Feeding the Fish

Now you can see the fish and food is available. Vala was most interested in going into the water so Lowell was in charge of feeding.

 

What Summer Is All About

A hot day says swimming pool. Adam enjoyed his visit to Round Hill and made our 97 degree day more tolerable.
 

Queen for a Day

On Sunday, Stacy celebrates her birthday. In 2001, we were in Ouray, CO to celebrate. Stacy is standing in front of Cascade Falls there.
 

Moon Glow

Moonflowers are in full bloom but not as prolific as the past few years. One yard I walk by in the past has been covered in the plants and this year none. Maybe it's been too much rain this year?
 

Mask Up Again

Lowell was showing me all the new masks she and Hayden have to start the school year.
 

Magic Orb

Vala was delighted with the lighted ball I gave them. See video to truly appreciate her enthusiasm.

Junior Firefighter

We serendipitously came across the Kerns just after they made a visit to the fire station where Adam was designated a junior firefighter and got a sticker badge. He was very excited. The firemen let him climb on the truck for the full experience.
 

Another Spalshpad Fan

Vala enjoyed the water spouts. Lowell did not.

 

A Boy and His Trucks

What's better when you're 2 than trucks in a sandbox?

 

Grueling Work

Stacy (orange tank), Hayden (middle with bucket) and Frances (red tank) were part of the work crew in Tijuana, Mexico for our Esperanza International project in 2006. I was lucky enough to accompany the crew from our church and UCC Kansas-Oklahoma Conference. I was doing the work as well, except when I stopped to take pictures, and it was backbreaking. But we also learned so much about the people and the work that Esperanza does to cultivate global citizenship.
 

Perspective

Lowell first towered over the tiny shuttlecocks and then was dwarfed by the real ones.

 

Enchantment Under the Sea

 

 

Lowell and Vala enjoyed the Under the Sea Adventure at Crown Center.

Musical Interlude

Entertaining in Downtown Overland Park.

 

The Bigger They Are

The harder they fall. This is only about half of the huge oak. Amazingly it missed this woman's house.
 

Enchantment in the Garden

Lowell and Vala are in the Monet Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum. We were there on an Enchanted Quest (searching for fairies). We found some fairy doors but no fairies.
 

Responding to a Fire

Fireman Adam playing at Fairway Park. Rain was not a deterrent.

 

Happy Anniversary to Hayden and Matt

Hard to believe it has been 5 years tomorrow since the happy wedding.

 

Good Listener

Lowell intently listened to her instructor in swim class. She graduated from parent-kid to solo lessons.
 

Park Play

Vala and Fozzy were playing peek a boo.

 

It's Lily Time

One of the marvels of the natural world. These beauties come back every year.
 

New Citizen!

Edson Palacios-Castrejon, our custodian at Colonial Church, received his U.S. citizenship on June 30 so we had a party for him Friday. Dressed in red, white and blue, he was ecstatic to be a citizen. He is from Mexico. The Vacation Bible School kids made the flag with their fingerprints.
 

Morning Glow

This little sparrow stopped to say hello during our early morning walk. He caught the sun beautifully.
 

Looking for Fish

We were going to feed the fish but the feeder was empty. The pond was so murky you could barely see the fish.
 

Sunset Beach Walk

Stacy, Howard and Hayden taking a sunset stroll along Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes State Park.
 

Role Reversal

Vala wanted to push Lowell and Lowell wanted to ride so win, win. Not exactly what I had in mind when we started out. Vala is a strong little thing.
 

Porch Parade

Here are a couple of the entries in the Lenexa Community Days Porch Parade in which homes can enter their patriotically decorated homes in celebration of the 4th of July hliday. I thought the garage decor was quite clever using their kids handprints.

 

4th of July Done Right

It was nice to be back to a normal 4th of July celebration. The cake decorating crew provided a new take on the flag cake. Fireworks and rockets won the day.

 

Birthday Vibes

 

Happy Birthday, Vala!  For a year that didn't have much going for it, 2020 gave us Vala so we will call it a good year. Fun at the park with her cousin and sister.

  

She received her own Adirondack chair specially made for her by Pops.

 

Wild Seahorse

Lowell was attempting to tame the seahorse at the park.

 

Waiting for a Break in the Rain

Adam patiently waited for the rain to let up so he could ride out. We eventually gave up and donned raincoats.
 

Old Fashioned 4th

In the olden days we lit and threw firecrackers one at a time. You can see the coffee can that we put the firecrackers in after we unwound them. I see Susan has a punk. I don't know if Cindy fell down or is taking cover behind the hedge.