Ahhh Summer!!  We are having a beautiful, mild, Pacific Northwest summer.  A few days of 70/80 then a few 50/60, LOVE it! 

So our month started off with a Girl Scout Potluck to finish the the girl's year.

They each gave a speech about what we learned during our Media Journey.  The girls really learned a lot about viewing all types of media with a more critical eye.


Then the kids and I were able to attend my Neice's high school graduation.

Here she is with her dad (my brother Rusty).  I am so proud of her, she worked really hard.  I was very excited for the kids to see what they were working towards.


The next week I took Eris to an Open House at the Art Institute of Portalnd.

Again, I want to get her excited about what she is working so hard for.  She had such a great time!  We toured all the classrooms, attended a meet and greet then toured the housing.  She is interested in Animation and Film Making.  She had a ton of questions for the Animation teachers.  Then they did a presentation of some of the short films some of the students made.  On they way home it was all she could talk about.  I am so glad she has a goal in mind that she is so excited and passionate about.



Then of course my girl officially became a teenager. 

We celebrated her 13th birthday with a Roller Skating party.  They all laughed the whole time.

As you can see even Beren had a blast!

Now that she is 13 she can take on more responsiblity, like Mowing!!

We were invited to an outdoor party at our friends Farm just north of us. 

They manage their farm with sustainble, enviromentally friendly methods.

This is a momma hen that we actually gave them because we had too many eggs!  It is really neat to take the kids where they can see her raising chicks.

It is a beautiful farm and they are great friends, we all had a wonderful time.

The month ended on a very sad note.  As you all know I moved back to Washington state first and foremost to be closer to family.  I have never regretted that decision.  I have been able to help my mother and grandmother and they me.

 My children were able to get to know and bond with their Great Grandmother, a woman who has always meant so much to me.

 I was able to watch her enjoy their company.

 As her health deteriorated this past six months I was there to hug her and sit with her.  She finally passed on July 6th with me and my mom by her side during her final days.  And while this is difficult, to say the least, I will always be glad we were here to share her last years.

Love you Grandma!