Final move

Last week, the movers came and got the last bit of Dad's furniture from the Michigan house to ship to Phoenix. The semi drove up the street, loaded the 'stuff' and drove off. Dad is no longer a resident of Michigan - - a full time resident of Arizona. My heart is sad and I'm lonely for his smile, but I know he's happy in Goodyear!
The truck was driving out of our subdivision . . . it's final! The house is empty, Dad is in sunny Arizona, and I'm in Michigan without him. :( Craig and Julia are sad and lonely, too! Here they sit, watching the movers wrap, pack, and load the last of Dad's things! Sad day!!

Mamma Mia

Today was an AWESOME day!! For my birthday, Julia ordered Mamma Mia tickets for us! After waiting FIVE months, the day had finally arrived!! Julia, Diane, Kathy, Gay, and I went to Grand Rapids to see the Broadway production of Mamma Mia! We met for lunch in East Lansing (Yummy grilled salmon salad at Bravo's) and then we headed to the DeVos Performance Hall in beautiful, downtown, Grand Rapids! The musical was f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c!! It was, by far, the best performance I'd seen of Mamma Mia! (I've seen the show at least a dozen times!!)

After the show, we met Pepper - the main beach boy! He was darling! While talking to him, we realized they were taking the show to Chicago next!! During dinner, we began planning our trip to Chicago for the end of September! Another 'sista' weekend ~ this time to celebrate Kathy's birthday!

Tutoring/Movie

Today was a great day! After tutoring my three favorite students, we headed off for a fun afternoon! We went to McDonald's for lunch and ice cream, picked out our favorite movie candies, and watched Wall-E together! It was an awesome way to celebrate their hard work and effort this summer! Hopefully their academic track will be easier for them next year as they certainly deserve the best! Isn't it fun having little friends! :)

Bonfire night

The bonfire builder!!

The relaxing campfire!!

Last night was an awesome evening! After golfing, Craig suggested we go to the Banana Boat for ice cream. When we got home, he built the perfect bonfire. We all sat outside under the bright starlight, enjoying the cool night breeze. Every so often, we'd wish on the falling stars!
Julia and Adam caught fireflies in a jar, laughing and giggling like schoolchildren. Evenings like this remind me of the true meaning of summer!!

4th of July

Kathy, Kay, Julia, and me :)

My sisters, Julia, and I celebrated the 4th of July with Red, White, and Blue! We can't help that we're such little 'firecrackers'!! I loved being together and I appreciated their help and support through some difficult times! I love you sistas!!

Estate sale

Dishes, dishes, and more dishes!!

Phew! What a busy three weeks! After selling Dad's house, we began the chore of emptying the cupboards and trying to put prices on many pretty dishes and collectibles. With much help, we prepared for a three day Estate Sale! Having people stroll through and purchase my mom and dad's "65 years of marriage" was a difficult and emotional task! My sisters and I would huddle in the kitchen to cry when special pieces were purchased and carried out! How do you put a price on the many memories and precious things that filled their home? I guess it's true...the most treasured heirlooms are the sweet memories!

The house is now cleaned, emptied, and ready for the new family to begin their years of "memories". I can only hope they are as blessed as we were!

Families are like quilts, lives pieced together, stitched with memories, and bound by love!

Phoenix trip

Right after school got out, my travel buddies and I flew to Phoenix for a week of fun and excitement! We went to Scottsdale, Tempe, Sedona, Jerome, Flagstaff, Williams, and the Grand Canyon. We had a great time eating, shopping, touring, and traveling around the city! I'm blessed to have great friends who love to travel as much as I do!!
One of the highlights of our trip was the jeep tour in the Sedona red rocks! It was awesome!!
This picture shows the essence of our friendship! It was a beautiful sight at the top of the red rocks!
We took a train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon. What a relaxing trip and such beautiful scenery!!
These beautiful flowers grow all over the southwest! Just looking at them makes me happy! Phoenix is a lovely city ~ a great place to visit and live!