Here it is JUNE and nearly half way through the year 2021 . . . .
seems impossible !
Tuesday 6/1
This morning one of our friends posted on our Stake FB page a lawnmower, for free!
Debbi has been using a less-than-perfect mower since she moved last year so when we saw this post we jumped on it. It is in great shape and will be a big improvement for Debbi. Thank you Andreasen's for your generosity . . . . it will be gratefully received by our daughter.
Wednesday, 6/2
Today we went on a day-trip to Baker City Oregon to have a little siblings reunion. The Fuller's picked up Dave, we picked up the Parkers and Waldrop's drove over from La Grande.
Dave, Don & Lila, Selwyn & Glenda, Keith & Marilyn,
Steve & Linda, Ron & Cheryl
When we dropped Parker's off on our way home, their new little "duck family" seemed to be enjoying a nice walk together by the pond.
We had a great day visiting, sharing, laughing, eating and just spending some family time together !
Friday 6/4
Today was that once-a-year event when we . . . .
defrost the freezer !
Saturday 6/5
Today, after we finished helping to clean the church, our friend, Danny Strauss, came over with his friend, Adam Lyman & his two boys to cut down our very large arborvitae tree.
They backed the trailer right up to the tree and . . . .
Started cutting off the lower limbs and . . . .
digging away the deep piles of dead needles . . . .
Then they began cutting it down. There were three main trunks . . . .
They fell each one of them right into the trailer. This one was leaning, a lot, toward the neighbors house so they hooked a chain to it and guided it right where they wanted it.
they cut the stumps off at ground level, leaving . . . .
This small looking stump that they will grind out next week.
For such a big tree, it didn't make a very big pile in their large trailer! They arrived at 10:40 a.m. and left at 11:20 - less than an hour from start to finish! They were actually headed to another Ward member's home to do some even larger trees. maybe that will fill up their rig!
Before . . . .
After !
We love the "new look" and are anxious to figure out what to do with that big empty space !
Tuesday 6/8
Today we have been working outside. We have been trimming, planting, painting and decorating.
These Ajuga plants get beautiful purple stalks on them in the spring, but then they look like this, so . . .
Today they got a little trim and will look like this for the rest of the summer. These are perennials and will be beautiful again next spring.
Yesterday we bought flowers for the front yard tree ring - 36 plants in all. We decided on a Vinca and Marigold mix this year. Our cement turtle adds a nice touch!
While Linda was busy planting, Steve was busy painting. The sprinklers had worn away the paint in a few places so he started touching up a few of them. It looks much MUCH better.
At the base of our fountain we have this cute white picket fence around the cement block base. Yesterday we bought another section of fence and added it to these so . . . .
Now it looks like this - better !
After all this yard work we were taking a "break" and Steve spied a . . . .
Can you see it?
bright yellow butterfly on these bright pick flowers.
And by the way . . . .
Our tomatoes are doing great !
Friday 6/11
We were up early this morning to catch a flight to Houston (and then to Killeen).
We flew United and made both our flights. Trudi, Morgan & Cora picked us up at the Killeen airport at 3:30 this afternoon.
We have had a fun week playing, building, working & celebrating together.
Saturday 6/12
George & Steve cutting & mowing weeds . . .
along the canal where . . . .
Steve got . . . .
eaten alive by some unknown creature.
Morgan & Cora on their playset
Morgan's new bubble machine he bought with his own money
George fixing a delicious pulled pork dinner . . .
smoked for 12 hours on Georges new Masterbuilt Gravity Smoker.
Morgan & Wyatt having some Hoverboard fun
Monday 6/14
FHE lesson on I Am A Child of God and Heavenly Father Loves me!
(Wyatt, Cora, Charlotte, Morgan)
Cora Wyatt, Charlotte & Wyatt Hot Tubbing after the lesson . . .
With Grandma & Grandpa
(Wyatt, Morgan Grandpa, Charlotte, Grandma & Cora)
And, of course, we had to have S'mores for dessert
Charlotte & Grandpa
Grandma & Cora, Charlotte, Morgan & Wyatt
Deliciously . . . .
STICKY !!
We finished up the day with a . . . .
Beautiful Sunset.
Tuesday 6/15
Today the Lansford's had a delivery !
A while ago they ordered a pergola online and it was delivered today - a day early !
This delivery guy was by himself so Steve pitched in and helped him.
There were three very heavy boxes.
When George got home from work,
He and his son Wyatt moved the boxes into
their pick-up and . . .
moved them to the back yard.
Wednesday 6/16
Today was a busy day. George & Steve began building the pergola.
They started out in the morning, but it soon got too hot so they moved their "work space" . . . .
Into the shade of the sun sail.
They did as much as they could before they had to move it into place -
and back out into the hot sun.
