July 2015

Here's a loaded picture post.

The fabulous fourth!!!!

(a small neighborhood show is the warm up for the Hammocks lakeside extravaganza.)

We discovered an inner city drive-in.  Goonies for $25.  Packed our own snacks.

(We drove closer to the screen - better than this view.)

I am released as seminary teacher.  I cried many tears.  It was bitter sweet.  

Here's the sweet:  The kids!  (An open house to promote next year's registration.)

I don't circle the lake as often since my bicycle was stolen in April.  

But on my walks I notice more details...like the FLOWERS!!!

A sad goodbye to the Craw family!!!

Yet I am excited for them to begin full time doctoring in Spokane.

Camille is a modern-day hero of mine.  After 7 months of a 12 month fellowship 

(for her hand surgeon husband) she became the RS president of our bi-lingual ward.  

The kicker...she knew no spanish when she arrived.

Hmmmm....since nobody is coming to pay us a visit 

we began to weigh the options of a trip to visit our kids.  

When Luke called to ask 'G'pa Howell to baptize him he tipped the scales.  

We opted for the 8,500 mile road trip.

First stop - an urgent care center in Indiana.  Lane could hardly 

walk due to severe pain in his hip after 2 days on the road.  

A doctor visit, a strong Rx, a cane, and he was mending quickly.  

Second stop - Indianapolis to visit my sister Cathleen.

Also, Rick and her two kids remaining at home - Hunter and Alyssa.  

Cathy is amazing, a true champion of a mother.

 

 Next, we were blessed to tour the Indianapolis Temple during the open house.  

(This was especially momentous for us because Lane 

had served as Stake President here 20+ years ago.)

Unfortunately Lincoln's family moved from Indianapolis prior to the open house.  His new employment is in Minneapolis, near the St Paul temple.  (Also near the Mall of America.)

Luke was baptized, birthdays were celebrated, cookie pizza was indulged in, 

and we found a fun hot dog server.

(It was here that I received a call from Jami that she and Chris 

will have a baby next March.  But I'm not supposed to share that bit of 

wonderful news - thus I've waited 10 months to record this post.  Haha)

From Minnesota we traveled due west to Lake Stevens.  

We started getting blackberry fever just outside Spokane.  

This ailment resulted in a $150 speeding ticket.  

also picnics, coloring, tuck in times, legos, strolls around the block, and DQ shake date.

 I barely got any photos of Violet, but I promise she was cuddled and loved. 

I can't say the same for Brian.

There's always August and the upcoming 

Great NorthWest Reunion!

June 2015

I've always wanted to learn to play the piano.  I wish I'd kept at the lessons that my father offered.  He was a tremendous pianist and taught lessons for many years.  

My husband is so good - he gave me a piano for Mother's day last month.   So thoughtful.  

After renting a moving van, driving to Homestead, loading it, then unloading it into our garage, taking a long hard look at it, listening to it, noticing the broken leg, considering the added cost of the piano tuner, we soon discovered it was worthless and then better understood why it had been FREE.  

This is how Lane disposed of it.  He 'simply' threw it in the trash.  My husband is thoughtful and handy.

Oregonians Cameron, Kim, Anissa and Justin came to visit.  Yippy-skippy!

 Fun in the south Florida sun... 

 Sharing our favorite nitrogen ice cream  - 

so fun to watch it quick freeze and even more enjoyable to lap it up.

A day in the Keys...

isn't complete without feeding the tarpons...

touching the southernmost point...

and dropping a line in the ocean.

Whew, on a really hot day you even need shade in the pool.

Their birthdays aren't until fall but we just gotta celebrate while they are here.

 Finished up the month with one more monkey for the Brown family.

We still love the home we are renting.  One day this will be a faint memory.

Bring on July.  

Is anyone coming to see us?  

We shall see.

May 2015

MAY 2015

Twas' an incredible month.  The Kelley's showed us how to see the keys in one day.

- Shell World in Key Largo
- key lime pie
- ocean front picnic lunch
- feed the tarpons at Robbie's on Islamorada
- play at a beach
- find the southernmost point
- gawk at freakishly talented street performers
- eat dinner from food trucks
- watch the sunset on the Key West Boardwalk

Section 138  -  Seminary is winding down.  Who knew it would end?

Serving up fruity-pebbles encrusted french toast 

(inspired by the Carnival cruise menu using fruit loops)

Our hearts are sad but don't they look happy to be leaving.

Just before the Kelley's flew home to Utah 
they gifted Lane with this early Dad's day gift... 

...and flowers for me! 

And look at this awesome 'no more soggy cereal' bowl.  
It arrived for mother's day with no name.  
I put out a search and Callie fessed up.  
I LOVE IT!!!  because I dread soggy cereal.  

The ladies of the family had a tea (lemonade) party 
for my mother's 80th birthday.  
Camie made her this adorable teapot cake. 

I missed out but stayed current with
my cell phone and instagram photos.




My world has been impacted in ways I could never imagine.  

These early morning seminary students have stayed the 
course for 180 days.  5:50 a.m. to 6:40 a.m.  
I am so, so, so impressed and love them to my very core.

April 2015

Fantastic Family Fun!!!

Bullocks in pictures:

Good-bye Bullocks.  THANK YOU for cheering us!

"Take your child to work day" 

evolved into 

"Prophets, pancakes and pool party" 

for those seminary students who preferred not to miss a day.

It was a sad day when my bicycle was stolen from my driveway.  

I walked the route and noticed how blessed I am to have strong 

legs and beautiful scenery.  I love, love, love SPRING.

When I indulge I like this combo...

We purchased a day bed and dresser at the neighbors moving sale.  

Now we are ready for the 3 Kelley children...

 We couldn't be happier!

Even in the rain -- still the happiest place for a g'ma to be with her g'kids.

After the rain...even BETTER!

My first attempt at fruity pebbles encrusted french toast.

To be continued in May...