Summer Break

Leo Boy learned to ride an electric dirt bike, it has allowed him to break the oppressive shackles of his mother. He just showed up the other day and asked to watch Minecraft.

We were throwing out ideas for dinner when I said waffles. Leo perked up from the video and said "I'll eat a waffle".

The Ascanios left for the family reunion and Jens helped with the animals. I had to go rescue her from one of the aggressive chickens.

Rock passed his written test! Now he just needs to pass his check ride and he's a licensed pilot.

DeA has been furiously preparing for girl's camp and is trying out all the lamps, lanterns, cots, and pads.

It was great that the week of camp finally arrived, because that meant that the prep had to end. Ryker, a deacon from the ward, and I went up Wednesday after work. After sleeping on the ground, it was finally morning and Ryker enjoyed a giant breakfast burrito.

He needed it for his 38 mile bike ride.

He doesn't ride a bike that often, but he did well.

I think camp was exhausting.

After camp, DeA could focus her worries on the potential lice infestation made possible by the Lords.

Thankfully no buzz cuts are needed.

The cousins figured out where to go when they are told no Minecraft videos at Nama's.

The big cousins enjoyed some SlamBall, as seen on ESPN 8: The Ocho.

Marissa wanted to help look for lice and found one bug.

The bug looked more like a tick than lice, but DeA wanted to take no chances. It wasn't the cute mother-daughter bonding moment that it could have been.

DeA wanted to leave no doubt and brought in the professional lice checker since I am apparently not very thorough. 

Mom found exactly as much evidence of lice as I did, so I think we can all take a deep sigh of relief.

Judd/Lord Visit 2025

The ice cream machine is up and running for the season. It's a faint Dole Whip with the fake stuff, not a bad combo.

My beautiful Schnoogies.

Little Grayson is quite the cute guy.

He can be very cuddly when he wants to be.

Leo Puppy got all the attention he could want.

Jens had her last softball game of the season in Wenatchee. She and DeA were able to sleep while Ryker drove us down.

She kind of became the starting and main pitcher for the team, some of the other girls are getting reps at travel level, but also, Jens throws more strikes even if she doesn't have the velocity yet.

Because of the stupid dropped third strike rule (which makes no sense at this level) she struck out SIX!! batters in the second inning and 11 in three innings. That has to be some sort of record!

 

Return From the Dalles

It's important to get 15-year-old drivers experience, even if it gives their mother an ulcer. At least that's what the Driver's Ed instructor said.

It was a fairly easy drive home. Greyson got to annoy Leo Puppy and that was good for both of them.

Pa and Ma Judd brought their motorhome.

It fit like a glove.

The germaphobe city kids were exposed Chaos Farms, and it went about how you would expect.

DeA does not like birds at all.

Brixton held a chicken for about two seconds

No one wanted to hold the turkey, but they liked watching Javi with it.

Brixton felt left out of the Chaos Farms vibe and took matters into his own hands.

 

The Dalles

Six years ago, we stopped in the The Dalles on our way back from Medford to tour the Anderson Homestead where DeA's great-grandma Lela lived when she was a little girl. DeA wanted to tour it again, and talked her sister and parents to meet in The Dalles for a family heritage trip. Grayson was his happy, cuddly self.

The kids loved the almost life-size doll.

We convinced the kids to re-enact this photo.

This is the bedroom where Grandma Lela would have stayed.

I'm not sure what Brixton is doing in the bushes, but it's probably what it looks like.

All the Anderson descendants, and Dave.

Great-great-great-great Grandpa and Grandma Anderson

Anderson descendants, this time without Dave.

DeA was very excited to take everyone to Cousin's, because this was a trip about discovering family. The mature teenagers discretely bought straw glasses for the elegant dinner.

Then they ordered Sprite, so they didn't quite think things through. 

As we were walking into church on Sunday, my cousin Tyler and his wife Lori were coming from the other end of the parking lot. DeA was a little upset that I found my living cousin, but all her family members were underground. It is interesting that every time we run into members of my family that she doesn't know very well, DeA usually leaves saying "wow, they were really nice" like it was a surprise. So, if any of my family is reading this, now you know what DeA's default opinion is about you.