They worked on getting the main frame assembled
and were able to accomplish that.
Tonight, in the coolness of the air-conditioned house, . . . .
George got the trellises all put together and ready for assembly tomorrow.
Today was Steve's Birthday and we prepared for a fun birthday celebration.
Wyatt made two cakes . . . .
One German Chocolate and one with marshmallow vanilla frosting
We wrapped gifts and blew-up balloons then after dinner we . . . .
took a picture . . . .
Lit the candles and . . . .
sang Happy Birthday as Grandpa (alias Steve) blew out the candles.
Next it was time to open gifts.
two nice shirts and . . . .
a new watch - It was a good day !
Thursday 6/17
Today work on the pergola continued . . . .
Trellises, serving bar, sun shade and finally . . . .
The LAST Screw was put in place !
It was a lot of work in some very hot weather but in the end it was worth it to see this beautiful pergola in its place on the back deck.
Linda's sister, Pam and her husband, Rod (Davis), live in San Antonio and drove up to spend a little time with us
We went out to lunch at the Olive Garden and had a good time visiting. Thank you for making the long 2 hour drive up to Killeen to see us - Love You !
Friday 6/18
Today We put a few "finishing touches" on the Back Deck "Project"
They got a sun shade for the west side of the pergola and . . . .
an all-weather rug to brighten-up the space. They moved the hot tub so it is now under the large sun sail and purchased a couple of zero-gravity chairs for lounging around the hot tub.
they moved the barbeque and table and . . . .
hung new lights inside the pergola making a . . . .
peaceful and inviting place to spend the evenings.
nicely done George & Steve !
Tomorrow we head for home. It has been a wonderful (and busy) week with the Lansfords.
Saturday 6/19
We got up early (5:15 a.m. CDT) this morning to catch a flight.
Once again, we flew United which kept our trip to just two legs instead of three, so that was nice. It was even nicer when we were given First Class seats for our 2nd leg from Houston to Boise (3 1/2 hour flight) We only had a short layover and landed in Boise at noon.
After being gone for a week, we were welcomed home by these beautiful flowers.
knock-out roses
Lilies and . . . .
Clematis
None of these were in bloom when we left a week ago so we loved seeing them when we drove up to the house today.
Thursday 6/24
It was time for Steve to get the "tie-backs" all in place, next . . .
yummy fruit !
Kevin's family is coming for a visit tomorrow. We will have record-breaking high temperatures while they are here so . . . .
we bought this little pool to help keep the kids cool. So in preparation for their arrival we . . . .
blew it up today. We filled it about 1/2 full to weigh it down just in case the wind blows again tonight. Sure hope they enjoy it !
We also put up our . . . .
Outdoor Chalk Boards that the kids always enjoy and . . . .
filled the freezer with Otter Pops !
Friday 6/25
Today is the day Kevin's family arrives
We filled the pool and added any pool "toys" we had like balls and sponge water bombs.
After an "extended" trip (about an hour delay due to traffic from an accident just east of Mountain Home) They arrived safely around 5:00. Some of today's activities included . . . .
Shea & Kevin relaxing on the back porch swing,
Crew, Connor, Lani & Grandma playing "Don't Go To Jail" game,
Water Rocket Fun.
Crew, Connor, Shea, Sydney playing around together, then . . . .
Shea getting wet AND staying away from the boys,
Crew showing off his (& the other kids') Chalk board art and . . . .
Bedtime Stories in the playroom.
Saturday 6/26
Our day started out with some R & R
Sydney playin "I Spy a Nephite" with daddy and . . .
Shea playing "Where Have All the Nephites Gone"
Shea & Sydney found all of Debbi's old My Little Ponies
Connor & Crew playing Party Monopoly
Grandma helping Sydney sew part of her blanket that was getting worn out. She chose red to sew up the edges that have frayed over time with a little red heart stitch.
After lunch we hit the road to Lake Lowell
Matt has recently purchased this amazing surf boat so the rest of our day will be spent with him and his new "toy".
We took sooo many pictures while on the lake, here is just a small sampling of them:
On the Boat
Matt, Crew Connor & Shea, Kevin, Lani & Sydney, Steve
(Linda taking pix)
Look out boys . . . . Dad's coming !
Connor, Crew, Kevin
Swimming off the back deck
Kevin Connor, Crew, Lani & Shea, Sydney
First bunch to ride the tube
Crew, Kevin & Shea, Connor
Lani & Sydney making sure the "caution" flag is up
enjoying the ride
Sydney, Shea, Sienna, Jen, Linda
next bunch to ride the tube
Crew, Sienna, Connor
Kevin & Sydney swimming
Shea's flying leap off the back of the boat to her daddy (Kevin)
Sienna & Crew were the last ones to ride the tube
bouncing over the wake . . . . .
