Joy in the Season

Man, I like that girl and the colors on the mountain during this time of year.
Lots to love and admire as the August turns to the month of deep change, September.

Weather and More Change

When the weather turns nasty, it's a good thing to kick back and enjoy the ride.
That's just how Ianto runs his show.

Heading Home

One of the joys afforded to the teacher at this time of year is the ability to drive home, most of the time, during the light of day.
The best form of transport during August is always the Moto.
Beautiful road home.

The Girl's Growing Gobs and Gobs

This is a girl who for at least four years wouldn't keep a hairdo for longer than three years.
She's growing into herself these days, and it's a lot of fun to see the process.

Changes

The summer is waning, even as it hits its peak.
Long, hot summers have a way of dragging a longing for change from the soul of one weary of the general whole of it all, and this summer has done that to me. I'm not excited for what happens in January or February  or for what I have to do to keep my heart and head above water during the winter as a whole, but it's nice to see some change as a person who stays in our little valley as much as I end up having to.

To Each, a Point of Pride

 Everyone has something they're trying to make something of, whether it's a family, a truck, a garden or just the best of the situation.
Here's a little sample of things being made the best of by people I love very much.

Ianto and the Xylophone

It's good to have friends like Alyssa and June.
While over to their house to enjoy some good home cooking, they noticed Ianto's predilection toward hitting things and making music happen, so June gave him the toy xylophone she had kicking around from her own childhood.
He'll have fun with this one as long as we can keep track of all those pieces!

The Cabin

We're not getting up to the cabin as much as last year; this two jobs in the summer thing is cramping our style and the old joie de vivre, as well. Better not talk too much about that aspect- I'm not very happy about the progression (or digression) of my jobs and status as a teacher in this God-forsaken district or really, in the whole of education, public or higher).
Glad we finished it, nevertheless, though we'd better get some more stuff done before we have some problems with the critters.

Krampus

There's a new cat 'round here and his name is Krampus.
Yep. The kids named him.
He's really nice and he likes to eat mice, so he's welcome to stay.

Ianto in August

Ianto's turning out to be a fine little gentleman. As long as he's outside, he's happy and good to be with.
Inside? That just depends, sometimes...

Nebo Loop 2014

 We had to head over the pass to get another mess of Costco goods (yeah, I know, it happens a lot with this family), so we took the long way over.
It's nice to go over the Nebo loop at least a few times a year if for no other reason to see the changes that happen up there at altitude. I've spent some time on the trails (back during the two or three years that I had the summers off from the full time teaching jobs), and the place is an amazing hybrid of the areas I spent time as a boy and the mountain behind our house. It's nice to see the combination and reconcile the two sides of my being.
Drie had a great time, and when I take her up that way, we realize how little she gets out of Sanpete. She doesn't get much outside of the area around the cabin, our house and short trips to Ephraim and Mt. Pleasant. I love being with her, no matter where, so it's nice to take her anywhere.

Some More Good Friends

Every so often someone gets really courageous and invites our family over to hang out and sometimes, even eat.
This can be a lot of work and bring on some amount of stress.

Erin and Chris are two people with just that sort of bravery and kindness, and we appreciate them very, very much.

July's Ended

We've had some transient visitors as of late here in Sanpete; we've some Special Operators hanging about the mountains and valleys during their summer trainings, so there's bound to be some air support as well...

Ianto appreciates the better things in life.

The hops are well on their way, so I'm dreaming of dark winter ales as the summer hums on.