Let's get caught up.

September is nearly over and I am just getting around to recording some of what this summer was like. The phrase that keeps running through my mind is "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A little melodramatic, I suppose, but it seems to fit. We had a wonderful time. Having Xavey and Daevius with us gave us an opportunity to get to know them in a way that isn't possible in the brief visits we have had up to this point. I discovered that I am not as patient as I thought I was, but the kids got to do many, many fun things. I had them attend Adventures Plus (a school age day care program) while I taught summer school.
I actually about broke even on it financially, but the kids made friends and had 2 field trips a week. They went to 2 water parks, the Elm Creek Park Reserve playground, the Minnesota Zoo, Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, a Lynx game, Brunswick Bowling, Maple Grove pool, Stillwater Boat tour, Cinema Grill, and Circus Juventas.

4th of July - We had our annual 4th of July party. Monte paid the Xavey and Daevius a dollar a bucket for picking up pine cones so that the kids could run around barefoot getting wet and playing.

It was a wonderful day. The weather was just warm enough to make it worth putting out the wading pool and the slip and slide for the kids.

We put up the awnings and cooked some brats and hamburgers. Everyone brought something. As usual the food was great and the company was better.

As for it being "the worst of times". One of my favorite men, Monte's brother Bill, passed away in

August. I have probably spoken before (but not often enough) about how much I admire the men in Monte's family. Let me say that Bill was the epitome of what it means to be a loving father and worthy priesthood holder. Bill was the most welcoming and generous person. When Monte and I got married I suddenly had a big brother. Someone who was ALWAYS available if someone in the family needed something. I miss him a lot! My son, Bill and his wife and baby drove to Minnesota for the funeral. While they were here we visited Elm Creek Park.