Bad Parenting 101

As the epitome of bad parenting, we had Hayden ride in this manner in the back of the popcorn van on the way home from Manhattan after moving Stacy into the dorm. No safety problem here.
 

A Love Fest

Colin was giving a hug to Izzy and she gave him a kiss on his nose. He thought he should take her home but I reminded him he already has three cats.
 

Birthday Gnomes

Someone was getting a nice birthday surprise when they got up this morning.
 

Summer Work Horse

Our lawn tractor helps greatly in keeping the grass alive in the searing heat. It's apparently feeling under appreciated because it has jumped its track a few times recently.
 

Shining Orange for Taylor

The Leawood fountain shines brightly in orange in honor of  Taylor Swift’s new studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” She wore orange in the latter part of her Eras Tour and used the color in her album announcement.
 

Classes of 2036 and 2038

Vala started Kindergarten and Lowell is now a 2nd grader.

 

Back to School

Adam is off to 1st grade and Colin is ready for preschool.

 

Lazy Summer Days

I'm guessing this was Stacy's birthday but maybe is was just a cousin gathering. 1995
 

Cousin Confab

Vala and Lowell helped me with Colin, including introducing him to gluten free treats and reading books. Lowell was great reading pre-nap books to Colin. School in Eudora doesn't start until tomorrow but Hayden is back at work and Adam is back at school.

Bath Time for Dolls

Bath time involved several bowls and towels but everyone was clean. The mothers do look tired though.

 

Ready for School

Getting their backpacks ready for a blessing for the new school year. Many are starting today.
 

Protesting Again

Cindy and I  stood in the heat yesterday morning along Metcalf to protest our current unfabulous government. We were joined by a young lady whose mother took the picture for us. We wanted to show that it's not only boomers out protesting.
 

Late Surpise

The surprise lilies are a few weeks late this year but always fun to have spring up out of the shrubbery.
 

Farewell to Summer Swimming

Vala and Lowell took a last swim at Round Hill before they go back to school. 
 

Flower Children

Susan, Ingrid and I sitting in a field of wildflowers in Wichita Mountains, Okla. Artsy but makes me think of chiggers. 1968
 

Caught You

Bruno has taken to trying to hide under the covers during the day but he stuck his head out when I walked by. 
 

Spash!

Found a heart in Antioch Park. It's called Splash! and is a tribute to the Blazers competitive swim team. Artist Gwyenevere Buie loves swimming as a sport and for rehabilitation.

 

Fairy Flowers

Lowell likes to collect flowers to provide a home for fairies and we wait to see if one comes during the night. One did bringing fairy dust.

 

Sing Out

Colin was singing loudly for Stacy's birthday celebration. So were several others but from afar so not in the photo.
 

Rite of Summer

I love when this lily blooms in my garden – always in the heat of July.
 

Movie Time

We went to see The Lego Movie as part of a promotion from our financial planner. Great fun. We tried a selfie but ... Gammy isn't great at it.

 

Mischievous Grin

Happy birthday to Stacy tomorrow. Enjoying a little swim in 1981.
 

What Do You Do in a Heat Wave?

Swim!

 

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