Friday, 6/27/25, Got up at 8, Kimmy, Eli and Adam came at around 10. The boys went on bike rides. We relaxed outside for a while, then ate lunch. After lunch, Eli, Isaac and Peyton went swimming. We got a downpour, the kids moved to the indoor pool, we quickly put chairs etc. away outside and put the awning in, we all got wet but Kimmy got soaked. Adam, Vikki, Kimmy and I played 3-13, the girls went to look at a bike for Peyton, it was a boys bike, took Eli and Isaac to look at it

VBS was amazing at our church this year.  The first day was super hot and the fire station next door brought a firetruck over and sprayed so the kids and workers could run through it and cool down.  The rainbow was awesome!  What a great start to the week!

Love this balloon tune for the kids and workers to go through to get in to the sanctuary

Lucy was a tired little doggie

Cool pens Eli made!  He let me pick one and told anyone else they could pick one to if they wanted

Oriole is always beautiful and a joy to see

Elijah

Adam was a great scorekeeper for 3-13

Isaac fixing Eli’s bike for him

Relaxing outside

Adam was hanging out with me in the camper while Vikki, Kimmy, Isaac and Eli went to look at a bike that was for sale...Kimmy ended up getting the bike for Eli for $30.  Great deal

I got up at 8 to get ready.  I was going to drive home to get a bike for Peyton, but Vikki said not to and Peyton said she didn’t want me to go get the bike.  I will just bring it back with  me Sunday.  We ate cereal for breakfast and had coffee.  Peyton tried Mocha coffee, but didn’t really like it.  Isaac loves it!  We put all the chairs and hammocks out for when Kimmy and the boys get here.

They got here and we sat outside and visited and Adam relaxed in the hammock.  Kimmy, Vikki and I had amazing macaroni salad that Kimmy made for us.  Yum!  It was delicious.  The kids weren’t hungry.  A while later I made sandwiches for the kids and then they all picked the packs of donuts they wanted from Sam’s Club, either powdered sugar or chocolate.  Kimmy and Vikki sturdied up the flat bird feeder Vikki bought so it doesn’t tip when birds get on it.  They did a great job.  The oriole was back today, so was the bluejay.  Also a a few black birds which we didn’t want.  Then we had the black squirrel return.  The last two listed don’t excite me too much.

Vikki cut up the watermelon I brought for us.  I was so thankful. She did a great job.  It was really a good tasting one.  Peyton, Isaac and Eli went swimming at the  outside pool.  Adam, Vikki, Kimmy and I decided to play 3-13 and Adam was the scorekeeper.  It didn’t start off too good for Adam, but started out great for me.  Then it quickly reversed.  I got stuck with lots of points and decided I might as well try for 3-13.  We had a downpour, so we all ran outside to hammocks and move chairs under the clam.  Kimmy started closing the sides of the clam and got soaked.  We were wet, but not like her!  I put in the awning because Bill didn’t have it tilted and I didn’t want it to collapse.  I was going to put it back out but the girls said to wait.  Good thing because it downpours again.  The kids moved to the inside pool when it first rained.  

Vikki took Kimmy with her to look at a bike for Peyton.  When they got there, it was a man sized boy’s bike.  They came back and got Eli and Isaac to look at it.  Kimmy wanted to get it for Eli.  Eli liked it and Kimmy got a good deal on it.  I looked at it when they came back and it looked really nice.  Adam decided to go for a swim.  He was still swimming when Kimmy and Vikki got back.  They stayed for a little while longer and Eli rode his bike.  He liked it.  All the kids went down to the dock for a while.  Kimmy and I were going to go down there after we found out Peyton who we were looking for was with them too, but Vikki let us know that they were back at the camper.  Kimmy and the boys left shortly after that.  It sure was a fun day.  Adam and Hope might come up tomorrow.  He is going to let me know. 

We had Fergie’s pizza for dinner and breadsticks.  It was so good and is my favorite pizza.  

On our way home, we saw the eagle pictured above.  There was a dead fawn on the side of the road and we figured it must be going to go eat it.  Peyton took the best pictures of the Eagle.  We sat outside for a while and a Grossbeak came and ate off the feeder.  It was beautiful. We were tired, so we came in and Vikki played the Bible and she and the kids followed along in their Bibles.  I had already did my Bible reading, but listened to theirs.  They all prayed and then we all went to bed.  They do this every night which I love and I am so thankful for.  I talked to Melissa a few times tonight.  

