Tasha's adoption, Weaver reunion

 Another week of summer has gone by.  And now it's August already.  I wish I did not feel so sad about that, but I do.  

Anyway, here are some of our activities this past week.

Last Saturday (July 26) Hunter came here for a sleepover.  We played games, ending with Chutes and Ladders.  However, because there was a bad thunder storm lingering, we played round after round, waiting for the storm to pass so he could take his much-anticipated bubble bath.  Hunter invented new ways of playing this game.  Did you ever go up the chutes and down the ladders?  We did, haha!!  But I kept winning every time, thus the face he's making in this picture. 

As it turned out, he had to take his bubble bath Sunday morning instead because the storm just would not quit. 

The worship band was at church Sunday morning, and we had glorious music.  Their participation once a month is such a highlight for all of us.  

On Sunday afternoon we went to several playgrounds, including a brand new one near State College.  However, it was a VERY hot, humid day, and neither playground had shade trees.  So we didn't stay long either place. 

The new playground has a few "regular" swings, and he had fun swinging and singing.  Gotta have your volume up! 

At "airport park" they have just baby swings and the big saucer-like swings.  We have often mentioned the lack of regular swings, and were glad to see that the new playground has them.  

First thing Monday morning I had a podiatrist appointment.  She gave me a cortisone shot in each of my heels for plantar fasciitis.  Not a miracle cure thus far like I had experienced previous times, but hopefully I'll get more relief.  Having painful feet is so difficult.  Cooking three days a week requires hours of standing on my feet, and that's when I mind it the most.  But I do have good braces that really help.  

Friday was a big day in Portland!  Natasha's official legal adoption.  Two years ago Brennan was officially adopted, and now Tasha is too.  We were given the link, and I was able to log in and be present on their enormous TV screen.  Lori, Anthony, and Austin were also logged in.  Mike's dad and stepmother in Pittsburgh were connected by phone.  We were each given a chance to extend a message of affirmation and congratulations. 

I love the picture of the "aunties."  Jeremy and Mike have a tremendous group of friends and neighbors who are so present and supportive and involved in their lives.  Those women, both in the top right and bottom right pictures, are truly like aunties to Tasha and Brennan. 

I had flowers delivered for Tasha.  

On Saturday morning Dick and I drove to Gretna Springs near Manheim for a Weaver reunion.  Grandma Arlene was a Weaver before she married Dick's dad at the age of 50.  She has four sisters and one brother who passed away this past November, but his wife and some of his children were there.  

We were delighted to go to Gretna Springs.  My parents had lived in that community, and we had had a number of gatherings in the lodge during those years.

Here's Arlene with her sisters.  Seated: Romaine, Evelyn, Arlene, Pauline.  Standing: Jean (Robert's wife) and Joyce.   You might remember that Evelyn was married to my dad's brother John, who just passed away this spring.  

Here are pictures of the next generation of women and men who were present, although some had already left before we took the pictures.  Many were not able to attend.  

We had a great time.  One of Arlene's nieces had put together a slide show of old pictures.  That brought about lots of fun conversation.  

Before we left the community we drove by this precious house where my parents had lived.  I can just imagine Grandma Mary's big dining room table inside those big double windows and her sink inside the smaller double windows and their rockers on the front porch.  Wow, I miss them living there.  

Of course I need to include a few pictures I've taken of my flowers this past week.

The other day we saw butterflies at this new butterfly bush given to us last summer by Lisa and George.  They gave us two, each of them so tiny.  It's fun to see them grow and bloom and attract butterflies this summer. 

My corner behind the side porch, which never sees any sun and no one ever sees but us,  is where I always plant coleus and begonias.  They have been so terribly slow to grow this year, but are now finally getting into action.  

And I'll end this post with these old pictures of our swim pools for our kids, lol!  First picture shows Lisa and Anthony.  And that fabulous slide right into the pool!!  I love how Anthony is cheering for her!

And this one is Jeremy, Anthony, and Lisa.  Please notice their fantastic diving board, hahaha!!   I love Jeremy's curls!

That's all for this time.  Big things to get ready for this week!  We will be camping at KOA this weekend.