Memorial Weekend

We set the pool up on Saturday, in very cool and cloudy weather. The boys were thrilled none-the-less.
By Sunday and Monday they were happily swimming away. It was hardly hot enough for swimming yet.

My mom came for her first over night visit over the weekend. We had three nights together, and attempted to show her some of our favorite things about our new area. On Sunday, after church, we went for a long and leisurely walk on my favorite trail. Then on Monday, we returned for a picnic. What was most unfortunate about the timing of Mom's visit was the extreme winds during those two days. Within hours of her driving away, the winds were calm and we had a beautiful day. Those days also ushered in the heat of summer. The pool is going to be in constant use within days once that water warms up! Grandma really went above and beyond and ventured into the cold water with the boys. I was not going to go in because it was too cold, and reassured Mom that she didn't have to, but she gladly did. Sam and Dellen were thrilled. About this same time, Sam took to skinny dipping in the pool. Needless to say, I can't put up any pictures of that!
What a fun and enjoyable weekend!

Orange Sticks

Oh, quite a while back we had invited another family over for dinner. A special family that we have connected with at different pastoral conferences and that are preparing to be missionaries in Europe. Due to their restricted location, I really can't share much on here. We had so much fun with them though! The wife brought a hostess gift in these pictured Orange Sticks. I tell you what, within a week, I had the box eaten. Russ made a massive mistake when he found that WalMart carries them. Those next three boxes were eaten entirely by myself within days. I've never had such an addiction to any one item in my life! I now can fully comprehend what it means to not have something in the house lest I eat it. I've been craving these lately, but I simply have no discipline with them so will not buy them again (at least not any time soon).

Reunion

This weekend is an all school reunion for Hillsboro High School. The store fronts on Main Street have honored the classes that are celebrating decade reunion years. The class of 1961 has been displayed on Mom and Dad's shop downtown all month.
Here is a close up of one particular, and might I add handsome, graduate from the class of 1961. We love you Dad, and hope you've had a fun day reminiscing with friends.

45 Years

Happy 45th Anniversary
Mom and Dad!

The Bison Boys

After weeks of anticipation and attempts, guitar lessons are beginning. The lessons are Sam's Christmas present from Gramps and Grams. It seemed very logical that Russ should take lessons alongside of him. And in the final weeks, one very enthusiastic little brother has just included himself in on the fun. I'll be curious to see what the instructor thought this morning, when an adorable little blond five year old showed up also.

Somehow, Dellen and Daddy both came to the breakfast table this morning wearing shirts with buffalo on them. Sam immediately went up stairs to find his with a buffalo; all the while proclaiming that their band name would be The Bison Boys. What can I say, we all loved it. Below are the first ever pictures taken of the band The Bison Boys!

Trains

Our town has a major railroad heritage, with 30 some trains continuing to go through within a 24 hour time span. Where we are at, we don't hear the trains as often as those living closer to the depot. Nor are our routes regularly halted for trains. With that, I mean I'm stopped two to three times a week compared to a day!

The boys would have really enjoyed growing up here as two year olds that like Thomas the Train.

A Physical

Dellen went to his new pediatrician this week for his school physical. He had so much fun, and really liked how the blood pressure cuff felt! Even made the nurse laugh.
Dellen is such a fun little person to be with!

Dellen

Dellen loves to wear his dress shirt. This evening, I found him outside looking all adorable and having a grand time playing. I went and got my camera and we had a little photo shoot…