Wow am I ever behind. Let me try and fill in the missing adventures since Mother's Day!
Break-up finally happened on May 22. Break-up is when the ice finally breaks in the river and it is no longer winter! We were told that the snow and ice would be gone in about two weeks and it really was - that was so amazing. When I left to come to Oklahoma everything was still brown and when I returned 18 days later it was green and blooming!
I finished school on May 22 and flew to Oklahoma. Arrived on May 23 in time to attend Eighth Grade Promotion. So proud of Derrek and the young man he is becoming. He received the Masonic Award and he was so excited he said he almost cried. The next evening was High School graduation! So many kids are growning up and moving on - guess that means I'm getting old!
I spent from May 23-June 10 in Oklahoma. It was a storm filled, whirlwind, exciting trip. I visited my WTC family, visited our neighbors Ruby and Delmer Sawatsky (so glad we were able to visit, as Delmer went to be with Jesus this weekend), spent TONS of time with Eric, Derrek, Makayla and Lisa. However, it is never enough time. We had mani/peds, went swimming, ate alot, BUT I didn't even make it to the mall. Richard arrived on June 6 - a very important day - my birthday. It was so good to see him...this was the longest we have ever been apart. On June 8 we attended the wedding of Rachel and Trey. She was a beautiful bride and we wish them a world of happiness. On June 10 we headed back to Alaska with mom in tow. Richard was on a different flight, but we all arrived safely and on time.
Mom spent the next week with us. We visited the Farmer's Market, Botanical Garden, Riverboat Discovery, Morris Thompson Culture Center, and simply enjoyed spending time together. From Alaska she spent a week in Seattle with Don and then a week in Sacramento with Dan and his family. She arrived back in Oklahoma at 2 a.m. this morning. I haven't talked with her yet, but I know she had a good time and is probably tired.
This has been an unseasonably warm summer. We have actually seen temps in the 90's and I will say with no air conditioner it has been HOT. Along with the hot weather comes fires. We have many smoke filled days. Some people have asked how long before winter returns. The story is look to the fireweed. Fireweed is a flowering plant that grows everywhere. When it begins to bloom it blooms from the bottom up. You then count the blooms that have not opened up and that is approximately how long before winter returns. Is that full blown winter or simply the temperatures dropping - I have no idea. A friend showed me the fireweed and the plant we looked at showed that we have about 8 weeks before the return of winter. Guess we will find out.
I am teaching computer classes, three days per week to senior citizens in North Pole. I am also working in the Special Education department for summer school four days per week. My summer is going by fast. School starts back August 21 and as of now I plan to return to my position as SPED Aide at Star of the North.
Richard is coaching the church softball team. He is having a good time. He is also playing in a summer golf league, so he is a happy camper.
There you have a quick update on all that is happening in our life. I will try to post some summer pictures later.
Hope all of you are having a good summer. Be blessed!
Sally & Richard
