would recognize and hug us. I didn't see it coming. I didn't know that I would feel that kind of love and emotion from people that I haven't seen in years. 

Without a doubt I needed this funeral. I needed to feel the love of this community. I needed to talk with friends and family. I needed to see the Kuhen family and hug them. My heart was melted today. Thank you Sister Q for sharing with me. 

Oh Canada

We had a great trip to Canada this week. The drive through Montana was beautiful, as always. 

We took the girls shopping. 

We had a trip to Banff. It is indescribabley  stunning. I have missed going there. 

First item on the agenda was a picnic.  The girls are always hungry. 

I have been to Lake Lorraine a few times. It looks the same except there are doook many more people there. We did not get the reservation in time so we went Johnson Lake. It was full of families and people on paddle boards and laughter. 

I love to hike around a lake in Banff.

Norah is my hiking partner. It could be that we are both slow. 

This the halfway point. 

Beautiful views. 

It is common to find wild roses. It was hard

But so worth it. 

Of course there was ice cream from Cow's Ice Cream in Banff. I had a Beaver Tail. 

And we we're off. Such a gift from God. 

Lucy entered a digital art piece in the Stampede. 

Wes and Keith's family went. 

Had a good time.

And found yummy treats. 

Laura and I went to Spruce Meadows for an equestrian competition. We needed some grandma time and despite Wes asking if he could go, we went alone and had a great time. I'm so grateful for this friendship. 

We made it home for the Fourth and I continue to pray (and send emails to) for the leaders of this country. We could learn a lot from Canada about accepting and caring for all. 

God Bless the USA.....