“The month of August had turned into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzled.” ― Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees

August 1

Grandson Knox is ready for all the firsts

First day of school — First day of Middle School — First day of Fifth Grade

borrowed this pic from his mom Kelly

August 4

Granddaughter Ella is ready for her pre-ballet class

borrowed this pic from her mom Kelly

August 9

First day of school (Mother’s Day Out pre-school)

She was excited to see all her friends again

borrowed this pic from her mom

August 13

Neil and I enjoyed lunch at Mamma Rosa’s with the cool kids

Grandson Elijah and his girlfriend Kiara and granddaughter Shelby

Thankful they don’t mind hanging out with the old folks

August 13

Ella had a close encounter of the moo kind at the county fair

Pony ride

A county fair Grandpa tradition — riding the merry-go-round with the grands

Knox and friend flying on the swings

Ella wanted to ride everything — even a roller coaster

Her mom Kelly rode this one with her 

Knox and friend are right behind

Screams are optional

August 16

Neil and I enjoyed lunch at Steak n Shake with Shelby

This was her last week of summer freedom before

she had to pack up and head back to college

August 17

16th Birthday = Driver’s License

Congratulations, E!

Celebrating 16 with family and friend

The picture on the right was taken by Elijah’s dad Jerry on their way home from a doctor appointment

where ten year old E was given a blue balloon tied around his wrist. I think this is one of

everyone’s favorite pictures of E because here’s this ten year old kid, staring straight ahead through those cool shades with this balloon tied around his wrist. Maybe just a tad too old to get a balloon at the doctor’s office, much less tied to his wrist. And he’s good with it.

Doesn’t get much cooler than this.

The picture over the years has achieved legendary proportions in our family.

So on his 16th birthday, he was good-humored enough to have fun with it and recreate the look.

But wait, there’s more …..

It’s been suggested by various family members over the years that this picture

would make a great T-shirt. His cousin Sarah put the idea into motion and had T-shirts

made for all of us to wear on this milestone occasion. E’s cousin Knox happily modeled

the T-shirt as E recreated the iconic look.

Needless to say, never in his wildest dreams was E expecting all of his party peeps

to walk in wearing this awesome T-shirt. Of course, we were all in on it, and his mom Holly even

planned his party theme around that long-ago blue balloon. He was totally surprised, and it made

for a very memorable 16th birthday.

Elijah and Sarah

Thanks again, Sarah, for making it happen!

August 18

Another close encounter of the moo kind

Moo!

August 21

Momma’s little kitchen helper stirring up homemade spaghetti sauce

borrowed this pic from Kelly

August 27

Be happy

August 29

Grass growing update

The front yard is green again

August 31

“Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

With your one wild and precious life?”

~Mary Oliver