I'm Half Gone!

So spoke Colin. To me it looked like a lot of sand to have to brush off of him before we could get in the car. Different perspectives.
 

Birthday Girl

We celebrate the big 5th birthday with Vala.

 

Farewell to Pastor Keith

We bid our interim pastor, Keith, farewell at church yesterday. The kids gave him a banner signed by the congregation.

 

Bringing Joy to Walkers

Kudos to our neighbors for adding this narrow but long field of zinnias along the sidewalk. When it was being planted this spring, I couldn't figure out what they were doing but a wonderful addition!
 

Parade Ready

Ready to mount their vehicles for the parade and in the wagons and ready to roll.

Below, the annual attempt to make a flag out of the fruit. Getting closer.

 

Happy 4th of July

I joined Cindy, Scott, Kathleen and Stacy for the Fairway fireworks. Cindy bought a ticket from a fundraiser for the Shawnee Indian Mission that got us a parking spot and a table and snacks. Score@! Fireworks were great too.
 

Just Five Years Ago

Happy Birth Day to Vala – with masks and a pandemic. Adam and Lowell were pretty tiny, too. 

 

The Pool Is Open!

Colin was delighted that the smaller pool has reopened.

 

Cleaning Crew

Howard took on our myriad of windows and got them remarkably clean. Saved us about $400.
 

Story Time in the Park

Grandkids are pretending to be part of story time with the sculpture "Prairie Lessons" in Leawood.
 

A Beautiful Disruption

The Nelson-Atkins had a special immersive experience in the the Bloch Galleries of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art to show you how the paintings look in different lighting and to give a private tour of the paintings. Recordings of the painters' words about that period to accompany it.
 

Out Birding

Cindy and I enjoyed a talk by Christian Cooper at the Nelson-Atkins. An avid bird watcher, he also advocates for the power of observing your surroundings. He talked briefly about his infamous encounter with a dog walker in Central Park, who called the police because he asked her to put the dog on a leash. Fascinating individual who knows an enormous amount about birds.
 

World's Largest Swimming Lesson

Adam and Colin received instruction on life jackets before getting in the pool as part of the World's Largest Swimming Lesson. Pools around the world conduct a free safety lesson on June 26 to raise awareness about drowning and the fact that swimming is a vital life-saving skill that every child should learn. It's scheduled to coincide with the July 4th holiday because that's when the most drownings occur in this country.
 

Happy Birthday, Scott!

Scott's 20th birthday. Looks like he received a desk lamp. I hope he gets something that cool this year.
 

Back to School

We returned to the Oxford School, with the addition of Adam this time.

 

What Heat?

My hibiscus loves this heat and the blooms are spectacular.
 

Solstice Celebration

It is my opinion that the summer solstice should be celebrated with ice cream. Stacy was kind enough to treat us.
 

Dragon Boat Races

Stacy and I took Colin and Adam to the Dragon Boat Races on Brush Creek. Mighty hot but we found a spot under a bridge.

 

Hank's Garage ...

... and Grill. Cheri and I visited this new establishment in old downtown Shawnee. It's in an old automotive garage on Nieman Road and is really fun. They took it down to the concrete walls of the garage. The food was fun, including the thin fries.

 

The Old Swimming Hole

The boys enjoyed Lake Olathe Creek and Spray Ground.

 

92nd Birthday

Morgan, Hayden and Stacy helped Grandma celebrate her 92nd birthday. I'm sure it was lemon cake. 1990
 

In the Band

Colin and I enjoyed Mr. Stinky Feet and this time he joined the (back of) the band.

 

Wassmer Park Demonstration Garden

I discovered a beautiful little garden in Wassmer Park at 67th and Roe. Tucked in the corner of the park, it's in the care of Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners. Started in 2019 it has since expanded to include a pollinator garden and a stumpery. People are encouraged to talk to the gardeners as they work.
 

Happy Father's Day

Surrounded by grandkids.

 

How Many Will Fit?

 

Tight but all the cousins fit in the splash pad at once. And then the aftermath – warming in the sun.

 

Unusual Cargo

I watched this dude wrestle these pool noodles for quite awhile until he felt he had them securely fastened. I wanted to follow him to see how it went but someone pulled out in front of me and I lost him. 
 

Modern Fairy Garden

I found this fairy garden updated with solar lights. The mushrooms are lights. You can't really tell they are lit up here but I like the modern convenience.
 

Happy Birthday, Dad

Stacy, Hayden and Morgan were on hand to help him celebrate. 1986
 

Jellyfish Bite

Colin said the jellyfish got him because the waterfall looks like a jellyfish.
 

Back in Business

A bit delayed because of unexpected things found during the project but Round Hill pool is open with all new plumbing and wiring, hidden under the new decking. So it basically looks the same but now it filters, etc.
 

Lowell Celebration

We celebrated Lowell with lots of outdoor shenanigans and cake.

And Finn is about to be 8.

Color Our World This Summer

Vala and I enjoyed the Johnson County Library summer reading launch. She played along with a ukulele musician.