Thursday, 6/26/25, Slept in, had eggs and sausage for breakfast, relaxed in hammock, went to Northwoods, the dollar store and a grocery store, hung out outside, played 3-13. Cool day mostly in 60-s and low 70’s

Isaac sleeping quite soundly while the air mattress he is sleeping on that papa patched yesterday has lost most of its air

Isaac is having a lot of fun with his Jeep

Peyton keeping the fire going

The oriole came back today, even when we were siting really close

It rained some during the night.  We slept in until 9.  I made eggs and sausage for breakfast and we had orange juice with it.  We relaxed outside in our hammocks although it was pretty cool outside.  

We went shopping to Northwoods, The Dollar Tree and Dollar General, plus a nice grocery store.  We got a paper towel holder which Vikki hung up for me.  It’s nice not having it down in the cupboard.  Our ice maker in the refrigerator started making the ice.  It can be cubes or really finely crushed.  The crushed is amazing!   

We came back and ate lunch.  Vikki and Peyton had PB&J sandwiches and Isaac and I had Jack’s oven roasted turkey and cheese.  We all had chips too.  We walked to the Camp store afterward and got some fire starters.  I got Isaac an ice cream cone too as he didn’t have one last night when we did.  We came back and relaxed in the hammocks again and watched the birds.  I fell asleep and took a good nap.  Isaac played with his remote car a lot.

Isaac made a fire.  The wood was wet so it took a while for him to get it started.  We all ate s’mores and then came in the camper to finish our game of 3-13 we started yesterday.  Peyton won!  Melissa called and they are coming for the fireworks on the 5th.  Kimmy texted me and they are coming then too.  Yay!  Jacob let me know Abi’s parents got to Jamaica safely.  I was happy to hear that.  

Wednesday , 6/25/25, went at 6:30 for a blood test, watered plants, filled bird feeders, exciting to see new blossoms on the new plants we planted in the front of the house, Bill drove the motor home

Vikki and Lucy chilling

Isaac with his remote control Jeep he got today.  So much fun watching him with it.

Isaac relaxing after working hard to help us set up. 

Our campsite

Peyton Chllling after she worked hard helping us set up too

Bill and I went home because he has a VA appt. tomorrow and also is mentoring someone.  He has a zoom meeting in the evening tomorrow too.  Then he is coming back up. Vikki saw an oriole on the bird feeder she brought to the campground.  She texted me to bring a dish and jelly so we would get the oriole back.   I went to Rody’s to pick up Isaac’s Jeep that was delivered tonight.  Also got some sunflower seeds and peanuts Vikki wanted me to bring up north and Peyton pink fishing pole and tackle box

Fun playing 3-13.  We only got to round 8 and quit because we wee all tired.  We will finish tomorrow.

I was playing 3-13 with Lauren Dangle lol.

Cute pictures of the kids in their beds at night

Rose of Sharon Bush starting to get blossoms

Pretty pink flowers 

Our Hydrangea is looking beautiful this year

 I got up at 5:45 so I could get my bloodwork done early. I got there and realized I didn’t have the order.  I went home quickly and got back at 7:05.  Good thing I live pretty close.  It Wendell and I didn’t feel it. The girl was super nice.  Bill and I finished packing and he hung the curtain in the hallway. We left around 1 pm.  Vikki got there before us and they wouldn’t let her park on our site without paying if our camper wasn’t there.  New rules are kind of crazy, but everything is free for us now with not even a maintenance fee.  She waited and saw us when we were coming.and we all got in freF. v vav e.  

We all set up and Peyton and Isaac we such great helpers with everything. Very thankful for all their help.  It didn’t take long and we were done with the clam and  we were all set to relax. Bill, Peyton and I went to register and got ice cream cones.  We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, then Bill drove us home.  We got things we had forgot and loaded them in my car.  Then I went to Rody’s and got the stuff Vikki wanted me to bring up and I headed back up north.  Vikki, Peyton and I relaxed in our hammocks while Isaac played with his car.  

When it started getting dark, we came in the camper and played 3-13.  We quit at round 8.  I am in the lead.  We will finish tomorrow.  We are all tired so going to bed.

Tues., 6/24/25, Had.a great doctor appt., visited Roy and Marie, went to Walmart and Marshalls, Bill power washed the camper, the motorcycle and my car, unloaded the dishwasher for me and took care of the laundry in the dryer, packed stuff in camper, hung curtains, Vikki and the kids came over to load stuff, Went to Target, Home Depot, and Meijer to find a stool/

The curtains I hung in the camper for Vikki’s sleeping area.  Bill patched the air mattress that was in the camper.  We have a new one coming tomorrow, but will use the old one as long as it holds up.  Blowing it up and deflating is so fast and easy.  

