School Ends - May 2019

We spent Tuesday-Thursday in Overland Park.  Chad was traveling for work - to Minneapolis - and Amanda was very busy at work - working one night to 11 and one night to 10:30 p.m., so we it was our pleasure to spend time with the kids - picking them up as walkers at school, taking them to school later than usual, etc.  The first night, we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream after dinner.   We learned to play UNO with regular playing cards.

Garrison brought home his second place winning "boat" he made from recyclable things he brought from home - it floated and he was very proud - see last picture.

Wednesday, Amanda came home for dinner around 5 p.m., then she and the kids went to their swim team meeting before she had to go back to work.

Thursday morning, we took the kids to McDonald's for breakfast - their choice.  I think they really just like ordering from the kiosk more than the food.  We had a fun time though.  We drove home after I went to Hyvee.  Later in the day, Amanda had to pick up Garrison from school after a call from the nurse that he had pink eye.  The doctor called in drops, and he was able to return to school on Friday for the last day of school.

On Saturday, Peyton had her long hair cut off - which she saved to donate for a child with cancer a wig.  So proud of her.  I think she looks really cute with her hair shorter - much easier to brush in the morning and to wash!

The rain has caused water problems on the golf course.  The picture is of people fishing on the driving range.  Ron said the #4 tee box and the #16 fairway were completely under water.  Lots of logs and debris have washed up - it will be a mess after the water goes down.

We are so blessed to get to spend lots of time with the Amanda/family - we love all our time with the little people and have so much fun.

Ron's Retired

Ron's first week of retirement went well.  He played tennis 2 times with a group of retired guys and played golf once with some other retired guys on Friday.  We went through some boxes - trashed some - recycled some - enjoyed reminiscing.  Thus the "old" pictures of us dating, Mark in college and Mary when she was "capped" as an RN.

On Wednesday, we did an old people retired thing and went to Lowry City to the Landmark (hole in the wall) restaurant for fried chicken - it was delicious.  We were the youngest people in the restaurant.  We saw our retired preacher there and caught up with him.  He lives in deepwater now.

Amanda gets the prize for growing Mom's transplanted peonies - they are beautiful.  Mine - not so much - not even one bloom this year.  I think I need to move them from the north side of the house.  I'm going to blame it on the placement anyway!!!!

Saturday, we drove to Overland Park for soccer, baseball and volleyball.  Due to torrential rains, only the volleyball games took place - Peyton's last of this season.  She did a great job serving.  We all went to Salty Iguana for a relaxing lunch before we came home.  I went to Hyvee for bargains, but it was pouring rain both times we went through Belton, so I didn't stop at Kohl's for returns - they will keep!!

Not much else to report this week as we navigate our new chapter in life - 24/7 together!!!

We are blessed - God is good.

Retirement and Mother's Day

I don't know how this blog chooses which pictures go first, but I certainly didn't pick this order!  Oh well.

Ron retired from Hawthorn bank May 10, 2019 after being in banking since 1981 (most of the time).  His co-workers had a very nice party for him with food and a cake.  He received a huge plant from the bank and balloon bouquets, several gifts from co-workers and a card with cash.  He had a great day.  Now to the next chapter of his life - retirement.

Amanda, Peyton and Garrison came to Clinton for Mother's Day.  We had a great day.  Garrison had a blast to say the least beating the heck out of Grandpa's balloons (which was approved) with his sword.  As he demolished balloons, we'd replace them with others, and he'd go at it some more.  It entertained him royally all day!

Amanda bought us food from Walmart deli - fried chicken, etc. which was delicious, and I had baked a coconut cream pie for her for Mother's Day which we all enjoyed.  They brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers which is adorning the dining room table and a "new" iPhone 8 which Amanda set up for me.  I love the case and the dealie on the back to hold it with - it has  a name which I can't remember.  I'm thrilled with my new phone.  She also did several other tech jobs for us from our list.

The kids wanted to go to Dollar Tree for some reason.  I gave them $3 each to spend on whatever they wanted - they only found 2 things each but were thrilled.  Peyton bought the pink bowl in the picture, and we made silly putty from pinterest when we got home.

The kids and I made Nuetella cookies which I found on Facebook, using a tube of pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough, rolled out, then Nuetella as a filling.  They turned out as big as a saucer, and the tube only made 4 cookies.  They had fun with it.

We had an absolutely lovely day and enjoyed every minute.  God is so good, and we are very blessed.