We began another month with a beautiful Sunday in the lovely Ozarks. As usual, we had an exciting week.
Miranda, with her 4 young ones, drove over on Monday to join Rebecca and her 3 youngest for the week. Miranda left on Friday and Andy with Matthew and Katie plus Jonathan's David drove up late that night. Then about noon on Saturday, Dan White with Joshua and Marian arrived from Okinawa. And Andy and crew left after dinner. So for now we only have Rebecca's family staying with us. It is a little confusing knowing who is coming next and what bedroom they are staying in. Some of this week's visitors with Sandy.
While Miranda was here, there was a lot of fun, games, giggling and activities during the week. The children went to the library and came home with a pile of books; they got to the beach at Cranfield and had a great time playing in the water and staying cool. We have had 90+ degree weather all week, and the humidity has been high too.
I have been busy working at the rent house, spending 4-5 hours a day there and coming home to take care of chores. I was able to get part of the tub surround tiled on Friday, so there is progress being made. Miranda and Rebecca showed up on Friday with all the children, so I put them to work. There were a bunch of odds and ends in the basement that needed to be brought up stairs; their many helpful hands got that task done in a fraction of the time it would have taken me to make many trips up and down stairs.
Rebecca and I broke away one day this week to watch the new Jurassic World movie. I enjoyed it, although the animals did reek a lot of vengeance on the humans (the ones that were not treating them very nicely).
Saturday morning was the annual Red, White and Blue Festival at the local college; this was their 19th year. The local police department sponsors a 5k run as part of the activities. This was my 4th year to participate in the run. Rebecca ran as well as did Katie and Matthew (which is why they drove up the night before). Matthew took off to run with the faster runners and came in 10th overall; Katie had a great sprinting finish and was 2nd in her age group; Rebecca was 2nd in her age group. They lumped all the over age 60 into one group; as I ran by the lead police office, I shouted that I had worked hard for those extra 10 years and should not be relegated to the over 60 crowd. When awards were handed out, he did acknowledge my request.; and since I was the only over 70 male, I got the first place award. It was extremely humid and I was wringing sweat out of my running shirt.
Sandy and I attended the fireworks display at the college last night. We left at 7pm to get good seats and read books until it was dark enough at 930 for the 17 minute fireworks display.
About 10 years ago when Rebecca's family was here, Johsua wanted a tree house. That is how the tree house and zip line came to life in the side yard. This year Riley wanted a pirate ship. Rebecca researched on line and found free plans for what appears to be a cute ship. So this past week we have been busy in the Fox shipyard constructing a pirate ship. It should be completed this week, but I see it growing with yearly modifications as the family continues to visit over the years. Here were some of our 'helpers':
About the time that Rebecca's family arrived, we had 5 chicks hatch; they are still alive and growing. But the mom has become an attack hen if you get too close to them. Like violent!
We have another busy and exciting week ahead. Rebecca's family will drive west, Adam will fly out, Kristy will drive him here, Andy's family will be here, and possibly Miranda's family as well. We almost need a full time maid to keep the bed sheets clean! But it has been wonderful having so many family members visit us the past couple of months. We have a great family! Sandy continues to show positive signs of improvement, although she does have an off day with less energy.
Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Independence Day!
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