Got this great Costco stool which is lighter than the ladder was and much easier to get up on the bed and down.  It took me about 5 seconds to go up and 5 to come down.  It will be so much easier for Vikki.  Much much easier for me.

I caught a raccoon in the live trap.  Yay!  I put a garbage can and set a high plastic outside table over it to shade it until Bill got up to take care of it.  I had to leave so left him a note.  I had a 9:10 dermatologist appointment this morning so put a load of laundry in and got ready for that.  Had a great appointment.  He was so happy I don’t have any more eczema symptoms.  I am so happy too.  I feel like I have my life back with the itching gone completely.  I went shopping for a swimming suit.  They don’t make the modest kind I like with the shorts and separate top.  I was sad there weren’t any.  I got two and will have Bill help me decide which one.  I will return the other one.  I picked up chicken noodle soup and chicken salad sandwiches and took lunch to have with Roy and Marie.  We had a good visit and they really like the soup and sandwiches.  It was so good to be able to spend time with them again.  We have been gone so much, and now will be gone again tomorrow for our family camping.  Bill will be home to plan the State Rally for CMA, but will come up when he can.  The grandkids always like to come up for the day and also take turns spending the night.  Can’t wait!

I was very happy today that Bill power washed the motorcycle, the camper and my car.  They all look so nice.  There was even room in this camper to put the clam in a storage area.  

He also unloaded the dishwasher and folded two loads of clothes.  That was such a great help on top of all the outside stuff he did.  

Vikki, Peyton and Isaac came over and loaded their stuff in the camper.  We are all excited to be going camping again.  After they left, I went to Target, Home Depot, and Meijer to look for the stool I wanted that would work for the camper.  I got a lightweight Costco one at Target, but still wanted to look at the other stores because I wasn’t sure if it would work.

Home Depot didn’t have any and Meijer had the same one I got.  I talked to Melissa while I shopped.  Poor Bruce backed into Hailey’s car and put a hole in the bumper.  Bummer!  I was very happy when I got home and tried it in the camper and it worked great.  I FaceTimed Vikki to show her.  I also got a clothes drying rack for in the camper.  We can’t use the one on the back now because our new one has a fiberglass roof and not a rubber roof so we don’t need to get up there now.  

I have to get a blood test tomorrow before we go, so will get up at 6 to go and beat the crowd.  Then I will come home and pack the last minute stuff.  Going to bed now so I can be an early bird tomorrow.  It’s 12:23 a..m.  

 

Monday, 6/23/25, Very hot 97 degree day, Slept in, Jacob came to swim after he got out of work, Gabrielle Y. passed away,

Nice picture of Bill from a news interview

Papa and Jacob...we had fun hanging out with him after he got out of work and came over to for a swim to cool down

Bill had to go to an Elder’s meeting, so I treated Jacob to dinner at Riverside Restaurant 

They sure enjoyed the pool.  I got in and enjoyed it too.  So refreshing on this very hot day.

 We slept in til 9, then got up and I made my coffee and had a banana and Bill had his protein drink.  I put things I had hauled in from the camper in clothes baskets away.  Also did some laundry from our camping trip.  We read our Bibles.  I read Psalms 51 which was one of the ones for today in my read the Bible in a year schedule.  It was David’s Psalm of repentance.  It took me a long time to get through it, praying as I read, tears flowing because of what Jesus did for me and the great forgiveness He has given me.  It also went along with a repentance letter a lead singer of one of my all-time favorite bands wrote, as he humbly confessed his sin, is trusting Jesus and receiving His forgiveness and is changing his life.  At the end of the letter, this Psalm was the one he is praying and trusting in God for.  Isn’t it just like God to have me read the same one right the same day Vikki sent it to me.  I didn’t even know it was the same until after I read it and looked up what scripture he had given in Psalms.  I love God’s awesome Word!

We went and took back the air mattress we had ordered from Amazon that was way too high.  We ordered a different one which will be here on the 26th.  

