July started off with a “bang”. Pun intended! July fourth weekend had some of our children and grandchildren at our house. The weather was cool and ideal for cookouts, fireworks and just being together. Many years on the farm we were harvesting and not able to enjoy the Independence Day celebration as we liked to. I discovered that sparklers have advanced from the days when our children were little. The sparklers we had this year had all kinds of beautiful colors and seemed to sparkle in every direction.

I always think of my mother on this holiday as her birthday is on July 5th. Her aunt always called her a “fizzle”. She was little but mighty for sure! The kids all called her “Mae-Maw”. She is missed at these times.
One son brought his camper and built a nice fire in the fire pit. His wife added color makers to the fire. It was mesmerizing as we all sat around the campfire and visited. Several different games were played and I think Luke who is ten won every hand of Sweep.
“Our family is just one tent away from a full-blown circus!”


Later in July on the 26 we had some more children and grandchildren come out for the weekend. Our son that lives in Flower Mound, TX brought his three teenagers, our son in Great Bend brought his wife and teenager, and our son and wife from Atwood came also. The local Dairy Queen was a hit for an ice cream treat for sure. We also played many board games and enjoyed spending time as a family. The time goes much too fast. Every moment has to be savored. Harper from Texas had one thing on her agenda and that was playing games. Grandma was happy to oblige.


“In my family, crazy doesn’t skip a generation.”


The first of August we traveled to Olathe to spend time with our daughter’s family while she had to head back to school early. It’s sad that teachers and librarians have to head back early but we had a great time helping kids with school supplies and enjoying summer’s last fling.


Where did it go? Summer, I mean.



