Project 365, Week 26

This week held many surprises, celebrations and hard things. As life does.

June 23

After thoughtful research, Aiden concluded this summer would be the best time to work towards his private pilot's license. Though he can't get the actual license until he turns 17 next summer, he can do all the work for it this year while he is free of a job/girlfriend/etc. He'll be studying with textbooks and instruction alongside actually flying. He's excited and we're excited for him!

This was Day One. 

My hospital visit. I couldn't help noticing the beautiful grounds, even amidst all the construction.

June 24

We received word that Diane had passed away in the late hours of the 23rd. She joined our family about 18 years ago when she married Shaun's dad. For much of that time they lived far away but five years ago they moved locally. She had never married or had children, so not being used to a big family, our crew was a lot to take on. She did her best to find a spot with the grandkids.

When the kids were littler, the birthday and Christmas gifts she sent were spot on (like dress up clothes). And she knitted several things over the years that they enjoyed, like blankets, hoodies. She was a skilled gardener and a bird enthusiast and she enjoyed volunteering in her community.

These are a few of my favorite pictures of her with the girls.

Amanda took the news hard and it was especially difficult because she was away, enjoying time with her roommate in Alabama. 

Meanwhile, it was Avery's birthday!! We spent much of the day caring for Shaun's dad and Nana but we pulled away to go out to dinner. Late afternoon Jack got word that he had to stay at work for storm duty. The four of us pressed on but after a few minutes of sitting in her favorite Mexican restaurant we realized the A/C was not working and there were no fans. So we ordered our food to go and took it home. 

Happy 20th, Avery. Welcome to adulthood, where birthdays don't always go as planned. :)

June 25

Aiden did most of the takeoff and flight! The FAA requires at least 40 hours of flight time so he's starting to fill in his log book, one hour at a time.

After returning home, Amanda was anxious to see Jason. He picked her up and they went out to eat, and just happened to get seated next to Tina and Nathanael. So funny!

A request came in to do respite for a 15-year old girl who was just coming into care. We said yes and an hour later she was on our doorstep. I had planned to take her to the grocery store so she could pick out what she wanted but Shaun reminded me that McDonalds might be the thing. He was so right. Mickey D's and Ginger were the best icebreakers.

June 26

When Jason picked Amanda up the night before, he brought flowers for both of us. So sweet!

B didn't come with much, so I took her clothes and toiletries shopping. Amanda was able to meet us and help with an area I'm lacking expertise.

Its an involved story, but for now, a lake house became available and we jumped on it. This day the realtor was able to take us back so the whole family could see it and we could get a better idea at the work needing to be done.

Amanda brought me flowers from our local flower stand.

June 27

This was Jason's graduation party.

Levi was in town for a couple weeks and it was SO good to see him. Jason requested that he be there., since they've enjoyed hanging out together.

We didn't stay too long since B and Levi didn't know too many people. Later in the evening, Avery Facetimed me to share the beautiful sunset from her deck. What a treat!

June 28

B LOVES animals. At the church picnic there were horse/pony rides and when I asked, she said she'd never ridden a horse. When she rounded the corner, she spotted me and gave me the biggest grin. What an honor to be her person for a few days, the one she looks for in a crowd. What an honor to give her new experiences, like getting on a horse for the first time.

My favorite goalie, in action.