Happy 4th :: 2017

We didn't really have solid 4th of July plans until that morning.  We drove to Grangeville (40 minutes) and took part in their festivities.  We had lunch, the kids played some games, and then we watched the parade.  This was when I was starting to notice the heat (it was a HOT summer).

Joel during the parade.

Joshua waiting for the parade to start.

Jeralyn ready with her candy bag.

The parade was pretty cool.  Lots of beautiful horses...and tractors.  So different than what we saw in Southeast Alaska.

The kids got SO much candy!  Ha!  There was a sheriff helping direct traffic that was near the kids and he was helping Joshua get all of the extra candy.  It was really sweet.  It was a successful day!

That evening Quent had planned to take both older kids to Kooskia to watch fireworks, but he could not get Joshua to wake up to take him.  So he just took Jeralyn.

Michigan :: June, 2017

My sister Amanda graduated from high school this June; Jeralyn and I flew to Michigan for the graduation ceremony and party.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

We had a week's time in Michigan and I filled every moment I could with friends and family.  It was such a wonderful visit!  It was so nice to focus on conversation without diapers to change or little boys to chase around.  Quent stayed home with the boys.

Here are some photos of our week:

My friend Carrie and I.  It was so good to visit with her.  Always such a blessing!

My brother and his family were also visiting in Michigan.  They came over to my mom and Al's house one day for a visit and meal.  This is Luella, my niece, and Jeralyn; they are both 6 years old.

My brother and their youngest, Malachi.  What a sweetie!

The whole family!  We had a nice time together.

The four of us.

Jeralyn had fun dressing up at Grandma's house.

And then we moved onto graduation stuff.  This is Katie and Amanda before the graduation ceremony.

I was 17 years old when Amanda was born. It's crazy how time flies!!  It's hard to believe she's already grown and in college.

Amanda and my dad.

And with Kelly.

And Jacob.

The ceremony took place at Pine Knob.  She graduated with over 500 students, so it was a decent-long ceremony.  There is she is walking back to her seat (center).

The day after I was so happy to spend some time with my friend Rebekah and her kids Titus and Leah.

One of the days we went shopping at Great Lakes Crossings and Jeralyn rode the carousel.

Amanda and I at her graduation party.  I just love this girl!  She's bright, beautiful, and so very sweet. I'm so proud of her!

We had a very nice visit and we hope to be back next summer.