wildfire smoke

It looks like some kind of vintage filter is on these photos, but no.

That's wildfire smoke out of Boundary Waters.

Love, Val
 

other people's pictures

Heidi, Dannell, and Alicia all sent pictures they had taken, great cousin pictures.

All the cousins doing cousin things.

These two are brothers in law, not cousins, but same general idea

Ahhhh.     And now we're back home in the city and people are still shooting off a few fireworks in the distance, and there's bathwater in the tub and this beautiful weekend is over.

It was loud and hot and full of people and personalities and energy, but also phenomenal generosity.  There is sharing of space and time and food and so much grace.  Thank you to every single one of you.  Weekends like this, summer after summer, are continually made possible only by patience and kindness.

You are each and all so incredibly loved, MOM

 

sunny fifth of july

After the storms it was bright and perfect, not as humid, just lovely.

John patiently pulled them on tubes on and on and on.

Love, Grandma

even more

Julia brought her friends along and they are such easy company, so gracious about all the kids and shared space.

He's very patient with this overgrown puppy.

Love, Val

more fourth of july

They decorated hair and cheeks, glitter and fun.  It was still lingering around even the next day, all the glitter people.

Boat parade!  Oh yes, the thrills continue.

It's a tame parade, but they throw candy, and it is nice that people participate and make the day special.

She's got the squishy stick of butter. These are the weirdest dang toys.

Love, Grandma
 

more fourth of july

Bennie brought his boat along and the two of them were trapped on the lake when the storm hit.  A neighbor down the way called them in to safety, served them drinks, kept company with them until the storm passed.   They are people we know and how kind. When they called them in to get off the lake, they didn't know who they were.  They're just that kind of people.

Lilies in the swamp are always perfect July.

They were blooming the day we bought the cabin twenty-two years ago.

Love, Val, aka MOM