Rainbow Classic

The boys got to spend an entire day at the Clay County Fairgrounds with Lily's younger sister Molly.

They loved every minute of it and were quickly influenced, by all the 4-H kids, to enter the Rainbow Classic. It is basically an event that allows non-4-H kids a turn at showing another's animal in the ring.

They came home fired up and franticly dug through their closets to find hats, jeans and boots! I mean ya have to look the part, right?

Tucker was up first with Quinn's bucket calf, Rusty.  Rusty wasn't nearly as excited as Tucker but it turned out great thanks to a little help from Molly.

Mason was up next with Keaton's steer, Bob. I was nervous but Mason handled him surprisingly well.

Independence Day

We finally all made it to the lake! It has been a busy summer but we have all been looking forward to the long, 4th of July weekend at the cabin. Millie was the first to be packed, loaded and ready to roll.

 

Jentry drove separately and brought her friends, Lincoln and Emma. She had prepped sugar cookies and frosting so we could all enjoy a personal fruit pizzas. 

The Hamilton's gave boat rides and joined us for a perfect day on the water.

I always enjoy a cruise on the golf cart which usually leads to some type of exploring.

The boys tatted themselves up in all symbols patriotic and got to light some small fireworks. They were in pyro heaven!

A small rainstorm blessed us with a double rainbow.

Harry and Lloyd

The Alma fireworks display did not disappoint!

And of course many hours were spent in the cove.

Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity. ~ Herbert Hoover

17

Our Jentry is officially 17, the age she has been wanting to be for years. She spent the day shopping with her cousin Serenity in Lincoln. They went to the SouthPointe Mall, the Gateway Mall, 7 Brew, Crumbl Cookie, Noodles & Company and Target.  

I was both disappointed and pleased that she is confident and mature enough to navigate the big city without me. She is at the stage of life where she is capable and yet still needs me. 

For her birthday dinner, we enjoyed her meal request of ham loaf, sweet potato casserole, sweetcorn and brownie sundaes. Her dear friends, Emma and Lincoln, joined us for the celebration.

The days of her here, under the same roof, are slipping away but the reality is encouraging me to stop and take in the small, everyday moments. I still make it a point to give her a hug and tell her goodnight.

Yesterday she officially applied to college and I am over the moon excited for her and yet I want to keep her under my wing of security. This coming year will be all about the great parenting paradox of both holding tight and letting go. 

Dugout Days

Dugout Days 2025 was another hot, exhausting, fabulous weekend of pure fun! This year's theme was baseball "Heroes and Legends".

The boys insisted on partaking in all three nights of the carnival and spent plenty of cash at the games. The ping pong toss to win a goldfish was where the majority of their money was spent. The first night ended in defeat, however Mason had earned 3 tokens and only needed 1 more to take home a fish. 

Mason and Tucker spent all of Friday afternoon digging in the attic for our old fish tank and supplies and setting it all up on my kitchen counter. They were certain they were going to bring home a fish!

Mason was cleaver enough to realize that the tokens he earned from the carny looked exactly like his dad's poker chips, so instead of wasting anymore of his hard earned cash he decided to bring his own 4th token back to the carnival and exchange them for a fish.

Tucker of course followed his big brother's lead and pocketed not just 4 but 8 tokens from dad's stash. Needless to say, we came home with 3 goldfish.  While this may have been a bit shady, I do think the carnival took plenty of our money throughout the weekend and could afford to "give" us 3 fish in return.

Baseball Season

We survived another crazy season of baseball! Chasing two teams was not easy but thanks to family and friends the boys somehow made it all or most of the games and practices.

This was Tucker's first year and he was a bit hesitant at first but quickly picked up some skills. By the end of the season, he was hitting quite well off the coaches' pitches.  He was our Crazy #8 and we could not have been more proud.

9 and Under Mustangs with coaches Jamie Rapp and Jenn Griess

Mason had a great season and even started as pitcher. He also did well as catcher and had his first ever grand slam. #6 aka Magic

11 and Under Mustangs with coaches Aaron Baumann, Reid Ely, and Jason Hajny