Summer School

Between girl's camp, hiking the Grand Canyon and other family activities happening at the Whitney's house, their yearly summer school program is ready to start.  This year the theme is "Harry Potter" in case you couldn't tell.  I was as excited as the kids were to see all the work their mom did to make it a special summer before school starts in August.  Next year all of the Whitney kids will be in school.  Ruth a senior.  Jane a freshman.  Duncan in sixth grade.  Eden in second and Graham in Kindergarten!  

Utah Update

 I think the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter!  Here are the latest pictures that Cathy sent this week.

The California Duncans

Ava had her Flag Team program--the only one for the year.  I know she did a great job because I watched her many times when I visited as she practiced her routines.  Good job Ava!

Another activity for the California Duncan's was going to the Swedish Festival at a nearby town.  Caleb and Uncle Andy also went on a hike.  Nice weather always is a welcome change!

Quote

"Don't be afraid to start over again.  This time you are not starting from scratch you are starting from experience."

Author Unknown

BFFs!

 I don't have a bunch of friends but I truly have some of the best!  Barb and I have been friends since our kids were small.  No matter where they were stationed she always kept in touch and when we moved back to Arizona the connection was still there.  On our trip together I was also able to spend time  with two of the nicest people I have known.  Shirley Tinker and Ann LaDieu befriended me while we served in New Hampshire and I grew to love them.  I loved that we were able to have breakfast with Shirley and then dinner with the LaDeiu family.  It was a non-stop talk fest and I hated to have it come to an end.  A sweet bonus at dinner was visiting with Nora and Owen who were in our Sunday School class.  She told me that I was the best Sunday School teacher she ever had.  And that I made the best cupcakes!

Thelma & Louise's Non-Violent Adventure

You are probably all to young to know what this means and to be honest (probably to my credit) I have never seen the movie!  I had a great time and I hope Barb did to.  It seemed that in spite of all the planning things didn't go the way we had hoped they would but in spite of that we talked and laughed non-stop.  I reinjured my knee which threw a wrench in some of our plans but we met many very nice people.  Very helpful people and had some really good food.  Unfortunately, the Holy Donut wasn't as good as I remembered but was a fun activity in spite of that.  Next trip--don't go until June!  

Now I'm going to the orthopedic doctor so I can get my knee fixed so I don't limp everywhere I go!

Jane--14 Years Old

 

Duncan--12 Years Old

 

Utah Update!

It's starting to come together and I have to say I have been so impressed with all the Utah Duncan's for their patience through the process!  While the family was at Yellowstone the new flooring went in (you can't see them yet because they covered the whole area with paper while construction continues.  Backyard fire pit is complete and new sod is down.  

Happy Birthday Becky!

 I have realized as I get ready to put posts on about our family that the mom's are often behind the pictures instead of in them.  I can't say enough about what an amazing person Aunt Becky is.  As with my other adult children she is full of talent and amazing abilities.  Becky can plant a garden that would be hard to outdo.  After she plants it she then spends a great deal of time preserving what was grown.  She cooks, bakes, and always seems to have a smile on her face.  What a blessing she is to her family and to me.  She definitely has shown that much can be achieved if you approach life with a positive attitude and a desire to improve.