Looks like Crew's in trouble . . . .
Out he goes . . . . .
then he swims back to the tube and climbs in for more fun !
Sienna knee-boarding
Jen did some knee-boarding too
Matt surfing with tow rope in hand before the "perfect wave" was achieved.
after the "perfect wave" was found, Matt was able to surf without using the tow rope.
He used it to get up, then dropped it
This was Kevin's first time trying to surf . . . . READY
On his 5th attempt he was able to get up. He came over the wake, impressively without falling, and settled in to . . . .
"ride the wild surf"
After boating for five hours or so, we all met up at our house in Star and had Pizza for dinner. Then, to celebrate Father's Day we had Brownies & Ice cream for dessert.
Sunday 6/27
Today was a day to "recover" from yesterday so, in addition to attending our in-person Sacrament Meeting we enjoyed hanging out at the house.
Sydney & Shea found the stuffed animals and doll house,
Kevin helped Crew set up the tee-pee Linda's mother made for our kids back in the 80's,
it's just the right size for Shea & Sydney . . . . Crew may have to scrunch down a bit !
A little football fun with Crew, Connor . . . .
Kevin & Sydney
Shea & Sydney designing Linda's Fairy Garden
All Done . . . Great job girls !
Monday 6/28
Our "plans" changed a little bit today so we spent some time at the house then, around 5:00, Matt took the big kids and some of the adults out on his boat again.
Kevin & Steve "harking" back on their cornet playing days
Kevin playing a little bit then . . . .
Steve gave it a try.
Linda put some eggs on the stove then, before they were done, we all got involved in watching some home movies from when our kids were around 8 - 12 years old (they were very good at the running man). In the middle of our laughing, we heard a loud pop - like a lightbulb that was dropped. We went to investigate and this is what we found . . . .
oops . . . . totally forgot about the eggs. they boiled dry and started exploding all over the kitchen. Oh well . . . . no deviled eggs tonight !
The kids found a Twister game and had fun with that
Connor, Sydney (on her head), Crew (in back) and Shea (laying down)
We only had videos from the evenings boating so we had to screenshot a couple of pictures, consequently, they are very poor quality.
One of Sienna's Smith cousins, Paisley, Jen & Sienna riding the tube as the sun was setting.
both Matt and Kevin did some surfing again tonight, in addition . . . .
Connor wanted to try. He was very persistent and came very close to getting up a couple of times but never quite made it all the way up. Way to go Connor !
Tuesday 6/29
Today was a busy day. We spent a few hours at Urban Air Park and then several hours at Matt's house then everyone came to our house for a Taco Bar dinner. Again, we took tons of pictures but have only posted enough to give everyone an idea of the amazing fun we all had.
TRAMPOLINES
Sydney
Kevin, Sydney, Shea
Crew & Sienna
BALL PIT
all the kids
Sydney & Shea
Kevin & the kids
Crew & Sydney
Connor & Sienna
BATTLE BEAM/FOAM PIT
Sienna & Crew (shea under the beam)
MINI GOLF
Crew, Shea, Sienna, Connor
Crew, Shea, Sienna, Connor
ROPES COURSE
Crew
Sienna
Connor, Crew, Sienna
LASER TAG
Crew, Kevin, Connor, Sienna
ROCK CLIMBING WALL
Connor
Crew & Sydney (repelling)
Connor & Crew
Crew & Sydney on the Wall, Connor jumping off the pillars
SLIDE FOR LIFE
Sydney (notice Sienna & Crew in the cage cheering her on)
0Connor (first to try this one)
SLIDES
Shea
Shea
There are so many more pictures of all the kids on all the different attractions - wish we could have included them all.
After Urban Air we all went over to Matt's house. Jen volunteered to watch ALL the kids so we could take Kevin, Lani over to see Matt at his new work place. She fed them lunch and watched them as they enjoyed playing in their pool. Thank you Jen 💔
Crew, Connor & Sydney
Sienna, Crew, Shea, Connor, Sydney
Sienna spraying the other kids
Camrynn makes these mouse ears and let the girls each pick out a pair they liked then told them they could keep them. They LOVE them ! Thank you Cams 💕
Wednesday 6/30
This is a sad day because it is the day Kevin's family leaves Star and heads for home in Bountiful, Utah
Before leaving, the boys helped Steve empty the pool . . . .
They scooped the water out by buckets full all over the back yard. then, once it was almost empty . . . .
They lifted it up and . . . .
dumped it out.
After all their bags were packed and loaded . . . .
they were off ! They arrived home, safe and sound around 5:00 p.m.
We loved having their family in town and had an amazing week together. It was a wonderful way to finish up the VERY HOT month of June. Now on to JULY
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