We've hit the 24 year mark!! I still love this man of mine, albeit more than I did the day we got married. We were reminiscing about the journey we've walked together these past 24 years. The good, the hard, the beautiful, and the heart breaking. Wouldn't trade any of it; all those experiences have made us who we are as a husband and wife and family. I wouldn't trade this journey with him by my side for anything.
I love that he still makes me laugh; even when I think I don't want to 😁
I've been making him cards for a very long time when it comes to birthdays, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and our anniversary. Just in the last year I made that my new rule for him. I didn't want any more store bought cards. I absolutely love the cards he makes me!!!
Our anniversary cards to each other.
Elsa was so sweet. She wanted to make me an anniversary breakfast on Monday.
She made bacon and scrambled eggs all by herself, and then she cut up strawberries for me.
Here I am enjoying a very thoughtful meal. I hadn't quite finished doing my hair when Elsa finished making my breakfast. I didn't want it to get cold.
Rheavyn was very sweet to volunteer to watch the little kids so that we could go celebrate our anniversary. We tried a new restaurant here in town and got fajitas for two. Then we went for a walk at Lewisville Park. The weather was gorgeous, and it was so peaceful. We sat on a bench for a while just enjoying each other 's company and listening to the sound of the river.
This was our view. As dusk approached, and the park closed for the evening, I made a request: sitting on the couch together, watching a British drama, and eating Oreo cookies and milk. Great ending for the night. Here we go for 25!!
Myles and his garden.
He absolutely loves gardening. He is growing several types of flowers,
potatoes, strawberries, and beans. He is also attempting an orange tree
and of course two avocado plants.
Sister Lee gave him this little hedgehog who he has affectionately named Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle (Beatrix Potter). She also gave him a frog which is in my flower garden: Mr. Jeremy Fisher (also Beatrix Potter).
Elsa is trying to grow flowers that look like stars. I think they are called cypress vine.
We've had such beautiful weather with quite a breeze at times. The kids were enjoying the trampoline this past week with a bit of dodge ball mixed in.
Wednesday has turned into our field trip day. Today we walked the halls of The Academy.
Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart Order was the founder of it. It was a hospital, orphanage, and school. Mother Joseph came to the Vancouver area in the early 1850's. She was six feet tall, from Canada (she only spoke French), and she was an architect, social worker, nun, metal and woodworker. She taught a local man how to make bricks. This became his business, and he made a very good living because of this learned skill. He made over one million bricks for The Academy. We learned so much about this amazing woman.
Our tour guide showed us a picture of the last graduating class of 1966. She was part of that class. Her mother and grandmother had also gone to The Academy.
On the third floor you can see the rope to the bell. We didn't get to ring it, although I have heard from another tour guide that some times you are allowed to ring it.
Myles forgot to bring his jacket, so he was a bit cold while we were outside.
Mother Joseph helped carve the alter in this chapel which is on the second floor with a balcony on the third and fourth floor. There are a few original pews, which she also designed and helped make.
I love the architecture and character of old buildings. This building did not disappoint.
I loved all the storage. It showed that it was definitely designed by a woman.
The door handles were put lower on many of the doors, and the banisters and handrails were also lower...........all designed with children in mind. Just right for Meg.
This spiral staircase was so pretty.
This door was just the right size for Aeva .................ha, ha, ha!
This section in the middle of the circular drive is in the shape of a heart....................Mother Joseph designed it that way since she was of the Sacred Heart Oder.
Just Aeva and me😃
Oh, she has housing for the fall. Not what she had originally wanted, but it's something which she says is better than nothing. BYU called Tuesday to say they had several openings for dorms with the sink in the room. So, she has a bed, but she put her name on the waiting list for a shared suite which is what she really wants. If one doesn't come open she will still have the room with the sink in it. Yay!
Friday while Rhaevyn babysat Meg's friend, KK, and Chris worked on the suburban, the rest of us went and got free donuts at Krispy Kreme.
After the kids were in bed Molly came and snuggled up with me on the couch.
On Saturday I had a five mile hike with the young women. Chris was working on the suburban's brakes. I took Rhaevyn and Elsa with me, and Myles said he'd keep Meg entertained while Aeva finished up reading the Book of Mormon for seminary and Personal Progress. We hiked at Moulton Falls, which is up the road, and I don't think I've ever been there in the 20 + years I've lived here. It was absolutely gorgeous. Elsa had a friend to talk and hike with and was in heaven with that.
Such a cute little cottage.
Every summer teenagers jump off this bridge even though a sign is clearly posted saying no jumping or diving, and every year there is at least one teen badly injured, life-flighted, or dies because they disregard the warning.
We crossed the bridge and stopped to rest here before we headed back up the hill to end our hike.
I walked a bit by myself because I was in between the fast hikers and the slow hikers. I loved just how peaceful it was, and I loved hearing the birds calling. It was nice to just be alone with my own thoughts.
It's the final countdown for seminary for Aeva, and seminary graduation is on Sunday. Then one week left of college classes and finals. We are starting to collect items for college life, and Aeva is slowly boxing items up in her room that she won't be taking to college. It's starting to get real!!!! Looking forward to the adventures of this week!
