I just returned from a trip to Sierra Vista, Arizona where they have beautiful skies both day and night. The purpose of my southern trek was to help get Brent and Randi all settled into their new home. One of the first ventures of my trip was to the furniture store however the store was closed so we went next door to the thrift store to find some amazing deals on a dining room table, coffee table, and 2 end tables (all at 75% off the normal price). So for a little over $100.00 they got the works!
Randi was in hopes of spending more time getting her classroom set up and organized this week. However she spent this week in
meetings, so Brent and I got to go and help her with bulletin boards, setting up stations, and I even got to sew 24 chair covers with a pocket on back for the kids to put their papers in. Randi had all kinds of very
creative ideas to make her room colorful and inviting.
I think she is feeling more prepared and excited to meet with the kids tomorrow.
Brent had to deal with setting up his room with no air conditioning in the hot weather.
The first day I went to help set up the desks, but then he returned to finish with the rest of the organization of books, cabinets, posters and the computer stations. He too was feeling better prepared as he completed his first two weeks of class outlines and assignments ready.
Wednesday he will meet with his 5 periods of classes.
I am just so proud of the both of them for their hard work and preparation in teaching. They will both be amazing at touching the lives of their students.
After a week in the heat of Arizona, my return to Portland's evening temperature of 62 degrees has got me bundling up as I am freezing cold. Even though I was only gone a week it was amazing how fast that I had acclimated to the heat.
Though I had a wonderful time and am very grateful for the invitation to come and spend that bonding time with the kids, it's always nice to return home, sleep in my own bed, and even be a little chilly (especially at night). My time in Sierra Vista is something that I will treasure always. Thanks for sharing your new chapter with me Brent and Randi. Love you both.
I just returned from a trip to Sierra Vista, Arizona where they have beautiful skies both day and night. The purpose of my southern trek was to help get Brent and Randi all settled into their new home. One of the first ventures of my trip was to the furniture store however the store was closed so we went next door to the thrift store to find some amazing deals on a dining room table, coffee table, and 2 end tables (all at 75% off the normal price). So for a little over $100.00 they got the works! 
meetings, so Brent and I got to go and help her with bulletin boards, setting up stations, and I even got to sew 24 chair covers with a pocket on back for the kids to put their papers in. Randi had all kinds of very 
creative ideas to make her room colorful and inviting.
I think she is feeling more prepared and excited to meet with the kids tomorrow.
The first day I went to help set up the desks, but then he returned to finish with the rest of the organization of books, cabinets, posters and the computer stations. He too was feeling better prepared as he completed his first two weeks of class outlines and assignments ready. 
Wednesday he will meet with his 5 periods of classes.
(These pictures were posted online in the Moody Volunteer a newspaper reporting on Moody AFB where Anthony is stationed.) 
that they try to convince us is a handful at times. I don't know, look at that face- so innocent and perfect. Even eating his Popsicle so tidy.
Patty and Hank came to Portland for a couple days with there two grandsons Tiger & Trae. Both the boys have really grown since the last pictures I've seen, and really kept everyone on their toes. They enjoyed playing games on the computer,
the slippery slide, and the highlight was "Chuck E Cheese" which ironically is the most expensive pizza in town and it doesn't even taste good! With their visit being so short we tried to get the most out of it, which probably really tired out mom since all of us were over at her house most of the time for meals or play.
I was glad that Patti had the time to go to Dad's grave site with mom,
and have some one-on-one time.
It was nice to hear from Marilyn and Dave about their trip to Georgia to visit the kids and spend quality time with Ethan. Needless to say with all the extra attention he was a bit of a handful for mom and dad once they were gone.
to celebrate their anniversary, 
while Ethan had one-on-one time with grama & grandpa.
Ethan is quite the little mimic which I'm sure kept them on their toes.
Chelsea's birthday on the 4th of July.
She felt very special and spoiled with all of the attention. (Something we all enjoy and need now and then.)
What a cute little man.
This past week we enjoyed having Peter, Jessica, and Ezekiel come visit on their way from California to Rexburg Idaho. Ezekiel has grown so much, and with a little persuasion he finally got to the point that Grandma and Grandpa D were OK to go to. We even enjoyed occasional hugs without tricking him.
so Jessica ran around moving things up. His biggest fascination was anything that plugged in. He loved electrical items, so we would move furniture to cover plugs, or just unplug items.
Especially the stick horse. He didn't know to ride it, but he would hold onto the stick, and drag it around basically sweeping the floor.
games all over again, as we will with Ethan and Savannah. But we will focus on getting the house child-proofed before next months visit with Ethan.