School and Birthday

My grandkids are growing up.

Isabella started 2nd grade with a smile on her face. Her mother's social media post about her describes her perfectly.  "You are sweet, empathetic, and intelligent with so many good qualities that make you unique."  Grandma agrees totally!

 By the end of the first day she 'LOVED' her new teacher.  Teachers make such a difference. 

I think the fact that two of her very best friends are also in her class was just the icing on the cake.

Jackson celebrated his 5th birthday after a fun summer with lots of baseball games and ice cream!  

He also learned to climb the wall to the top of his favorite slide.  

School doesn't start for him until after Labor Day.  Because of the August 1st cut off date in West Virginia, he has one more year of Preschool before Kindergarten.  I think Mary is glad to have him home for one more year of Mom time.  I'm glad too.  He will definitely be more than ready for Kindergarten in a year.

8 is Going to Be Great!

Isabella will be eight in October and will be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Monica wanted to get some photos by the temple while the flowers were still blooming and the weather was nice.

With Aunt Karen

Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa 

She's a Daddy's girl!

Eternal love!

Grandma and Grandpa. 

The whole group, including Monica's dear friends, Claudia and Paul.  Claudia is from Argentina and her husband, Paul, served his mission in Barcelona.  They are a great support system for Monica.

I do love to see the temple, especially with the people I love.

 

It's Always Fun for Everyone When Karen Comes!

 George's sister Karen came to visit.  Because she is fluent in Spanish, she and Monica have developed a close relationship through frequent calls.  Directly from the airport, we dropped Karen off at Monica's apartment so that they could spend the day together. Isabella loves Karen too!  Later we got together for a pizza dinner and a walk on the Boise Greenbelt.

On Saturday Matt and Cady joined us for an afternoon in the mountains.  The cool Payette River afforded some relief from the hot weather we have been having.  We couldn't complain about the heat to Karen since she lives in the Phoenix area and they have set a new record with 31 consecutive days over 110! Now that is hot!

Isabella loved it, of course.  She is a little fish.

Cady's dog was less excited about did manage to at least get her feet wet.

Monica dipped her toes in.

Karen and George enjoyed quiet conversation but stayed dry.

I always plan activities for Isabella.  This time we worked together to make her a beaded wind chime.  

I think she liked it!

Our traditional 'tin foil dinners' were a hit again thanks to Matt's skill at the grill.

And of course, we had to have s'mores....with gluten free marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.  These were the biggest marshmallows I'd ever seen!

Isabella loved the giant marshmallow s'mores.  Her teary face is because she was so sad that Daddy wouldn't let her swim with him cross the river to play on a rope swing.  The current was swift even for John, much too strong for even an excellent swimmer little girl.  She was so sad not to join him, as evidenced by her swollen eyes. 

Every time I'm around Cady, I like her even more!  She is a great addition to the family group. And not just because she has two adorable dogs!

Another perfect day in the mountains.