Summer Kickoff!

(6/4) Work for me today, school for the boys, and Dad had the day off. Dad went to the farmer's market to pick up some mead from one of our favorites.  He said that was an exercise in frustration, as traffic was going every which way. And then he stopped at the grocery store and that was slow going too.  But we'll enjoy the mead, so I was glad he went. 

Hummingbird visitor

(6/5) C was so excited--all his new computer parts have arrived and they could finally start building it! We were short an HDMI cable, but he was able to hook it up to the monitor downstairs and verify that everything worked. I worked today, and then joined Sarah at a gathering against racism. We held signs along the side of the road as passersby honked.

(6/6) C called me from downstairs to tell me the espresso machine was broken and wouldn't give him his latte. LOL!  I've created monsters. I went down to help him--turns out it was still set on clean, not latte. I took a kick-boxing class this morning while C and Dad got started painting his room--he's decided he's done with the #REDROOM. They got everything primed and let it dry for a bit. Dad rebuilt the third toilet in the house this morning while I took a turn helping C paint. I stopped midday to go to a rally promoting BLM with Sarah. It was great to see my city show up and listen to *all* of our kids. One of the speakers called up all our Black and Brown kiddos to recognize and empower them. It starting absolutely pouring toward the end, so we bailed and made a run for the car.  

(6/7) The boys and I were home today, and Dad had to work. C and I finished touching up the paint in his room and put it back together. He's very happy with it!  I worked out in the garden for a bit and thinned our raspberries, which have gone bananas. C was thrilled to have his new computer all put together, so we let him go off and play all his downloaded games, which left us alone with the TV after the kiddos went to bed. We watched some stand-up and called it a day. All day I've been feeling like today wasn't Sunday, and was very disappointed to have to set my alarm and go to it again tomorrow. 

C's room

(6/8) Annnnnd Monday again. A neighbor's car alarm kept going off last night, so we weren't very bright-eyed and bushy tailed today. I was grumpy, the kids were grumpy, and it was all sorts of fun getting everyone going this morning. Dad brought us home pizza as a treat tonight and that turned things around, but yeah, it was a long day for us all. 

(6/9) Work day for Dad and me, and the boys had school. It was pouring this morning, so Sarah and I opted out of our daily walk. I had a class this morning (online) so told the kids they would need to fend for themselves again. I took a Zumba class this evening because I had done literally nothing all day but sit. The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow. Loafing around one day is enough!

(6/10) Dad and I had the day off today. The boys did their schooling, and I attended a webinar on Leafcutter bees and learned a few new things. I went out to check our cocoons this morning, and ended up picking up a hitchhiker that came in the house with me. The bee flew into the sink and got all wet, so I scooped it up and took it back outside and placed it in our strawberries (one of this particular bee's favorites). They're so tiny! We took the dogs to the beach this afternoon. It was pretty muggy out, and Cass was gassed after running after the ball a few times. He took the ball down to lay in the water and cool off. Noodle was a butt and kept picking fights with other dogs, so earned himself time on the leash. Dad found a huge agate, and the boys and I helped hunt for other beach treasures. 

(6/11) Work and school for the boys and me, and Dad had the day off. Dad got the boys in for hair cuts this morning. They look so handsome! A lot of hair hit the floor when it was C's turn. He was due before the lock-down, but he wouldn't let me touch it. They're all feeling much lighter. Dad said our boys took up the entire salon with the reduced capacity. 

(6/12) I had a dentist appointment this morning--that was an experience!--and then went back home to work. There were major protests today held in Seattle, and many other major cities. Snohomish also had one to reclaim First Street. I participated in that one with Sarah and her parents. I was happy to see there was a pretty good turn-out!  The organizers are out there every day, and will be aiming for larger groups on Fridays.  I think I'll try to hit those and lend my voice. 

(6/13) Rainy Saturday. Dad had to work today, so the boys and I were cooped up inside on our respective devices. The children were cranky and at each other alllll day. Cabin fever has hit a high. We had all the windows open to listen to the rain this evening, and that was peaceful, and seemed to cool some tempers. 

(6/14) The boys and I had a lazy Sunday, while Dad worked. I read my book and then did some yard work.  I'm loving my back yard right now -- all the tansy, poppies, and clover are in bloom. I also ordered some new hanging pot holders, so I installed those, and weeded while listening to an audiobook. The sun came out and it was a pretty lovely afternoon. 

(6/15) Monday again. It was a misty-drizzly morning, though my phone said it wasn't. Thanks, phone. Sarah and I went for our walk, and then came home for work/school.  This is the boys' last week!  We're all ready for them to be done, but at the same time, I can't believe it's June and is time already.  

(6/16) Busy-busy day of work meetings for me, work for Dad, and school for the boys. They were pretty much done with their schoolwork and on their own early in the day. I took an on demand Zumba class this evening while the boys took over the TV and watched Captain Underpants for the umpteenth time. We can pretty much quote the episodes at this point. Needless to say, I didn't mind missing another viewing! 

(6/17) Dad and I had the day off today. The kiddos had a few school things to complete, and we were able to pick up C's yearbook. He has the sullen teenager look down pat. It was pretty outside today, so we grilled and ate dinner outside. The boys and I checked out a new-to-us park near us, took a stroll, and then went for Slurpees for dessert.  

(6/18) We kicked today off with a walk in the sunshine, and then I settled in to work. Dad had the day off, and he and C went up to Rob's to work on cars. The twins had a little bit of school work to do, and D had his last class Zoom of the year. J's has his tomorrow, and that's it! I found myself outside doing yard work around 7:30p. I love how light it is out now. 

(6/19) Work day for me, last day for the kiddos, and day off for Dad. It was a pretty anti-climatic finish to the school year. The boys had some last Zooms, and then were done. It remains to be seen what will happen in the fall. I know they're hoping for in-person school, but we just don't know. We're capable of doing at home learning, and the boys really do seem to prefer it, but I hope that's not the case for the entire year. I really am better as their parent, and not their teacher! 

(6/20) Dad has to work tomorrow, so we did Father's Day today. We ordered take-out from El Paraiso tonight and Dad picked up a huckleberry cream pie from the Snohomish Pie Co. Oh myyyyy, so good! He requested a subscription to MotorTrend this year, which we had gifted to him earlier. I called Granddad and wished him a happy day. My brother is out visiting, and they had gone for a sail. Lovely afternoon for it!  

(6/21) It was sort of a dreary morning today, perfect to curl up with a book and coffee. I read for a few hours and the boys were engrossed in their video games. It cleared up this afternoon, and J went down to the park to enjoy. 

(6/22) Work day for Dad and me, and the kiddos were left to their own devices to entertain themselves for the day. I put the umbrella up outside and we ate dinner outside tonight. It was gorgeous out!  I watched our bees work and took some cool pictures this afternoon. I also checked on the birdies. They're getting fuzzy! 

(6/23) Busy meeting-filled day for me. I went walking with Sarah this morning, and then was pretty much glued to my chair for the rest of the day. S and S stopped by tonight on their way to the airport. C has surpassed S in height, and she was shocked by tall he is and how deep has voice has gotten. It was so good to see them!  We've missed them!

(6/24) I have the day off today and started it off by taking a muggy walk with Sarah and then coming home for Zumba. I don't have anything else planned for the day, and am looking forward to a lazy afternoon with my nose in a book.