campers

Mason left at 4:34 this morning off to high adventure. They are hiking 50 miles in six days. We've done some training but can you really train enough for this kind of an adventure? I hope he's ready for the challenge this will be. 

Last Thursday was our last hike together. His pack weighed 35 lbs and that was with food and gear. In fact, how he looks here is most likely how he looked today on the trail. Except hopefully he's wearing his hat. 

Karlee left for her last year of girls camp this afternoon. I hope she has fun. She was more excited today than she has been all week. 

Here are all the "grannies", for camp, that headed up with her. The rest of the Stake girls drive up tomorrow. 

annual six flags

Last Tuesday we went on our annual trip to Six Flags. We've been doing this for approximately 15 years. To be honest I'm kind of done... But it's now a summer staple. What can I do. 

There were rides Mason and Karlee went on that Carson and I didn't want to ride so we went on one together. A few that I waited by myself. Spinning makes me sick. But most we all went on together. Superman was our favorite. We rode it at night and that was fun!

The boys went on a ride together and I tried taking selfies with Karlee. She wasn't cooperating. 

She makes great faces though. 

Karlee really wanted to win a stuffed animal. Any stuffed animal. She didn't...

We stayed later than ever before. While we were waiting to ride the carousel we watched the electric parade. That was a first for us. 

Another first was riding the last ride of the day/night. We were tired. 

sun and sand

Karlee attended a conference in Chicago for Shon since she has her CNA. I didn't know if she would want to stay all day so I had decided to plan a day at the beach on Lake Michigan. Her and Miranda decided they would be finished by noon so we picked them up headed for some sun and sand. 

We were there only minutes and the clouds started changing. Life guards told everybody to get out of the water. 

We ALL ran for cover! We didn't want to go home so we hung out hoping it would blow over. We found a spot that blocked the wind and ate lunch on the pavement. 

We took a chance and headed back to the water. 

The sun came back and we had a blast. The water was soo cold though but the kids loved it!

We ended up staying at the beach for about 5 hours. They would have stayed longer if I'd let them. Maybe another day. 

my family

My run this morning was great with this overcast sky. The humidity was above 80% so I really needed the cloudy morning. I ran my usual 4 miles. I try and run 4-5 times a week. I truly enjoy running.

I'm loving my hydrangeas!! Do you see that one blossom that's as tall as CJ? I haven't done a thing but praise their beauty. This morning I cut a few, plus the cone flowers, to enjoy inside.

Then there's this beauty!! These roses have never looked so good! I haven't done much for these either and to be honest they're a little sad. But man this one sure looks and smells good!

This afternoon I chatted with McKinzie and Bailee, separately. I do love talking with my girls. McKinzie is doing well. She didn't want to hurt my feelings but she's glad we don't live close. It didn't hurt. I totally understand. I know I/we would be overbearing. She has wonderful friends there to help when she really needs it. Plus, she calls me when she needs me too. 

Bailee has decided to not come home when this semester ends. When she first told me my heart hurt. Now, I'm excited for her. She's planning on going to Alberta with her friend, Cara. Evidently Bailee has been dubbed an "honorary Canadian" by her friend. ;) She'll come home for a few weeks in August and finish her teeth and be here while I take Karlee to BYU. Five more weeks and we'll be on our way. Wahoo!!

After dinner Mason walked 6 miles on the treadmill. He enjoys this more since he can watch TV while he walks. At least he had his 30 lbs pack on. 

Also after dinner, Brian mowed while I weeded the garden. I've already ate a few handfuls of cherry tomatoes and a cucumber. I brought more in tonight. It seems they have ripened earlier than last year.  I'm loving it!

As it started to get dark CJ and I shot a few baskets then noticed the lightning bugs. Of course we decided to catch a few. This is one of the coolest things about living in Illinois. They're pretty easy to catch too. It's been a good day. 

an award

Today Mason received an award for his "Duty to God". It reads, Mason is recognized for faithfully fulfilling his duties as a deacon, developing attributes of spiritual strength, living the standards of the Church, and preparing himself to be ordained to the office of teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. 

We are very proud of you Mason! We love you!!

birthday girl

This was taken yesterday with her two best friends. They went to eat at one of their favorites then went to a shooting range. Overall the day was tough for McKinzie. I know she didn't want to celebrate her day.

I've texted her a little today, hoping to FaceTime later on. So far I think her day has been ok. Besides it being her 25th birthday it's one month since Goeff's passing. I know the entire year will be like this, doing things that once brought joy will now be painful. Every first is going to be difficult. 

She's tired of hearing this...McKinzie is strong. She is wise beyond her years. When friends and family ask how she is doing I say, "She's lonely, miserable at times, but she's strong. She's been a single mom before so she knows she can do it. She just doesn't want to. She misses Geoff." 

McKinzie I want you to know how proud we are of you. We know you will be happy one day although there will always be an ache in your heart. Someone missing...Geoff. But you will find joy in the everyday again. 

You have brought so much joy to my life. I love your sense of humor/sarcasm. You are a good mom, teaching your children about Christ and to be considerate of others. You have become a friend, one of my best friends. I ache that you ache. 

I hope you have an ok birthday. I know not much will be great right now. But I pray that one day you will find greatness in your days to come. I love you!! Happy birthday!!

training

While in Texas Mason and I went shopping for supplies for his 50 miler. When we found this cart I think Mason was more excited than Retta. He actually tried to climb in it! 

We found shirts, boots, socks, pants, and a long sleeve shirt. After the purchase I gently mentioned to Mason that he would be paying for the high adventure himself. He was not please to say the least. I figured paying for his gear and food was plenty. 

These girls loved this cart from Home Depot on a different shopping trip. 

Today Mason and I went on a 4 mile hike while he was carrying a 30 lbs pack. After the first mile and half he wanted to be done. He was hot, sticky, achy, and buggy. By mile 3 he was doing much better. He'll hike again on Wednesday and Friday. Hopefully 6 miles on Friday. Hang in there Mason. It'll be worth it.