This is 49

I am so fortunate to have my birthday often fall on or near a 3-day weekend. This year was no different. We took the opportunity to sneak away for the weekend to Eagle to stay with the Smileys. It has been some time since we have been able to spend time with them so it was so great to be there!  

The weather wasn’t great for much of the weekend so we took the opportunity to play cards, watch movies and relax. The boys played a bunch of pool and also did the Oculus. The adults got away for an adult dinner on Saturday night. And we all watched the original Top Gun on Sunday and then went to the new version in the theatre on Monday. We got in a bit of hiking, threw the frisbee around and Marshall got some chipping and putting practice in. 

The boys made a yummy dinner for my birthday and I treated myself to some new clothes at Rachel’s store. It was wonderful to have a personal shopper to help me! 

It certainly has been an interesting year, but I’m happy I’m here to experience it. Without the rain, there is no rainbow and I hope I can continue to see the rainbow through the clouds of life. 

What a generous birthday gift from my Snapdocs’ coworkers 

Graduation party fun on Friday night before taking off to Eagle 

Off to Costco 

So so true 

Yummy dinner 

Hiking before the storm moved in 

What a beautiful table for my birthday dinner 

Yummy desserts to celebrate 49! 

Graduation Parade

The 3rd annual Monarch parade was held today on a beautiful sunny day. While originally scheduled for last Friday, it was rescheduled due to snow and rescheduled again to avoid Memorial Day weekend. D-man was bummed when he thought he would miss it so I’m so glad that he was able to participate. 

His friends didn’t participate for various reasons so we gussied up the old minivan - the chariot proves her value again! What a special time for me to spend with D-man. Things like “I feel like a celebrity” and “they know my name because of the banner” really warmed my heart. He also commented on how much work it took on for the event which I also appreciated. 

While driving, “Even though I’m leaving” came on and the lyrics hit home as we venture into this next phase of our lives. 

Just 'cause I'm leavin' / It don't mean that I won't be right by your side / When you need me / And you can't see me in the middle of the night / Just close your eyes and say a prayer / It's okay, I know you're scared when I'm not here / But I'll always be right there
Even though I'm leavin', I ain't goin' nowhere 

On our way 

Staging area 

Love this one 

Turning onto Main Street 

Main Street ❤️

Marshall watching parade - all the destruction in the background 

Headed to Superior 

Parade watchers 

Fire truck in the parade 

Good use of the lax banner 

So much in this picture  If this was any other year, having the house in the background would not be a big deal, but today it means a lot. 

Bummer on other side of neighborhood where 10 seniors lost their homes 

Have Your Cake

And eat it too! 

D-man commented again how cool his cake was (yay). We actually dug into it tonight to keep the celebrations going. D-man had his senior BBQ today and picked up his diploma and also attended a graduation party. Yay for regular things like graduation parties and school celebrations 

He didn’t know his name was on it (I had to do a little repair work) 

More pics - just cuz

3D Printing

T-man finally fired up the 3D printer this weekend and is starting to understand how it all works (and how much work it is!). Problem solving at its finest. 

The Signs

Still snow on the ground on Saturday afternoon

The signs at school - D-man and John alphabetically next to each other 

We added more - so much to be proud of 

Grad Par-Tays

With all of our graduation obligations competed, we were able to enjoy time at the house/outside in the sun. Michelle and I did go for a nice walk and D-man and I hit two graduation parties on Saturday. At one of them, we were unincorporated Lafayette and D-man commented that it looked like Nebraska (no sidewalks, big yards and trees like Nebraska). The food was served out of the garage and the grandparents lived in an RV during the summer behind the property so I can see what he was taking about….. 

On Sunday, we had five parties and Marshall was able to go to three of them because they were outside which was so nice. T-man didn’t want to go, but ended up having a nice time at them all. It was just so nice to see so many folks and see D-man engaging with his classmates. And seeing so many friends and community members is the reason we moved here. Congrats to all the grads - May your futures be bright.

so glad that D-man was willing to attend with me (wood chips down to soak up the mud from the snow) 

“Nebraska” party

JT - met during pirate football 

Ian - neighbor friend since we first moved to Louisville 

Alicia - “raccoon” with D-man on Peter Pan Jr. 

Keira - card playing partner 

The younger brothers playing soccer - such a good group of kids 

Bros! 

Proud of this kid 

What a great party at Hadley’s - the decorations were great! 

 

Brunch Celebration

We didn’t think we would be having any celebrations with the weather, COVID, etc., but we continued with the brunch outside so Marshall could eat with us. 

It ended up being quite lovely and I was happy to be able to make our original plan happen. Of course, we missed family members, but we were so happy for the efforts EVERYONE made to get here. 

Getting ready 

Flowers and balloons 

I got to use the picks for their original intention ❤️

Santiago’s burritos and mimosas 

Gotta love the chariot in the back (and Marshall’s mug is completely appropriate) 

Family 

Home Celebration

We celebrated the graduate with pizza and drinks in our humble set up. It certainly is not how I pictured D-man’s party, but the people are what is important - not the things. I know this and yet, it still played with my emotions this week with so many ups and downs. 

However, D-man continued to be wonderful and appreciative - and show resilience. 

Earned it.