Summer is slippin away . . . .

It's August 10, and the summer is peacefully slipping away.  

• Willie has been working as a grounds crew person for Granite School District.  I think he has had some fun and learned a lot about people and places and things.  The first learning experience was that his crew partner, who also just graduated from high school, is a dad.  He has two kids.  His two kids have different moms. He and his crew partner have had some good discussions about life and work and school and more. They have become good work partners.  Willie has also associated years of hard work in football, basketball, school, and more with good solid work ethic.  He can "find work" and keep going without having to be told what to do. He has had one promotion and if he were staying through October, he would have another.  I am very proud of his commitment and excitement for work; even when it's exhausting outdoor work in 100 degree heat.  He makes me proud!
• My #1 grandson, Elliott, started first grade a few weeks ago!  It's not just any old first grade, it's duel immersion first grade!  He goes to school all day like other first graders, but the first half of his day is completely in Spanish!  I can't imagine how stressful and anxious that would make me; Elliott seems to be handling the whole thing pretty well. I am so proud of him -- when he finishes elementary school in duel immersion he will be almost fluent in Spanish (spoken and written).
• My daughters are excellent mothers!  Annie and Haley have made sure their kids have had a great summer.  They've been to the Zoo, Thanksgiving Point, Scheels, Cabela's, local parks, and more! Play time in summer is so important to kid development and I am so proud of my daughters and how much focus they put on their kids.  They are "hands on moms" and love and teach their children with commitment and confidence.  It's not easy dragging kids here and there and everywhere, but they do it!  The benefit for me is an amazing family of above-average, strong, and good looking grandchildren. 
• My sons-in-law are amazing!  I don't devote much blog space to Ross and James but know that they are deserving.  They are such good dads and husbands and work hard for their individual families. They also support their extended family -- me, Karl, Willie, and Grandpa. When it comes to getting things done, I turn to them.  This summer, Grandpa has needed a few outdoor improvements.  When this request came they gave 100%; weeknights and Saturdays for family work and without a complaint (as far as I am aware).  The benefits for me -- Karl had a strong work crew to complete a planter box in Grandpa's driveway and a beautiful stone deck in the backyard.  So how do I show my appreciation for their goodness and everything?  I feed them!
• I need to post a few comments about Karl, too. This year marks 37 years of marriage; but this summer means more than 41 years of friendship and all that jazz.  Our first "date" was going to the 4th of July fireworks at Liberty Park, summer of 1972.  He had to call me from a pay phone to ask me to go because his mom wasn't too excited about me (I think she liked the "other" girl better). We went with some friends from Karl's neighborhood. We got to the park early enough to walk to my grandparents home (Kensington Avenue) so Karl could meet them.  I don't know that any of my siblings' spouses met Grandpa Huber but Karl. Over the years, we have had our ups and downs, but when all is said and done we "kiss and make-up" and move on.  I have the most supportive and accepting husband/friend around.