Heat Wave

The last weekend of June saw record breaking temperatures here. It was SO HOT for several days. Friday it was over 100 degrees, Saturday broke the record at 108, Sunday got to 112, and Monday hit an all-time high of 116 degrees. Thankfully, we have A/C! We went swimming at the pool three days in a row, and the water was almost too warm! I definitely would never want to live in a place that gets that hot. I don't like being cold, and while grateful we have it for hot days, I just don't like air-conditioning. I much prefer moderate temps and having the windows open. When it's that hot and the low temp over night is 84 degrees, you just can't open your windows. I love that it usually cools down at night here. It was a relief on Tuesday evening to watch the temperature drop and get back to normal 60 degree lows at night and moderate temps again. 

Tennis Camp

Three of the four kids were involved in tennis camp this year. Kari would have been there, too, but she was in Mexico that week. Joel helped run the boys camp, since he's on the high school tennis team, and Grant attended as a camper. We invited his friend, Bennet, to give tennis a try that week, too, and he liked it! Aubrey went to the girls camp in the morning, then I dropped Joel off when I picked her up, and then an hour later we picked up Bennet and dropped off both boys at camp. I came back two and a half hours later to pick up all three boys. I ended up driving to Barlow 5 times a day most of that week, except one day I drove there 6 times. I'm pretty sure the construction guys working on Chase Rd thought I was crazy, driving back and forth all day long. It was great for the kids the have something to do, especially after this last year-plus of shut-down. Joel loved coaching the little kids. He had a blast helping. And it was really hot the first couple days--99 degrees in the afternoon! We laughed about his forehead tan line he developed from wearing his hat backwards each day that week. 

I failed to get photos of Aubrey and her friends. They had a great time, too, and they were very happy their camp was in the morning when it was cooler. 

NOE Mexico

Kari had the opportunity to go to Mexico and serve at the NOE center in Morelia for a week. It was a stretching experience for her, and we were amazed at all that God did in and through her while she was there. She got to go with two of her best friends, which was just so fun for them. They were able to experience another part of the world, another culture, and were able to meet new people and develop new friendships within their team and with the students at NOE. They primarily worked at a building the center is remodeling and fixing up--lots of painting, sweeping up debris, and doing whatever was needed at the time. They also helped with the students' NOE program graduation. We are so proud of Kari for stepping out and trying something new. God answered many prayers that week. 

Tamawana Falls

Hiked with the Wilsons on a lovely Saturday morning. Great to have adventurous friends! Kari played her "jolly" (bluegrass) music for us in the van the whole way there and back. Our kids are funny. 

I found myself reflecting on how thankful I was that Greg was able to hike with us again and thinking back to a year ago. 

This was my FB post a few days after that hike:

June 25: It was one year ago today that Greg got the dreaded “you have cancer” call. In the last several weeks I’ve thought a lot about life a year ago. It was still the beginning of COVID, but our minds were more occupied with Greg’s pain and health issues. It was an anxious time of waiting. We knew there was something very wrong, but it took a few weeks to get the right tests and diagnosis. There aren’t words to describe the sinking feeling of hearing those awful words from the doctor.

It was also one year ago today, however, that God had us surrounded by friends and family, even that very night, who encouraged us and knew to just “be there.” I am so very thankful that we are through and on the other side of that time—done and recovered from surgery and chemo. Greg is back to feeling himself and was able to hike with us last weekend with no issues. We’re back to me being the one lagging behind our speedy kids. There are more tests and more results in our future, but right now I want to take the time to remember and to be thankful. God is good, and he is faithful!

Father's Day pancakes

Our power went out (drunk driver smashed into a pole), and this amazing dad busted out the camp stove to make buttermilk pancakes for the kids on this Father’s Day morning. 

Basketball

 We weren't sure, up until days before, whether or not basketball was going to happen. The governor changed the rules just in time to allow indoor sports. They had to wear masks, but at least they got to have a season. Joel was very excited to make the freshman team! They had a new coach, Coach Kelly, and they all learned to adjust to a new coach and new team, and they played very well together. At first only one parent was allowed to go watch, but eventually, they gave us two tickets to each home game, and by the end of the six weeks, more were allowed. Spectators were not allowed at most away games. Greg livestreamed the home games and a few away games so that grandparents and others could watch. We were happy Joel got to play and happy we were able to watch him play. After more than a year of disappointment due to COVID restrictions, we are just so thankful our kids are getting to do things again. 

Joel did sprain his wrist in a game against Sandy, which took him out of play for about a week, but thankfully, it healed enough for him to get back in fairly quickly. 

There were a few very hot days in June and games in very hot gyms. Normally, basketball is in the winter, and that's not an issue! Even with the weird six weeks in the wrong season, we were thankful.