The Taylor's Go to Destin

The Taylor's headed off to Destin, Florida for their family vacation. This time with a twist.

Instead of driving all 4 kids down, staying in a motel, then heading to the beach. Melissa, Violet, Hazel and Goldie decided to fly down while Lincoln and Jamie made the long trip in the car. Violet was lucky enough to get a row to herself on the plane since Goldie is old enough to need a seat to herself.

Melissa usually sets up a photo shoot to get professional photos. I think random shots of the kids look much better than posed shots. You can't get any better than this. BTW, I was the taxi to and from the airport and the dog sitter for a week. My work is never done!!!!

Michael's Bucket List

Michael has a bucket list of visiting all the MLB stadiums. He recently returned from California and added a few more to his list. The Oakland A's stadium is getting ready to close so he wanted to make sure and add that to his list.

Next stop was Oracle Park home of the San Fransisco Giants. While he wasn't that impressed with the Oakland stadium (probably why it's closing), Oracle Park sits right on the ocean. 

What an exciting thing to have on your bucket list. Especially when you can enjoy it with friends.

Oops!

Lincoln can ride or drive just about anything a boy could ask for...skateboard, UTV, dirt bike, etc. Sometimes just driving can get a bit boring so he gets a little more daring.

Climbing this dirt pile caused a turnover of the 4-wheeler.

Luckily he was well protected with all his safety gear. He was a little shook up but no injuries. Will he try this again? My guess is "probably"!

Father's Day

We still have 2 fathers in our family celebrating Father's Day.

Bruce has raised his kids, Brian and Courtney, but has taken on the responsibility of Charlie, a very rambunctious goldendoodle puppy.

Jamie is a great dad to Violet, Lincoln, Hazel and Goldie. Sometimes I wonder who has the hardest job! 

Violet used her artistic talents to make a Father's Day card. Happy Father's Day Bruce and Jamie.

Landscaping

The past couple of weeks, Teresa and I have been landscaping the upper part of my yard. The yard isn't my property but it's either do some landscaping or look at the weeds growing.

I went with starter plants that will eventually grow in rows of color.

My back row plants finally came in and I think it will eventually look really nice. Four foot plants in the back row, 2 foot plants in the middle row and ground cover in the front.

While my neighbor opted for mature plants. His backyard looks like a forest. He's also adding a water fountain and lights. In the years to come, he'll be spending his Spring and Summer months trimming bushes. I guess it's all a matter of taste. 

Lincoln Goes to Farm Camp

Lincoln had a blast at the Lone Jack Farm camp. This week's camp was all about bugs, botany and all things gardening. I asked him to plant me a tomato plant to put on my patio. Tomatoes weren't part of the selection so he planted himself a hot pepper plant.

The last day of camp he got to hold a chicken. I swear, that child is fearless. Earlier in the week he fed goats. How much fun for an 8 year old...I'll pass!

Michael's Birthday

I can't believe my baby boy is 43 years old (neither can he)! I think I say this every year but it is frightening how fast the years fly by.

I got my traditional Mother/Son photo but this year I got little surprise with a photo bomb from Goldie! Happy Birthday Michael. Have fun on your trip to San Francisco and don't forget to get me a birthday picture. 

Sugar Creek Slavic Festival

Sugar Creek has been hosting a Slavic Festival for decades. Now in its 30th year, the Slavic Festival celebrates the Slavic culture that settled in Sugar Creek with music, food and dance. 

Poland is also a part of the Slavic nation and I've been wanting to go for years. When we walked up to the gate, it reminded me of my grandmother's kitchen. I was on the search for potato dumplings and cabbage but was disappointed when I couldn't find anyone serving it. I did try the pierogis (very mushy), the provitica (very dry) and the apple strudel which was great. I also tried a Kolache, a Czech sweet bread but I think they forgot to add the sugar. Again, wasn't very tasty. And don't get me started on the cabbage rolls...Pass!

I guess you can't go back to the way your Grandmother cooked. I'm still going next year and hoping to find something a little most tasteful.

Hazel Goes to Summer School

It seems as though Hazel hasn't had enough of school.

She attended another week of school at Camp Sonshine. This is the same school she went to for pre-K. Just more preparation for Kindergarten this Fall.