Our "little" boy is growing up

Public high school seems to agree with him

Our youngest has started to spread his wings a bit since starting at Grant High the first week of March. He began attending some of the clubs at lunchtime there and then as he got to know some of his classmates they became friends. He's turned into a social butterfly. (I think this is okay to say since I'm pretty sure butterflies are not gender specific) In addition to getting together with friends in a casual way, this past week had him attending a conference in town with a classmate.

He had a great time for the entire 4 days. Saturday he phoned for a ride home so he could get ready for the ball. The above photo shows what he chose to wear. Dapper hey?

He and his sunglasses are rarely apart

Cam actually has multiple pairs of sunglasses but he prefers the gold rimmed aviators at the moment. He's at that fun age where you can take him places and he tolerates picture taking

Mystery photo inspiration.

A lot of the time when I get my camera out they ask, "Why are you taking a picture of us (me, that, those) now?" The answer is usually because I want to capture a mood or look. Last night I tried to capture the serious look these guys had as they came in to ask Har and me a question. The shadows on their faces and the way they were standing just reminded me of how grown up they both are.

My little boys aren't so little anymore!

Cam is officially taller than me now and Hayden passed me up many years ago.

They are pleasant looking lads if I do say so myself ;) and we couldn't be more excited to see what the  future holds for them.

My red, white and blue morning

Happy Independence Day from me

and my Yankee Doodle Dandies

Har, Hayden and I ran out to Jess and Joylynn's last night to bring the kids their flag t-shirts. Of course this Gramma made them pose for pictures.

Here are the 4 of them ready for the 4th!

Some of them like to pose more than others ;)

Red, white and blue salad

 We went out with friends, the Duckworth's, for coffee late last night and Joy ordered this beautiful salad. I saw the picture on my phone this morning and thought it was perfect for my 4th of July post. It looks like something I should try to recreate today.

Morning stroll

The following photos were taken on my search for the colors of our flag. On the way to Freddy's, at Freddy's and on the way home ;)  Enjoy the browse.

 

"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. Oh Yeah!"

Celebrating in fine fashion

First thing this morning we got a text picture of our grandkids, Henry and Anabelle. It appears that they are ready to head out on the town in their patriotic fashions. Gotta love that white Packer hat of Henry's ;)

And then there are the VA grands! Rowan, Katie and Evie are in the Copper Country of Michigan celebrating the 4th with their Mom, Dad, great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins of all ages along with getting to see my mother, their Muumuu, too! 

They look adorable on this sunny celebration day. Have fun guys!

Thanks Cherise and Alyssa for making us feel a part of your day.

Some lovely and some funny

Silly times with a sweet boy

What is it about boys, especially, that makes them want to be silly in pictures? I rarely get a picture of the grandsons that they aren't doing something goofy. Garrett has learned from his big brother the fine art of sticking his tongue out for the camera.

He still has his sweet and smiley moments too.

A lunch treat and some play time

I need to have more patience with my cell phone camera. I don't give it long enough to focus between snapping pictures. Somehow I think that it's not my fault but the iPhone's. The kids and their mom look pretty cute regardless if they are in focus or not.

Garden statuary is getting gruesome 

I thought of Kieth Domina's garden gnomes when I saw this bear at Freddy's :) I think this guy would fit in their back yard quite nicely near the deck as a reminded not to track stuff into the house.

Some of Freddy's flowers

My mom planted dahlias every year at our Calumet house. In winter climates the tubers need to be dug up every fall. Here they can winter in the ground and need to be dug up to be divided periodically. These ones at Fred Meyer aren't meant to grow for multiple years. They are only for this summer. They would make a lovely addition to my flower beds though!  I love the peach one that looks like a water lily.

Courtney's first Partylite Party

A co-worker booked a candle party for Courtney to start her business. If she decides that she doesn't want to sell them for long she still has an amazing start on her home decor for their place when Charlie gets done with his training.

Another chuckle at Fred's

For those people who need a list to accomplish things.

I love those things that "may not apply to all"!

Comb Hair? It still does apply to a degree. Right, Har?

Breakfast? Yes please

Where has this week gone?

My week has flown by with not a whole lot to show for it. I did get to the pool three times and that is an accomplishment.  I ran a taxi service for Cameron for the last half of the week as he's attending a conference at the Oregon Convention Center and I got to hang out with some of my favorite people.

I guess I did do quite a bit.

Breakfast delivery

It was a  really rainy morning when I was frying up breakfast for my guys. I thought I'd check to see if Har had taken the time to get himself something to eat yet. He hadn't so I hopped in the van and delivered a yummy egg sandwich and a piece of toast with lingonberry jam on it.

You know it is really raining when Harlan comes out of the building wearing the back up jacket and ball cap that he keeps for just such occasions. 

 Skype and FaceTime 

I spent some of my favorite moments  being entertained by the antics of all 9 of our grandchildren. Henry and Anabelle showed off their gymnastics abilities. Rowan, Katie and Evie let me explore their fort made out of couch cushions and bedding. And Garrett kept me busy showing me what everyone in his house was up to. 

In this world of technological everything, I'm very happy to have this capability to connect with the kids. It really is a small world after all.

 Solo sleepover

When you're the youngest of a bunch it's nice to get some one on one time with Grampa and Gramma. Garrett got to experience that for the first time ever. He was here for two nights without his siblings. By the second night he was getting a little homesick but he rather enjoyed the breakfast in bed and the pampering he got. We're looking forward to doing that with each of the other kids in the weeks to come.

Priceless picture

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. 

This one has a couple of ads and comics thrown in. 

A girl and her dog and the Sunday paper :)