August

 I am absolutely thrilled that school does not start for Hazel and Oren until September 3rd! I have always said that I do not think school should start until September and this 2026/2027 school year will be off to a good start. 

Our summer has been challenging, fun and stretching. The fun stuff includes my garden, a great baseball season for Oren, Hazel getting her license and Willem and Merit working and making memories in between.

Vance and Oren took a week long trip to Ketchikan, AK. Willem joined for a few days. 

We have gone to Lynden twice this summer.  I love making memories there. Every time I go to Lynden I want to go to my all time favorite park, Hovander. But my kids and Tasha's kids have pointed out that there are, in fact, parks to go to other than Hovander and other places to experience. :-) And so we did the Sumas Mountain hike last trip. We spent time in Blaine the month before. 

I typically do not love August - hot and smokey and looking up against school. But, as I mentioned earlier, school does not start until September this year so I do not even have to think about it it until September 1st! And I am so looking forward to our fair this year! In addition to this, my flower garden is doing well and bringing me a lot of joy. Morning and evening bike rides are a good part of our days. 

Hazel has a fantastic friend group. How is this girl 16? I miss her being ten but she is having a lot of fun and I love the memories she is making. She is no longer the horse crazy girl she once was. But wow do these horses love it when she comes down for a visit. They still respond to her so well. 

Oren has a kind heart and a great sense of humor! He is light and laughter. 

Well, I am headed out on a short bike ride before I do some weeding. 

It's good to be back, wonder if I can stick with it?