2025, July 14-20

Summertime, and we're living easy. 

We had a fair amount of Hallie hanging out with work friends even when she wasn't working, herself. 

Eliza has found her next item to save up for: these lovely flowered boots. 

Dutch Bros. had a promotion where you could get a floaty for your drink while you're chillin' in the pool. Now we need the pool. 

Mom used the last of the blueberries we received from Gma and Gpa M from their trip to see Riley and his family to make protein pancakes. Delish! 

Hallie also got these homemade bagels from next door. Yum!

Somehow, a stick has made it into our yard. It probably came from one of Eliza's trips. Kai likes it. A lot. 

Despite being fed, Fergus was really whiny for food one day this week. Eliza obliged him with treats. 

Mike caught this little slice of Michigan on his way home from donating plasma on Friday. 

Hallie and Alicia went up to Hidden Peaks Provisions in Midway. They took Brooklyn, who did better than this picture would indicate. 

They brought back treats to share, including some amazing cinnamon rolls and cookies. 

Landon has finally finished his driver's ed class. He has a couple more days of training to go before he can take his road test. He managed to evade the camera this week. 

We've been following YouTuber Ryan Trahan and his wife Haley's 50 States in 50 Days fundraiser for St. Jude's Hospital. They have frequently gone to a place called 7 Brews for their morning coffee fix. We decided to try it out (sorry, Starbucks! We still like you too). Kai got a pup cup. 

Then Hallie was back to work! 

Here we are at our Sunday Social. It was hot out, but the shade was nice. 

The cat trap is working. Ferg was quite social, going from one chair to another and generally hanging out with the people and dogs. 

Speaking of, here's Enzo (or Potato, or Burrito, or Wolfy, take your pick). 

 

2025, July 7-13

Summer has brought with it unexpected changes. Some are welcome; some are not. 

Through it all, "Happiness is a warm puppy," as the saying goes. 

The kitty is enjoying the summer warmth himself. Here we see him getting into Eliza's business on the lounger chair out front. 

Pablo from down the block seems to like hanging out with Ferg. He's not as fond of getting caught while doing it. 

Kai really can't stand to be apart from his people, especially his mama (AKA Hallie).

Hallie got fancy summer nails this week. 

Kai got to hang out with Kohar's new addition, Enzo the shih tsu/poodle mix she got on Sunday.  

Hallie received some very unwelcome news on Wednesday when Mr. Flemming at Springville High said Mrs. Kelly wanted to go in a new direction at the preschool and that Hallie's services would no longer be needed. The news came like a heavy blow. Fortunately, someone as good and kind and competent as Hallie has friends everywhere. Her Starbucks friends came through for her especially. 

And of course, holding a newborn baby always helps too. 

Isn't Brooklyn a cutie?

It was only a matter of time before the babies got together. 

Oh! We caught her (almost) looking at the camera! 

On Thursday, Mike took his morning students to his former alma mater to see the Museum of Art, the library, and some other parts of campus. They had fun and hopefully added some new vocabulary along with appreciation for the arts. 

Before he went back to PACE for the afternoon class, Mike and Eliza collaborated on some potential art for Hallie. The image is one of a torii gate topped with Minnie Mouse ears within which are the number 50 and a cherry blossom. It's a good thing they completed their work today because Mike lost Adobe Creative Cloud (again!) with Hallie's departure from the school district. Those people are fast! 

Let's appreciate a slumbering Fergus for a minute here. 

Silvi needed some bling, and Hallie brought it with some stickers she owned and accumulated after we bought the car. 

We finally put this Michigan sticker we've had for a long while to its intended use. Much love, Detroit! Plus, here's a bit of Montana love in anticipation of our upcoming move. 

We love you, California, and of course Utah is BeaUTiful (?, why not "Be-Utah-ful"?).

Eliza discovered that she could make an inflated blanket tent over the office AC vent. Of course, it only works when the air is blowing. 

Aww! Here again is Enzo (or maybe Potato? How about Wolverine? Kohar isn't set on Enzo). Hallie and Eliza looked after him and Ruben on Friday for a little bit while Kohar worked. 

Mike even got to hang out with the doggos (and Kai too). Later, Priscilla came by to chat and enjoy the pups.  

Hallie only has a few more shifts at Starbucks at Smith's before it's back to being full-time in Eliza's school life. Summer is going by way too fast! Apparently the baristas have made friends with the owner of a restaurant in Springville called Goong Korean BBQ, and she brought sushi for them. 

Forasmuch as she won't be at the preschool come fall, Hallie has lots of little friends and their families who no one can take away. It was a special treat, Hallie said, to look up and see brothers Mark and Charlie at the store today. After also seeing one of her previous high school students, she had to step away to take a break after shedding some tears.