2022 :: week 32

August 7

Sunday marked the first time we had a Sunday family dinner at my parent's house since Memaw had her stroke. It felt really good to gather together again. Even Dana was there. Pepaw made a delicious roast and after dinner we sang to the August birthdays--Emily (8/6), Arthur (8/8) and Elliott (8/11). Jill made a yummy cake. Life is finally starting to feel "normal" again.

August 8

Monday we spent the day at Clinton Lake with the Allreds to celebrate Arthur's birthday. I can't believe I've lived in Kansas as long as I have and never been to Clinton Lake before. It was a bit of a drive--almost an hour--but the drive was pleasant . It was overcast the entire time we were there, but it never rained and it kept the crowds away. We had the place almost to ourselves, but in a funny coincidence there was a group of boys Will's age from our stake there too. Will said hi to them, but I didn't recognize the parent that brought them. That evening we headed up to OPC to drop off school supplies and meet Lauren and Elliott's teachers.

August 9

Elliott and Will have been playing a lot of driveway baseball this summer. These two have become such good buddies and it makes my momma heart swell with happiness when I see them having so much fun together. Lauren spent several hours at her friend Katie's house so it was me and the boys at home most of the day. We had a few last minutes things we needed to get done before school starts. I took Elliott and Lauren shopping and thankfully we were able to find both of them shoes that would work well. 

August 10

We spent a few hours with Memaw on Wednesday so Pepaw could go to work. Lauren gifted Memaw the bracelet she made at Katie's house the day before. Memaw's right eye is starting to open. She does not have very good vision in that eye, but it is exciting to see her body recover more abilities. That evening I took Lauren and Will shopping for Elliott's birthday. I was so impressed with their thoughtfulness and the generosity they showed when buying him gifts. 

August 11

Thursday was a big day in the John house. Besides being the first day of the 2022-2023 school year it was Elliott's 7th birthday! This year Lauren has Mrs. Phares and Elliott has Miss Upbin--both are 2022 college graduate and first year teachers at OPC. When we met them Monday they both seemed very nice. I was proud of us, we were all up and ready to go pretty early. After taking the traditional back to school photos we walked Lauren and Elliott to school, then walked Will to his bus stop. Will's bus stop is across the street from his friend Soren's house. Elementary kids had a half day, but 7th graders had a full day. The 8th graders didn't start until Friday so the 7th graders had a day to get familiar with moving to their classes in less crowded hallways. While the big kids were at school Miles and I went to preschool to meet his teacher, Miss Emily. That night Elliott requested homemade pizza for dinner. After dinner we took a cookie cake to my parent's house so Memaw participate in his birthday celebrations. Grandkid birthdays are Memaw's favorite days of the year. 

August 12

Friday night was the first Pink Thunder game of the season. Lauren played great, despite the intense heat. Papa and Nana arrived just before half time! They are taking an epic road trip, visiting friends and family across the country for about two months. We are the second stop of their adventure. 

August 13

Saturday we went to the Royals/Dodger game. For everyone but Will it was our first time at the K this season. It was a crowded game, I guess when you have one of the best records in baseball you bring the all the fans to the yard. Even though the Dodgers scored five runs in the first inning and the Royals were never really in it, we still had a great time. A highlight for Will was when the Royals brought in position player Nicky Lopez to pitch in the 9th inning. He gave up home runs to Joey Gallo and Cody Bellinger, but at this point the Royals we so out of the game it was just fun to see the big hits.