Summer Break Week 4

Tornado sirens sent our group into the bathroom Sunday afternoon. Ty was pretty unsettled so I added chocolate. Chocolate makes everything better but this photo amuses me. Erin using the toilet as a desk to continue writing a speech is absolutely Erin's style. And Ty hiding in the bathtub? He was over it.

Ty took this shot. I am impressed!

Kate has campaigned for at least a year for a hedgehog and word got out via Makenna to someone who needed to re-home a couple of classroom pets. This is proof I have lost my mind. Meet Pip and Penelope. Kate is in love.

Friends from Houston headed home this week and I will miss our late night chats on the deck and coffee shop gatherings for another year.

This dog drives me crazy. A few of us were talking at the table and someone assumed her presence was necessary. Clearly, based on the look on Kate's face, she was taken by surprise. I had my phone in hand or wouldn't have taken the time to capture the image before scolding the darn dog. I live in a zoo.

Ty had a buddy spend the night for the first time and his friend had never slept anywhere without his parents before.  He was a polite and quiet guest but sleep was seriously lacking, leaving my son in the grumpiest of moods the next day. This is fun, they say.

I was able to appreciate some authentic conversations this week about parenting and the unique challenges that accompany the young adult years. It is somewhat refreshing to learn my perspective isn't skewed, but that out of privacy for those young adults, we as parents tend to keep our frustrations and concerns under wraps. This season, like all parenting seasons has some "growth opportunities" alongside some very rich rewards. I think we need a support group for parents of young adults and older teens. When a lab tech we met this week mentioned an irritable teen at home, I proposed my support group idea and she was ready to sign up but suggested we pass an offering plate at meetings so bond money would be available for those accidentally punch their sons in the face. I roared with laughter. Her approach was a little bolder than mine but sister was having a lot of feelings. I get it. I really do.

In unrelated news, Erin was able to be approved for a mortgage this week after finally locating a condo in her budget and desired location. She is quite excited about this next chapter in her life. Greg and I are grateful for loan officer friends we trust to take care of her too. Her new condo is going to be the perfect location and size for her.

Our grandson got some art supplies this week......is he not the cutest? However, he feels the same about playdough as his Aunt Erin did. I love this baby and can't wait to kiss his sweet face.

A quick movie night to get out of the heat and wait on Greg to get home from a business trip was in order Wednesday night. Ironically we saw We Bought A Zoo for the first time with two cats, a dog and two hedgehogs.

After this shot, I handed my camera to a friend for safe keeping and took care of business. I am glad my friend kept shooting.

Thursday we spent the day with friends at a local lake with a beachfront and had a great time. I suspect we will return again this season. And that evening, Penelope went to live with a new family. A teacher in our neighborhood has been searching for one to have in her classroom and her little girl fell in love with Penelope. Kate, realizing how much work maintaining two was going to be, decided to let her go before she got attached to Kate. The mom in the house is relieved.

Friday was full of laundry, doctor's appointments, housework and grocery shopping. Greg and I wrapped the week with steaks on the deck; no kids allowed. The weekend holds a few celebrations for friends and two church gatherings as well. We are wrapping June as busy as ever but in the best way.