last saturday of the summer

 It was cool and bright, warm in the sun.

   This is a puppet show that was pretty funny.

 Tim trying to not cooperate for a picture.

Onward. There's a campfire in the back yard and some kids are down at the dock trying to see if they can see the Northern Lights.

Love, Val

jay and elin

Love, Val

wagon ride

 Julia brought a friend to the lake, which has been fun.   (She's very quiet and sweet.)

Love, Val

change of scenery

 Sometimes that's the best thing.

Love, Val

the last day, 2019

 It was the last day of the summer watching kids. Julia and I teamed up and had fun. It was a gorgeous day, sunny, bright, cool breeze.

We had lunch on the patio and that kid in the blue shirt ate his lunch and told us that he has a pretty much perfect life.  He lives in a house and they have nice bedrooms. (Yes, a 1930s tudor which has a few problems here and there, but it is home.)  He mentioned his family has enough money to buy food and a new coat when he grows into a new size.  (Yes.)   It's good to hear things like this, as we struggle along, working at a living, sometimes feeling a little rich, other times very poor. Kids keep it real.

But here he is on my old patio with his brother and cousin and our dried up end of summer plants, enjoying life.

 
 Okay, so.  I could explain, but why bother.  He entertains children in his own way.  It's all good.

 This girl, in her happy place, digging and pouring water and digging some more and applying more water.

Life.  August has been such a beautiful friend.

So much love, Val, aka Grandma

last week of summer vacation

 We spent Monday at Dan and Alicia's hanging out in the rain. 

 They were working with some magnetic letters here, spelling words.  Some creative and sensational words.  I ignore.

 And that very old dog, over on the right HAS to be RIGHT in the MIDDLE of everything.

 She's getting her knees under herself, up and rocking back and forth, very nice.

 Yes, and smiling about her moves.

This happened in the kitchen. The caterpillar they brought home prepared to chrysalis.  This morning, early it happened, and they were rushing to see.

 Art in the dining room, lots of energy.

 Today:  My girl in her happy place. She wandered around enjoying the water in the trucks, the puddles, talking to herself, a whole story line.

 I was surprised he was home, but none of his plumbing calls lined up today. He took Tim and Julia to school orientation, and he came home a bit disoriented by the chaos, but he's fine.

 And this lovely nap happened.

And now it's almost tomorrow.

Good night.

Love, Val

happy birthday, heidi

Kirsten's picture, so pretty.

Happy Birthday beautiful Heidi.  We love you incredibly.

Onward to a great year!

Love, Mom and Dad and Everybody