Encouraging Sign

These SM East seniors have re-formed the East Against Gun Violence Club in response to a frightening spring lockdown drill that they didn't know was a drill and an experience at the National Speech and Debate tournament in June when there was a suspected active shooter. They spoke to Grandparents for Gun Safety. A group from Sumner and Wyandotte schools also spoke and are organizing. When you get the youth interested in gun safety, I feel hopeful.
 

Cindy and I and Cindy's friend Jeannie (far left) helped serve a meal to the homeless in that lovely 95 degrees yesterday afternoon. We served more than 100 meals.

 

Printing – The Original Text Message

Amusing art on the side of this building in Bonner Springs. Apparently the owner is an artist.

 

Between Earth and Sky

Kansas City native Elaina Wendt Michalski used clay to create this large sculpture in Antioch Park to express the experience of standing in a forest surrounded by trees. It's part of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department artists in residence program. The sculpture will be on display through December.
 

More Water Sport

Lowell was happy to show me her new swimming skills while Vala preferred swimming with Barbie mermaids and ponies. 😎

 

Hanging Out

Scott and I in 1957. He looks precariously placed but he was the 5th kid so maybe they had relaxed safety measures. I like that  the lawn chairs are all there in the living room. The beginning of our optional seating.
 

Water Day

The grandkids had a blast at the splash park, especially trying to fit into the waterfall/jelly fish feature. Adam is barely visible. Vala would only back in.

Sea Nettle Jellyfish

Sea nettle jellyfish at the Denver Aquarium. One of the photos that wouldn't post while we were there. The jellyfish were cool to watch.

 

Welcome Visitor

I love it when goldfinches come to my feeder. It's a hummingbird feeder but the birds like to drink out of the water (which is there to keep ants out of the nectar).
 

Leaping Coneflower

I planted this Cheyenne Spirit coneflower last year to attract butterflies and had one bloom. This year it has kindly decided to leap into action. Mostly attracting bees right now.
 

Early Morning Gateway

This lovely sculpture in Meadowbrook Park looks amazing anytime but was lit up beautifully in the early morning. Made of glass and steel it is illuminated all night or by natural light in the daytime.
 

Sheeps Lake

This view of beautiful Sheeps Lake meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park hides a group of bighorn sheep that like to eat the mud you can see for the minerals. A ranger is stationed next to the road where they cross to stop traffic. He says they come each day sometime between 9 and 4 and then go back up the mountain.

El Tovar Grand Canyon Lodge

The family enjoyed a rest on the porch of El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon North Rim. Built in 1905, it fortunately is not the historic lodge that burned this week. 1991
 

Alluvial Fan

I learned a new term - alluvial - the rock  and sand washed down in a flood. This is from a 1982 flood when a 1900 earthen dam burst and sent water down the mountain and into Estes Park. It leveled off some here so deposited a bunch of the rocks in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Morning Serenity

Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park 

Rocky Mountain Majesty

The Rockies - always impressive in Rocky Mountain National Park. And we were fortunate to see some wildlife up close. 

Botanic Beauty

Denver Botanic Garden does not disappoint. It was beautiful. 

Technical Difficulties

 Internet is spotty in Colorado mountains so stay tuned. 

Ready, Set ...

Go!

Colin was too young for VBS but he got to participate in the finale stuffy blaster. He captured a dinosaur. Adam did too. Vala thought it was too loud.

 

Vacation Bible School – Day 2

VBS fun continues. Lowell is ready to nail someone with a water balloon. 

Vala is creating a flip flop picture frame. Adam loving the games.

 

Vacation Bible School - Day 1

We were off to a happy beginning of VBS helping Einstein create a volcano.

Let Cousins Reign

The cousins expressing their freedom on July 4, 2011.

 

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.