2021 Fourth of July

These three weeks or so around the July 4th season give us many opportunities for much family memory-making fun. We had 19 days of food, family, fun, crafts, and fireworks. The weather was great for firework season. We added a water slide this year to our activities for all the little ones. In addition to that we took all of them to a neighbor's pool several times. Marilyn and I fed 14 to 22 people each meal. The boys did four private shows and three city shows. Because of a shortage of fireworks, they did not get all the order in; so what we did have, we sold everything out. Randy's stand closed about 4 PM on the fourth and brought us their leftovers. By the time the boys got home from their shows, we had sold everything in the stand. It was a great year with great stories. 

 Rick and Medical Issues

I thought I would document some issues that have been going on with Rick medically. First he had to do several weeks of chemotherapy cream treatments on his face beginning the first of May. It was not fun! Then the first of this month he had to have some urology surgery which kept him down and not moving much for two to three weeks. However during that time frame on Father's Day, he fell and cracked some ribs (AGAIN!). This was terrible for him. The first three weeks he slept in his recliner. So painful!

During the "ribs" recovery period, he had to go for his post op visit. The surgeon helped him on and off the table. A few days later we had to go for his annual MRI and neurological doctor visit. Finally all the appointments were done. Phew! 

Can I say this man is tough?!

Marlow's Kinder Graduation

Marlow's Pre-K class at daycare had a drive through graduation ceremony this evening. It was complete with cap, gown, and music. We didn't really know what to expect but it was so cute! They called out each child in the vehicle and had lots of hoopla going on. I am so glad I videoed it! We all went to Rosa's afterwards to celebrate. 

Nashville and a Kinder Graduation

I flew with Marilyn on Monday to Nashville. She had gotten a rental car, and we drove to Greg's in Franklin. Anja had her kindergarten graduation on Tuesday. It was a cute ceremony. We enjoyed visiting with them. As always, food was involved in our trip. Today M and I toured the Johnny Cash museum before meeting up with Chad and Dave Dunn for lunch. We flew home tonight. Great trip!

 

 Girls' Trip

With 2020 and all the pandemic ramifications, travel plans had been very limited. We finally decided to do a road trip to Branson this week. We had a great time playing on the way up and back home. It was a little nostalgic being in Hot Springs and then on to Branson for several reasons. I had been back several times over the last few years, but it was Marilyn's first time to be up in the area since Carl had passed away. Thorncrown Chapel was a favorite to see again; Rick's parents had taken me there for the first time many years ago. Special memories......