41

This past weekend, we got to spend some time relaxing and celebrating Nathan's 41st birthday at our favorite getaway.

Unfortunately, Jentry had to stay back in Sutton for volleyball practice and to march with the band at Harvest of Harmony. 

Saxophone Trifecta!

Meanwhile, in Harlan County, we were celebrating 40 years of Applefest.

Grandma and Papa were the honored Grand Marshalls!

The boys entered the kids' chalk art competition and Aunt Kelly got her picture next to the professional artist's 3D chalk image.

We took in the sunrise and even got to see a bald eagle close-up and in-flight.

Most importantly we got to celebrate Nathan. We sang at breakfast and the Hamilton's spoiled him with a tasty brisket dinner at their home.  

As a special gift, I arranged for both the Huskers and the Broncos to pull off a birthday weekend win. It was a near perfect celebration for a special man.

HOCO 2024

Homecoming 2024 first began with Isaac and Anna at SVHS.

The very next weekend, SVHS traveled to Sutton to take on the Mustangs for their homecoming game. It was great fun having the Hamilton's in town for a gorgeous Friday night under the lights.

Junior Class

Myles Ferguson and Lindsey Ladehoff were crowned King and Queen. 

Kyla, Lincoln and Jentry

Grandparents Day

Another successful Grandparents Day in the books!  This year Tucker spent the day with Papa and Grandma Bose and Mason enjoyed being with Papa and Onnie McKenzie. 

These kids are so fortunate to have both sets of grandparents able to join them for this special day.

After the grandparents left, the entire elementary participated in their annual color run.  Tucker's class had a blast getting all sorts of colorful! 

Huskers vs Buffalos

Nathan got to take Mason to his first Husker night game against the Colorado Buffalos. Nathan said the drone light show was amazing and the stadium was as loud as ever.

The Huskers came away with a "W" and Mason brought home a red cowbell and Herbie t-shirt. The fan sitting behind them caught the shirt and generously gave it to Mason.  It wasn't until Nathan shared the pictures with me did they learn that the fan was none other then Louis Hays, my parents' long-time pharmacist and friend from Alma.  What are the odds? Only in Nebraska!

1st Grade Field Trip

Teaching a group of young children is definitely NOT what God designed me to do however, anytime my child asks if I will join them on a field trip to the Stuhr Museum I always say, "Yes!"  It is one of my favorite Nebraska history destinations.  

I joined Tucker and his 1st grade class on a tour of the 1890 farmstead. We learned about picking, husking, shelling and grinding corn. We dried apples in the summer kitchen. We pumped and hauled water for the daily washing. And my favorite event was watching the boys learn to be gentlemen and escort the girls up onto the wagon. Many giggles were had. The bus ride was pretty fun too!

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is always bittersweet as we bid farewell to Summer. 

With temps dipping a bit lower at night, the morning sun created mystical smoke on the water.

Papa had fun taking the boys along to chop silage.

Midday still brought enough heat to enjoy water play with neighbors. 

We even spotted a few pelicans passing through!

The evenings were perfect for smores by the fire.

Mexican Sunflowers

Tucker is very proud of the Mexican Sunflowers he grew this season.  We have been enjoying their bright orange beauty in the backyard.