Cooling off..

Gramps and I enjoyed watching Grahm cool off at the splash pad that is just minutes away from our home. 

Hand on heart...

 

WE DIDN'T DEBATE 

WHETHER TO STAND.
WE STOOD.
HAND ON HEART.
EVERY MORNING.
BECAUSE PEOPLE 

DIED FOR THAT FLAG.
AND OUR TEACHERS 

MADE SURE WE
NEVER FORGOT.

~ Robin Williams 

"Just because" tropical surprise...

This gorgeous arrangement was delivered the other day. It's not my birthday or any other occasion but Christopher is ever thoughtful, and sent it to me. I opened the box to find the arrangement in perfect condition. That still amazes me. 

The box said the arrangement was from Ecuador. Ecuador is famous for producing stunning tropical flowers and also roses. I asked AI to identify the arrangement, and it includes Red Tower Ginger, Heliconia, Pink Torch Ginger, Variegated Ti Leaves, and Clusia Leaves. I've never seen anything quite like it!

I have enjoyed this "just because" tropical surprise very much since it meant Chris was thinking of me. Thanks, son!

Sunshine...

Sunshine for our Sunshine!

I often tell Grahm he's our sunshine. I gave this to him and he starting singing, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." He's so dreamy too!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ First born...

Mark with his first born son that will be 16 years old soon. How is that possible? But it sure has been a wonderful 16 years with our Cashee boy! 

Surprise for Grandpa...

We celebrated Tim's birthday in conjunction with Father's Day on Sunday. But I knew that Tim would like nothing more than to be with some of grandson's on his actual birthday. I had an idea to get Grey and Grahm and surprise him. Tim sent a text and told me he was going to gym so Grey, Grahm, and I hatched our plan. They decided to hide in the panty and I would say I needed Grandpa to get something off the top shelf. The boys were so excited to surprise him. We sat at the table and played games. Grey kept an eye out for Grandpa to pull in the driveway. As soon as he saw him they made a mad dash for the pantry. I talked to Tim for a minute then ask him to get something out of the pantry. It worked perfectly and Grey and Grahm scared the pants off of him. It was a sweet moment. It was difficult to get pictures because it happened very fast. Grandpa was so happy, it made his birthday!

Grey and Grahm made cards for Gramps and folded them into airplanes, and when he opened the door they threw them at him. They quickly picked them up so he could read them.

Tim enjoyed reading the cards, lots of love in the room. 

Dear Grandpa, 

You are the best most amazing grandpa in the world. 

I am so happy to be your grandson.

You are amazing and your guitars are too.

You are better than a guitar. 

Grandpa you are the best grandpa ever. 

Thank you for everything.

I made a plane because you like planes.

I'm so happy to be your grandson - Grahm

You are better than a guitar - Grey

The handwritten notes are treasures to Grandpa.

Roots...

When the roots

are deep,

there is no reason

to fear the wind.⁠

African Proverb

The Best Part of My Week...

There's nothing I look forward to more than my weekly time with my grandsons. I can't offer them fancy trips but we don't need big plans to have a good time. It doesn't matter what we do-being together is always enough. It's when my heart is happiest!

We have so many fires in Utah that have burned thousands of acres. Friday it was hot and smoke filled the air. We stayed inside to be safe, played games, and did some crafting.

Smoky sunshine...

Colby and Grahm and those dimples!

Silly Subtutious Man, cape and all!

Everyone once in awhile the Grands still enjoying doing crafts. We had such a good time making rock campfire pits and diamond resin art. Grahm would ask Alexa to play different songs. Colby and Grahm sang along and I could hear Grey humming. It was the best afternoon.

Take a good look at the detail on Grey's firepit! He found two rocks that fit perfectly together. He also use two small rocks to hold the roasting stick. I love to display the crafts that the boys make.

This was a fun craft also, you use wax to pick up small resin beads and place them on the image. They turned out so cute.

Grahm was working on his craft and said something like don't bother me I'm "delegating." I think he meant concentrating but it was a cute mix-up. He's so smart but will often ask if he doesn't know the definition of a word.

Grahm even made a clay dinosaur that walks.

I love when Colby gives a concert. 

We also love it when Mark and Tiff come get the boys and stay for a bit. I also love seeing the Granddogs and playing with them.

Mark got a kick out of reading the newsletter Grey wrote. Grey is creative and I love all the smiles.

Best part of my week..