Grammy Chair

 I don't think I have ever had a favorite piece of furniture but I do now. I love my Grammy chair and all that it stands for too. I ordered it when I bought my house, just before Lincoln was born and planned to cuddle and read with grandchildren. The cushions are losing their shape, but I don't care. It's a great place for me and the little ones. We have plenty of room and great light. It's my favorite spot for reading too.

Tomato Time

 Although my tomato plants haven't grown as big as usually there are still plenty of tomatoes on the vines. I have neglected the harvest then decided to wait until Lincoln could help. He did a great job of choosing only the ripe ones and carefully removing every stem and leaf.

 I put a couple of plants in the usual spot then put a couple more behind my bedroom and found that the new spot actually worked better. Its a great spot for the sunflowers too but the pumpkins were a disaster. I don't have the best kept gardens but I love teaching a little about plants and food to Lincoln. Next year Walker will be toddling around the gardens too. Maybe he'll want to eat some of the vegetables.

Sunflowers

 Lincoln and I planted some seeds this spring and now we have sunflower blossoms. They are huge and beautiful. Although I cannot see them from inside my house, my neighbors are enjoying the golden color, butterflies and birds.

Morning Kayaking

 I thought about going to church today but chose kayaking with Dale instead. We had planned to kayak on Saturday morning but there was light rain with some thunder so our plans changed to going to a movie. (Magic at Midnight was wonderful.) Because of the heat and Dale's weekend work responsibilities this morning was the one time that worked. It was beautiful out there with a great breeze and a free peek at a few of the planes from the air show. I just love being out on the water, even in August heat.

Fun week

 It may be my iPhone or it may be Instagram but I am using my camera less and doing less blogging. But I'm still having plenty of fun. I spent more time than usual this week with the boys because Daddy was out of town. I was happy to offer some adult companionship to Ashley. I enjoy the boys lots and still remember vividly what it was like to be a stay-at-home mom with two little ones. It was fun to see them in the bath together. Walker splashed more than Lincoln.

 I'd requested a movie night when we planned a slumber party on Sunday. Lincoln was happy to stay up with me and I was thrilled to snuggle while I finally got to watch Frozen. I loved having so much time to enjoy all of them.

So sweet! Walker was laying on the floor and was getting a little vocal when Lincoln came over to help him. He says, "I'm right here, Buddy." Lincoln kept his eyes on the TV and tolerated Walker grabbing and playing with his hair and cheek with no complains.





 They were willing to help me get some walks this week and we even had a dinner out one evening. Those smiles from the boys brighten my days.

I still found time for my long walk with Chris this week including a long rest at Cup of Joe afterward. I have been knitting some and now have found time to complain about the humidity that has arrived late this year. We are two thirds of the way through August already...so I cannot complain much. I hope this hot humid weather doesn't last too long because it makes it much harder to walk as far as I want.

August Arboretum

 A couple of weeks ago I suggested that we take the boys to the arboretum and it was a great time. I do not know why I don't go out there more often. It's beautiful and not far from home. I love plants and seeing new ideas for gardens. Again, I said, "We should come here more often." I think Lincoln's favorite part was pretending that he was a tiger in the jungle while he explored the shade garden.

 

 

Striped Blanket

This striped blanket was a huge project but I loved every minute. I started it in 2012 and finished it in 2013 but never got around to photographing or blogging about it. A couple of weeks ago when we were outside on a cool morning Ashley brought it out to warm up and I took a few photos. I have loved the colors from the hanks of yarn in my basket to the blanket thrown over the back of the couch. I am much less "vanilla" than I was when I was younger.

  

 

Touch A Truck 2014

 This was our third year for Touch A Truck and it was the best weather so far. Lincoln loved getting up close and inside so many fun vehicles. We didn't have any cousins along this year and we missed them but next year Walker will be able to participate more too.

 Everyone likes Touch A Truck but Lincoln may be one of the few kids there with five adults.

 And of course there were trucks, lots of big trucks! Lincoln loved "driving" them. Dale  I are ready to mark our calendars and look forward to Touch A Truck 2015!

Great Aunt Time

 After visiting great grandparents we headed over to Sandi's home to spend an afternoon outside by the lake with my sisters. Lincoln and Walker are always happy to spend time with their "silly" great aunts. We had a great time. Lincoln went fishing for seaweed. You don't need a hook, just a bobber!

 He wasn't sure about the paddle boat but he loved it once we got started. We chased around the lake looking at the ducks which was good exercise after a car ride to Mason City.

 See, he did like the boat.

 

It was a wonderful summer afternoon. I am so glad that Ashley suggested the road trip before summer ends.

 Walker and Lincoln love spending time with Great Aunt Cindy and Great Aunt Sandi. I feel so blessed to be a part of a family that stays close and celebrates the new generations with the old.

 Yup, I think we all had fun!

Great Grandparents

 Lincoln and Walker are blessed to have great grandparents and three of them living in Mason City.  I love seeing the kids with family! On Friday Ashley suggested that we make a drive up to visit and we had a great time. We stopped to visit Grandma Alex first and she was delighted to meet Walker and make him smile. It was fun to see them together. I first met Betty in 1973 so she has been in my life for quite some time. Then we went over to visit my parents, had fun playing with toys then went out to lunch. Lincoln loves playing with them and Walker had lots of smiles. After lunch we headed to visit my sisters...more photos soon!

My Photographer Daughter

 I am in awe of Ashley's photography and feel so fortunate to have such beautiful images of my grandsons. These are some of my favorite from August showing these gorgeous grandsons.