Back to school

The last time I had my own classroom paper and pen, text books, chalk and eraser or whiteboard marker, and a cassette player were tools of the trade.  Today two decades and some change later and it’s all computer programs, chrome books, and wifi. I’m pretty sure it’s going to take me a week to learn how to make a seating chart! But it’s good. I had a long day with lots to learn and lots to prepare. I’m hoping I will pick things up quickly and will be a great teacher. 

We had a back to school breakfast and meetings today. There are lots more meetings in the upcoming days. 

Ethan on the salt flats on the way out to his new area. He’ll be calling soon and I am looking forward to hearing about his first week. He said there are 3 branches in Wendover and lots of desert. 

 

Beach

Saturday morning we took Tatum to the airport. We had such a fun, fun visit. She is just a delightful girl and so much fun to be around. She had a lot of fun. She was happy to go home to her family and I am so grateful that she has a wonderful dad and fabulous mom and that they are raising this really awesome family. It is such a joy to see your children and grandchildren doing well and flourishing. Anyway, it was delightful.

After we went to the beach. It was pretty busy there with lots of people enjoying the sunshine and sand. The water was so refreshing and we had a nice, nice afternoon. 

 After we were sandy and salty, & tired and hungry we stopped by a roadside seafood shack and ate some yummy food. 

Today was a nice church day. Tonight the Evan’s are coming over for dessert and nertz. 

Last day

Today was Tate’s last day of camp. She loved the whole thing and said she’d like to go again. I’m glad. She’s quiet and loves to read and is a little shy and self-conscious. She reminds me a lot of myself as a kid. It was brave of her to go to camp on her own and to make new friends. 

We had the best time having her here. She was neat and agreeable and helpful.  We read scriptures almost every night, played games a lot (Grace is a nertz ace), baked, cooked and watched movies. 

We talked about books a lot and she always wanted to go out and do things!

After camp we went to Disney Springs. We saw the Jungle Cruise, and we all liked it. It was funny and entertaining throughout.

We did a little shopping after, including going to Gideon’s.

Sadly Covid is in the rise again. We actually know a handful of people who are currently sick with it. I don’t know if they have been vaccinated or not. Our bishops whole family has it and they did not get the vaccine. The others I don’t know about. The CDC is recommending masking indoors again regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not. This is very disheartening. No one likes the mask, no one wants a shut down like we just went through. This is terrible news.

 

Rainy

It rained a lot this afternoon. This meant that after camp, during which it did not rain, we came home and watched EverAfter and made spaghetti. 

 

Rides

After camp today we went into the park and rode every single ride!

We saw where Tatum swam with sharks.

We watched the Orca show (twice).

The Evan’s came and met up with us, which was very fun. 

The baby penguins were so so cute! We had a fun day!!

 

Animals

Everyone likes the little cat. He’s very mellow.

Tatum feeding sea lions. The birds try to steal the fish all the time!

Brown dog likes to watch Gilmore Girls.

Shark tank was so cool! And T looks like a little marine biologist for sure.

 This guy charged R at the pond while he was fishing. Yikes! He looks like Tik Tok

Camp

Tatum started marine biology camp today and had a super day! She made two friends, one is a sea lion and the other is a girl from Alabama. She said it was hot but really fun and she’s excited to go back tomorrow!

 

Meanwhile the topic of much conversation around here has been about the acquisition of a second cat. Grace is convinced that Luca is sad when we are all gone all day so talking point #1 has been surrounding his need for a companion.  Rob just wanted one. Grace also feels like she suffered trauma from Sierra’s accident and that the only cure is a cat. (Can anyone say crazy cat lady starter kit?)

Anyway I don’t want one cat, and I don’t want two cats, but one or two is in the noise I guess. So we spent the day on the hunt and tonight brought home “Ollie”, a cute little black and white kitten. 

FYI Luca hates him. And there is an upside for me too. Grace is a strong negotiator, I got one game night a week and one beach day a month (with no roll overs) until she graduates.