2022, April 25 - May 1

Stormy weather tried to come to town, but the wind kept blowing it away. 

Dad, Landon, and Eliza took a field trip out to Camp Floyd on Monday. Landon rode up on the bus with his classmates, and Mike and Eliza drove. We saw the stagecoach inn, mustered as troops with muskets, and made bricks and candles. Because Mike and Eliza beat the busses, she got a solo tour of the inn. 

L was kind of elusive, but we did manage to get a pic. Do you spot the teenager?

On the way back home, Mike cashed in his Dutch Bros. birthday gift. He also placed a sticker on the sticker pilon. Can you find it? 

On Tuesday, Dad and E took advantage of the warm weather to do a little art on the front lawn. 

On Wednesday, while we were at the Payson Library doing Eliza's schoolwork, Mike noticed a favorite book among those in the book club section. We have a kindred spirit among the library staff and patrons! 

The weather was such that not only could we ride outdoors, but that E could ride in her tank top. 

Thursday brought dinner at Hobble Creek Dental Care, where they're celebrating 10 years. We're actually really enjoying the festivities and the food from the Smokin' Roadside Grill, Jurassic Taco, and Art City Donuts food trucks. Not all of us are sure Dad should be taking a side shot of the women in the family. Eliza had a bloody nose on the way to the fun, and when the Hallie and Eliza got to Hobble Creek Dental, Hallie magically hit her glasses into her face. Ouch!!! 

After our early supper, Mike and Landon returned home, while Hallie and Eliza drove over to Creekside. Mike went for a kite flight, and Landon and Fergus joined him a little later. Landon got Fergus riled up.

But Ferg is a mellow fellow, and soon he just hung out with us for a bit. 

Mike waxes nostalgic seeing the Boy fly his kite, which is not much younger than the Boy. We reminisced about the day almost exactly ten years ago (!) when this very kite took a plunge into Lake St. Clair.  Mike has a great memory because Hallie doesn't remember this story. But, if you ask Hallie she will tell you she doesn't remember yesterday.

Eliza rode indoors this evening, and she practiced jumping. Thursday was quite windy. We are so lucky to have an indoor barn so lessons are not canceled as often as they could be. Eliza rode Echo, a horse that has been on lease. Basically, Echo lived at another barn in Utah for a while. Echo did well with Eliza, and Eliza did well with Echo. Trainer Sara felt that Eliza's confidence was a little shaken with Juneau and thought she should ride with some horses that have more experience for a bit. 

Once the boys returned indoors, Fergus needed some ZZZs. Mike caught him blepping. 

On Friday, Eliza's friend Christina brought over a newborn kitten from her house. Say hi to Zelda. No, we're not keeping her. 

Zelda gave Mike a kiss on the lips. Eliza almost caught a pic. 

Fergus found another cat trap. 

During Eliza's psychologist appointment, she reviewed how to break down a big task into smaller parts. 

When we got home, she made a task list for cleaning her bedroom. We're grateful to Kelsey for this piece of advice. Some days are harder than others, and some tasks can be a real challenge, so these tools her counselors have given Eliza really help. 

The skies Sunday morning showed signs of an impending storm. We did get a few sprinkles (like basically enough to dirty the car), but no more. We are glad that the rain held off a bit so Hallie and Mike could get dirt put in the garden boxes and even later Hallie and Eliza put the lettuce they had bought several weeks ago.

We got a bit of drama as part of the evening view.