Jacob came over after he got out of work.  He worked with Luke today and was outside.  They were very hot and appreciated time in the vehicles with the air on.  He wanted to look at the camper right away.  He really liked it and was so cute looking at it.  He even took pictures of it so he could show Abi.  Papa showed him all of the outside storage areas too.  After that, Bill gave him a suit to use and I got a beach towel for him.  We uncovered the pool and he got in, then Papa and I joined him.  It felt so good to all of us to cool down.  We had fun talking and swimming.  Bill had to get out and get read to go to an Elder’s meeting.  Jacob and I swam more and did lots of talking.  I am so proud of him and how he reads the Bible, seeks the Lord, and is such a wonderful young man.  I told him when he was ready to go home, I would treat him to dinner.  I finally got out and changed, then hung Bill and my suits and towels on the line.  Jacob came in and I told him when he was done changing to put his suit and towel in the clothes basket by the door and I would hang them outside.  Of course he just went outside and hung the up himself.  

Jacob followed me to Riverside Restaurant and we got a seat by the window so we could watch squirrels if they came to the feeders.  He ordered a Club Sandwich and I got a Reuben sandwich.  He got chips with his and I got sweet potato fries.  Jacob had some of my fries and liked them.  I’m glad he tries different things.  He ate his whole sandwich.  When I took half of mine home he said he should have done that too.  A couple of times we said about there same thing at the same time.  We had fun talking and laughing.  A squirrel finally came and we watched him eat.  I took pictures, but their windows made it so I couldn’t see him in my picture for some reason.  

Our friend’s daughter, Gabrielle, passed away today.  So sad.  She has twin daughters 18 years old and another daughter 21.  Praying for her whole family.

Sunday, 6/22/25, Got ready, I did inside stuff and Bill took care of outside stuff, left with Jim and Bev, lots of steep hilly curvy roads, ate lunch at Applebee’s, traveled home, hot 90 degree day again, but beautiful, more family swimming at our house to cool down

 

Shades by us pulled down to driving mode.  Really helps keep it cool while driving in hot sun.

Jack, (their friend) Elijah, and Evan.  Melissa, Bruce and the boys went to Tawas.  They ended up getting together at their friend’s parent’s cottage.  Their friends are living in Florida now, but always let them know when they’re coming here so they can get together.  It just worked out this time that they were in Tawas at the same time.  They had a great time hanging out together.  When they were leaving, Tonya went back in the house, and saw Bill and I on the news and came out quickly and told Melissa.  It was for the Honor Flight.

Peyton cooling down in our pool on this hot 90. degree day

Got into Michigan at 6:24 pm! Yay!

We got ready and I did the inside stuff and Bill did the outside stuff.  Both of us said it was even easier than our other motor home and that one was super easy.  We led the way and Jim and Bev followed,  Our first 50 miles at least were steep hills and lots of curves.  The motor home did great on those roads and Bill did great driving!!!  It was beautiful, but very thrilling for me seeming like I was right close to the edge of the road.  We skipped Cedar point when we passed the exit on the way home because I already had my thrill ride lol.  It was very nice getting on the expressways and highways that were nice and wide and had great shoulders on the edge of the road.  

We stopped for lunch at Applebee’s.  Good food and nice relaxing for a while together.  Only. Made a couple of gas tops because their gas tank is smaller than ours.  We did put gas in each time though.  

We were happy to get into Michigan!  Good to go, but good to get back home too!  

Vikki and Peyton went to our house to swim and Kimmy and family came a little while later according to what we saw on our ring. Bill told them yesterday they should come swim and be there when we get home!  I sure hope they are still there. I miss them and can’t wait to see them

We got home, and Jared had the garden all tilled for us and Kimmy had weeded by the plants last night.  It was weedy before we left, so it had to be bad.  Thank you two from the bottom of our hearts for doing such hard work for us.  Vikki had the air conditioning on in the house for us so we could come home to a cool house.  She and Kimmy had my plants watered on the deck, the deck was clean and the tables were washed and the cushions were on.  It had been so windy and then I was busy so the deck was pretty dirty.  It looked so nice!  Thank you girls.  All the bird feeders were filled too and when I came home with grape jelly, Vikki took it and filled the jelly jars.  Such a kind hearted, hard working family that blesses us lots in amazing ways.  Bill let Jared park our Motor home and he did a great job.  I put the slide outs out and Bill plugged the electric cord in so we could turn the air on.  We looked at all the compartments on the outside with Kimmy and Jared first.  Then we went inside and gave a tour to Eli, Kimmy and Jared who were seeing it for the first time tonight.  They really liked it.  We sure enjoyed staying in it.  We give it a 5 out of 5 stars.  I brought the stuff we need in and left the rest out in the camper.  We leave Wednesday for Outdoor Adventures for 3 weeks.  I just have to pack more food and more clothes for that trip.  I finished my blogs and read my Bible, then went to bed.